Bangkok--8 Oct--Asian Banker Moody's Investors Service changed it rating outlook to positive from stable on Northern Trust Corporation (NTRS) and its rated subsidiaries. Its lead subsidiary, The Northern Trust Company, is currently rated B for financial strength and Aa3 for long-term deposits. Holding company senior debt is rated A1. According to Moody's, NTRS has improved its profitability without altering its risk appetite. The company's ability to maintain its current earnings performance without jeopardizing its conservative business strategy, low-risk asset base, and strong capital position will likely have a further favorable rating impact. NTRS is well positioned in its two main businesses, where it serves the needs of both institutional and corporate clients as well as wealthy individuals. Moody's noted that the company has a very strong liquidity profile and has enhanced its risk management in the last couple of years. Moreover, the bank has avoided significant direct subprime exposure and risky off-balance sheet commitments. Northern Trust Corporation, headquartered in Chicago, IL, had assets of nearly $60 billion at mid-year 2007. -- www.theasianbanker.com (October 8 2007)--