Feller affirms Santander at AA+

Chilean rating agency Feller Rate (Feller) has affirmed local bank Banco Santander Chile (or Banco Santander Santiago) and its filial Santander Agente de Valores at AA+ with a stable outlook, Standard & Poor's strategic affiliate said in a statement. Feller said that the support from Spanish parent SCH (NYSE: SCH) is a main factor behind the strong rating, which is also attributed to the bank's wide diversification in terms of products and clients that provide a high stability in its operational income. The stable outlook is due to the bank's "solid" position in all business segments, a highly diversified business structure and an ample capital base. SCH is the largest financial group in Latin America and the group also runs the largest banking franchise in Spain. To read the full statement go to http://www.bnamericas.com/rc_search_detail.xsql?id_documento=41525&Tx_idioma=E