Kroll Bond Rating Agency Assigns Long-Term and Short-Term Ratings to Zions Bancorporation

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Kroll Bond Rating Agency (KBRA) has assigned senior long-term and short-term debt ratings of BBB and K3 to Zions Bancorporation, a bank holding company. In addition, KBRA has assigned long-term ratings of BBB+ and short-term ratings of K2 to the senior deposits of Zions First National Bank, Amegy Bank, National Association, and California Bank & Trust. These three banks constitute the largest subsidiaries of Zions Bancorporation.

The ratings are based on Zions’ financial fundamentals as indicated by sound capital levels, improving asset quality, and adequate liquidity, as well as the positive steps taken by the group towards enhancing its risk management framework. The ratings also reflect the group’s concentration in commercial mortgages, the remaining exposure to a portfolio of trust preferred CDOs and relatively low efficiency ratios.

The ratings for Zions Bancorporation and its subsidiary banks incorporate financial strength ratings provided by KBRA's Subscription Rating Service, as well as an assessment of the group's management structure and operations. The ratings and supporting rationale are available at www.krollbondratings.com.

About Kroll Bond Rating Agency

KBRA was established in 2010 by Jules Kroll to restore trust in credit ratings by creating new standards for assessing risk and by offering accurate, clear and transparent ratings. KBRA is registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission as a Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organization (NRSRO). In addition, KBRA is recognized by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) as a Credit Rating Provider (CRP).