DBRS Confirms Fusion Trust at R-1 (high) (sf), R-1 (middle) (sf) and R-1 (low) (sf)

As part of its annual review of publicly rated asset-backed commercial paper (ABCP) conduits, DBRS has today confirmed the rating of the Series A, Class A Notes, Series B, Class A Notes and Series C, Class A Notes (collectively, the Notes) issued by Fusion Trust (the Trust) at R-1 (high) (sf), R-1 (middle) (sf) and R-1 (low) (sf), respectively.

The Trust is a multi-seller, multi-asset securitization conduit administered by National Bank Financial (NBF). There are no restrictions concerning asset types, but each asset purchase supporting the Notes is subject to the approval of DBRS and NBF.

The rating confirmation is based on the following considerations:

(1) High credit enhancement levels consistent with similarly rated programs in Canada.

(2) Good performance of underlying collateral.

(3) The liquidity facilities meet DBRS’s Global Liquidity Standard (GLS) and are available to assist the Trust in repaying the Notes if the Trust is not able to issue new Notes to do so.

(4) A required minimum credit rating of AA (low) or R-1 (middle) or their equivalent for Liquidity Providers and Credit Enhancers and A (high) or R-1 (middle) or their equivalent for Hedge Counterparties unless otherwise approved by DBRS.

(5) All transactions are reviewed by DBRS prior to funding by the program.

(6) The significant experience of NBF in structuring, administering and managing multi-asset, multi-seller securitization programs.

As of June 30, 2010, the program amount of the Trust was $453 million, with assets consisting primarily of insured mortgages (54%), auto loans (29%), auto leases (7%) and conventional mortgages (10%).

DBRS is committed to confirming the ratings of publicly rated ABCP conduits on an annual basis as part of the continuing effort to provide market participants with timely and transparent updates. The ratings of other publicly rated ABCP notes will be confirmed throughout the year.

Note:
All figures in Canadian dollars unless otherwise noted.

The applicable methodologies are Rating Canadian ABCP and Legal Criteria for Canadian Structured Finance, which are available on our website under Methodologies.