MetLife has won its fight in the US courts against being declared a systematically important financial institution (SIFI).

A judge in Washington ordered the Financial Stability Oversight Council’s SIFI designation be rescinded.

The regulator may appeal, but has remained silent on the decision.

MetLife challenged the designation in January last year. It would have resulted in tighter capital requirements for the life insurer.

“From the beginning MetLife has said its business model does not pose a threat to the financial stability of the US,” Chairman and CEO Steven Kandarian said.

“This decision is a win for MetLife’s customers, employees and shareholders.”

MetLife is the only SIFI so far to challenge the designation, but it is expected fellow insurer Prudential Financial may follow suit.