OLDWICK, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- A.M. Best Co. is requesting comments from market participants in the insurance industry and other interested parties on the following draft criteria reports:

• “Gauging the Basis Risk of Catastrophe Bonds” (updates version dated January 9, 2012)
• “Rating Natural Catastrophe Bonds ” (updates version dated January 19, 2012)

Both draft criteria reports include an update to the industry totals for catastrophe bond issuances during 2011.

These updates are part of A.M. Best’s continual review of its rating methodology and are not considered material or expected to affect ratings.

Visit www.ambest.com/ratings/methodology to download a PDF copy of each report.

Written comments should be submitted by email to rating.methodology@ambest.com no later than August 23, 2012.

Founded in 1899, A.M. Best Company is the world's oldest and most authoritative insurance rating and information source. For more information, visit www.ambest.com.

Copyright © 2012 by A.M. Best Company, Inc.ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

A.M. Best Co.
Duncan McColl, CFA
Manager, Rating Criteria
(908) 439-2200, ext. 5826
duncan.mccoll@ambest.com
or
Edward Easop
Group Vice President
(908) 439-2200, ext. 5781
edward.easop@ambest.com
or
Rachelle Morrow
Senior Manager, Public Relations
(908) 439-2200, ext. 5445
rachelle.morrow@ambest.com
or
Jim Peavy
Assistant Vice President, Public Relations
(908) 439-2200, ext. 5644
james.peavy@ambest.com

Source: A.M. Best Co.