OREANDA-NEWS. March 15, 2011. Fitch Ratings has assigned Uzbekistan-based Trustbank (TB) a Long-term foreign currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) of 'B-' with a Stable Outlook.

TB's ratings reflect its narrow franchise and significant concentrations on both sides of the balance sheet, particularly reflected in reliance on funds provided by the Uzbek commodities exchange (UCE). The ratings also factor in Uzbekistan's financial and other business risks.

TB was established in 1994 with the primary focus of servicing the UCE's needs. Despite some progress in diversifying the bank's franchise achieved to date, its funding and revenues remain largely connected with the UCE business.

The ratings also take into account TB's track record of successful liquidity management and the bank's limited credit risk exposure through its loan portfolio. At end-January 2011, credit risk mainly stemmed from TB's loan book, which accounted for 21% of the bank's total assets, the interbank placements and banking bonds, which in aggregate made up 29% of total assets.

Fitch estimates that at end-January 2011 TB was able to sustain potential credit losses of up to 30% in the loan book, but only 12% of the combined value of the loan book and interbank exposures.

The rating actions are as follows:

Long-term foreign currency IDR assigned at 'B-', Outlook Stable

Short-term foreign currency IDR assigned at 'B'

Individual Rating assigned at 'D/E'

Support Rating assigned at '5'

Support Rating Floor assigned at 'No Floor'.