The world’s safest privately owned bank

In 2009, Rabobank retained its position as the world's safest privately owned bank in the annual Global Finance Magazine survey. The banks that made the list were selected from the 500 largest banks in the world, after a comparison of their long-term credit ratings and total assets.

Rabobank Group has performed well above it's peers in the face of the Global Financial Crisis managing to achieve a Tier 1 capital ratio of a very healthy 12.7%, above the targeted 12.5%. Tier 1 capital ratio is a key measure of financial strength and Rabobank.

Chairman of the Executive Board of Rabobank Group Bert Heemskerk commented:

"It is difficult times like these that the benefits of a cooperative bank clearly come to the fore. Our societally oriented business culture, our democratic consultative structure, our prudent risk management, our sustainable remuneration policy - all these factors, combined with our strong financial performance and solvency, have contributed to Rabobank Group's continuing stable performance. In addition, we continued to serve our clients without the help of others."

• Global Finance magazine names the World's Safest Banks 2009
• Read about Rabobank’s international financial standing

Australia's safest bank

Rabobank Australia Ltd is Australia's leading agribusiness leader. Rabobank plays an integral part and is a significant provider of corporate financial services to the food and agribusiness sectors in Australia and New Zealand We are Australia's safest bank*. All deposits with RaboDirect are guaranteed by our ultimate parent Rabobank, an institution larger than the Commonwealth Bank, Westpac, National Australia Bank and ANZ.

Rabobank Group's global financial results reinforce Rabobank's enviably solid, stable position in the global financial sector, providing strong support for the ongoing growth and development of the bank's businesses in Australia and New Zealand.