Ratings agencies assign borrowers an alphabetical credit rating which reflects the borrower’s ability to fulfil his obligations. The alphabetic rating is generally accompanied by an outlook statement indicating the prospects for changes in the credit rating. The outlook can be negative, stable, or positive. Credit ratings agencies publish news and detailed analysis for their assessments on a regular basis.

The Treasury's credit rating sets a kind of ceiling on the creditworthiness of other Icelandic borrowers in international markets. Positive developments in the sovereign credit rating of the Treasury and the Bank should further improve the Bank's loan terms and access to foreign markets in the future.