OREANDA-NEWS. Fitch Ratings has today assigned Russia-based Slavinvestbank ("SIB") ratings of Issuer Default ("IDR") 'B-' (B minus), Short-term 'B', Individual 'D/E', Support '5' and National long-term 'BB+ (rus)'. The bank's IDR, Support and National Long-term ratings are put on Rating Watch Positive ("RWP").

The ratings reflect SIB's small size by international standards, risks from rapid loan book growth and significant business concentrations, as well as its high reliance on related-party funding.

At the same time, the ratings also acknowledge the bank's low market risk appetite and adequate liquidity profile. The relationship with the second largest bank in Kazakhstan Bank TuranAlem ("BTA", IDR 'BB+'/Individual 'C/D') is also reflected in SIB's ratings. BTA provides financial guarantees on certain of SIB's liabilities, there is a common chairman of BTA's and SIB's supervisory boards, and BTA has a minority stake in SIB.