OREANDA-NEWS. August 16, 2010. Moody’s Investors Service today upgraded the rating forecast of the International Bank of Azerbaijan (IBA) from “Negative” to “Stable” rating, reported the press-centre of CBA.

According to the agency, a long-term rating of IBA in the local currency was assessed to be at Baa3, and a long-term foreign currency subordinated debt rating- at Ba1. The rating agency also confirmed all ratings of the bank.

“Rating actions reflect the continued ongoing support of IBA by the Government of Azerbaijan in terms of funding, capital and business flows. In addition, the direct government support rendered for major borrowers of IBA facing financial problems, maintains the quality of assets and liquidity of the bank, and allowed avoiding erosion of the capital”- the statement said.

Moody’s notes that the government’s ability to assist the IBA in case of need, is supported by the improved prospects for its financial situation, and adequate foreign exchange reserves, in its turn, increased by the high oil revenues.

“Deposit rating Baa3 in local currency and a long-term foreign currency subordinated debt rating Ba1 allowed IBA to get a creditworthiness rating of the bank at the level of B2 that slightly differs from the base one. It is based on an assessment of a very high probability of the system support in case of need”- the statement said.

Moody’s notes that IBA by 50.2% is a state-owned bank - and the biggest and the only state-controlled bank in the country.

“Over the past two years, IBA has expanded its market share, which increases its political role in supporting the economic activity in times of economic recession. With its total assets of USD4.7 billion, the bank holds a dominant position in the banking sector, as evidenced by its large market share in the total assets of the banking system, loans and deposits (44%, 47% and 43% respectively as of the end of 2009). The Bank has historically played a strategic role in the implementation of public investment and economic policy, acting as an agent of the government in the financing of large-scale projects of national importance for Azerbaijan” - the statement says.

Moody’s adds that IBA demonstrated reasonable financial performance in 2009. The Bank was able to generate a steady flow of commissions and interest income. Capitalization of IBA remains relatively low (7%), and the total capital adequacy ratio (CAR) - 11,3% as of December 31, 2009, but it will be sufficient to cover the expected loan losses. In addition, the credit risk of the bank regarding 20 borrowers decreased to 260% of the total capital as of the end of May 2010 from more than 300% in 2009.

The previous assessment of IBA rating held by Moody’s on 23 June 2009, when the rating agency lowered its ratings in the following scales: long-term and short-term local ratings of currency deposits to Baa3/Prime-3 from Baa2/Prime-2 and a long-term foreign currency subordinated debt rating to Ba1 from Baa3 and assigned a “negative” forecast to these estimates.