Scope Ratings GmbH (Scope) has complemented its RMBS Rating Methodology with a country addendum for The Netherlands following a call for comments released on 6 February 2025.

The methodology and its related material can be downloaded here or on scoperatings.com.

The RMBS Rating Methodology describes Scope’s approach to rating European residential mortgage-backed securities (RMBS) whose collateral consists of granular portfolios of standard mortgage loans to purchase, refinance or refurbish a residential property. This methodology may be selectively applied to RMBS outside of Europe when the mortgage loan market and institutional framework are similar. This methodology complements Scope’s General Structured Finance Rating Methodology and should be read in conjunction with the Counterparty Risk Methodology.

The RMBS methodology presents the analytical rating framework and key concepts applied. The methodology is typically complemented by a Country Addendum which provides additional analytical insights. In the absence of a country addendum detailing the assumptions for such country, Scope’s Rating Action Release will describe those.

Country Addendum for The Netherlands. The Dutch country addendum complements the existing RMBS methodology by providing tailored assumptions specific to the Dutch mortgage market. It ensures consistency and robustness when rating Dutch RMBS by capturing unique jurisdictional characteristics, such as regulatory frameworks, typical loan structures, and historical performance trends. Key additions include benchmarks for default rates, recovery rates, prepayment assumptions, and regional concentration limits, all calibrated to reflect the specifics of the Dutch mortgage market. These assumptions enhance transparency and standardisation, facilitating a more continuous and rigorous evaluation.

Scope has published Country Addendums for five countries (Italy, Spain, United Kingdom, France, and The Netherlands).

No comments were received during the Call for Comments period ending on the 7^th of March.