S&P said “The asset quality of Asean banks could weaken over the next 12-18 months, but strong performance in recent years their should enable them to absorb the impact.” Risks had been building up for regional banks after several years of smooth sailing. These include credit risk due to rising property prices and household indebted ness, etc. The analysis looked at six major markets Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines and Vietnam. Non-performing loans (NPLs) in both countries have remained low, reflecting affordable mortgage rates and nearly full employment. In Thailand, special mention loans, which are a leading indicator of future NPLs, Thai banks' prefer reserves provide a countercyclical buffer against downside risks. In Vietnam, lingering asset quality issues arising from years explosive credit growth of more than 30% annually from 2005-11. Indonesian banks' net interest margins will remain squeezed for at least the next 12-18 months. Rising interest rates will continue to suppress Philippine banks' gains from fixed-revenue investments.