ANB Bank once again has received the highest rating possible from a national bank rating firm.

ANB Bank qualified for Blue Ribbon Bank status from Veribanc based on financial information from the Federal Reserve call report for the fourth quarter of 2011.

“We are happy to be recognized by outside financial analysts, especially in these challenging economic times,” said Vance Wagner, regional president of ANB Bank. “As a large independent, receiving an award like this demonstrates our commitment to our customers, shareholders and community in maintaining our financial strength.”

Veribanc evaluates banks on the basis of six factors federal regulators use in determining the so-called CAMEL ratings — capital strength, asset quality, management, earnings, liquidity and sensitivity to market risk. Veribanc also considers safety related criteria in its evaluations.

To qualify for Blue Ribbon status, banks must receive the highest ratings. The award, one of the oldest national recognitions presented by private-sector analysts to banks, goes to financial institutions that demonstration attention to financial strength, safety and soundness.

ANB Bank operates a total of 32 locations in Colorado and Wyoming offering a full line of financial services to meet business and personal needs. ANB Bank is a member of the Sturm Financial Group based in Denver, which has assets of $1.9 billion. For more information, visit www.anbbank.com.