Liechtenstein is repeatedly awarded top marks and a confirmed AAA rating by the international credit rating agency S&P Global Ratings – what exactly does this mean?

Liechtenstein is one of just 11 countries in the world with the highest possible credit rating. The rating agency bases its recurring preservation of the highest rating for Liechtenstein in particular on the high flexibility and resilience of Liechtenstein companies and the country’s national economy. Special emphasis is also placed on the positive development of the state budget, the high state reserves and the sound asset position of the public budgets. Liechtenstein makes a solid impression with its consistent economic and tax policies, stability, strong financial budget position, high political effectiveness and prudent regulatory framework. In addition, its proactive and swift adoption of international standards and profitable cross-border cooperation, in particular in its customs and monetary union with Switzerland and in the European Economic Area, is perceived as highly positive. Similarly, S&P Global Ratings highlights Liechtenstein joining the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as a positive factor. According to the rating agency, in the medium term this IMF membership will improve the topicality and availability of the country’s statistical data. Moreover, it claims, in the event it becomes necessary, the IMF offers Liechtenstein not only its own reserves but also an additional liquidity cushion, thus further contributing to the country’s resilience.