Sovereign wins ‘outstanding’ rating

Sovereign Bank has received an “outstanding” rating from the Office of Thrift Supervision for the second time for its community lending performance, particularly in New Hampshire and its other areas in the Northeast.

The rating is based on performance evaluation from Oct. 1, 2002, through Dec. 31, 2004. Sovereign previously received an outstanding rating for its performance from Oct. 1, 2000, through Sept. 30, 2002.

During the period, the bank lent over $11 billion to communities and low- and moderate-income individuals, exceeding its goal of $8.7 billion. – NHBR STAFF