OREANDA-NEWS. Fitch Ratings has today affirmed Russia-based International Bank of St-Petersburg's ("IBSP") ratings at Long-term Issuer Default 'B-' (B minus), Short-term Issuer Default 'B', National Long-term 'BB(rus)', Individual 'D/E' and Support '5'.

The Support Rating Floor is unchanged at 'No Floor'. The Outlooks on the Long-term Issuer Default and National Long-term ratings remain Stable.

The ratings reflect IBSP's small size by international standards, concentrated balance sheet and exposure to market risk. They also take into account its low capital ratios and modest performance, still being affected by high operating overheads and increased credit risk costs on the expanded lending volumes in 2006.

At the same time, the ratings also consider the growing franchise, low loan impairment levels and acceptable liquidity.