Hansapank                     NEWS RELEASE                11/14/2002 16:00



DEPOSIT RATINGS ON REVIEW FOR POSSIBLE UPGRADE



Moody’s today placed Hansabank’s deposit and debt ratings on review

for possible upgrade. The action follows the upward revision of the

Estonian foreign currency ceiling from Baa1 to A1. The debt ratings of

the bank had pierced the previous Baa1 country ceiling for foreign

currency denominated debt reflecting the banks position as a majority

owned subsidiary of Sweden’s Swedbank (rated Aa3/P-1).



Moody’s commented that the deposit ratings placed on review had been

capped by the existing foreign currency ceiling and that the review

would examine the case for any further upward movement in the ratings.

Key to Moody’s considerations would be the extent and support provided

by Hansabank’s strategic partner, Swedbank.



Hansapank:

Deposit ratings          Baa1/P-2

Financial strength       C (positive outlook)

Senior unsecured debt    A2

Subordinated debt        A3





Mart Tõevere

Head of investor relations

+372 6131 569