An insurer employing more than 3,500 worldwide received a vote of confidence from two rating agencies yesterday, reaffirming that company's financial strength. Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty ( AGCS ) received a rating upgrade from A.M. Best, with Allianz Risk Transfer AG's financial strength rating now at A+ (superior), along with an affirmation of AGCS SE and AGCS companies in the U.S. ratings of A+ with a stable outlook. "We are delighted that both rating agencies have again stressed their confidence in AGCS's financial strength," said Axel Theis, CEO of AGCS SE. "A.M. Best's upgrade of Allianz Risk Transfer's rating reflects this company's success with our global clients looking for innovative solutions and ART's growing strategic importance within AGCS's portfolio of client services." Recently, Standard & Poor's had upgraded its rating of Allianz Fire and Marine Insurance Japan Ltd. (AZFM) – the entity under which AGCS operates in Japan – to 'AA' with a stable outlook.