In addition to the credit drivers considered in our bank rating methodology, global systemically important banks with significant capital markets activities (the global investment banks, or “GIBs”) have several business-model characteristics that can pose unique or pronounced risks to their creditors. These include: (1) exposure to significant earnings volatility and tail risks, (2) the need for reliable and robust non-capital-markets earnings and capital cushions to protect against unexpected losses, (3) greater absolute and relative reliance on wholesale funding, and (4) a confidence-sensitive customer base. In addition, regulatory investigations and litigation relating to legacy issues present ongoing, material risks to some of these firms.
