OREANDA-NEWS. RusRating has increased the credit rating of Gazprombank from “AA+” to “AAA” on the national scale and from “BBB+” to “A-” on the international scale, in both cases with a stable outlook.

According to the agency, the rating increase (from “BBB+” to “A-” on the international scale and from “AA+” to “AAA” on the national scale) reflects an increased federal government stake (including indirect holdings), a decline in non-profile assets and the long-term stability of the Bank’s financial model.

The rating is based on unconditional state backing and the Bank’s system-critical role at the national level, the presence of Gazprom as both client and shareholder, and a high degree of financial flexibility.

Constraining factors include the large potential impact of politically-motivated decisions; risks arising from dependence on Gazprom; exposure to derivatives; and a complex risk management structure.

Gazprombank (GPB) is Russia's number three bank by assets, a universal financial institution and the authorised provider of banking services to JSC Gazprom, which retains a 35.5% stake; the state corporation VEB has held a 10.19% interest since June 2012. The largest block of shares (47.38%) is held by the pension fund NPF Gazfond and its affiliates; more than 80% of the fund’s shares are managed by ZAO Leader, which is owned by Gazprom, VEB, NPF Gazfond, GPB itself and SOGAZ, an insurance company in the Rossia Bank group. The Gazprombank group includes industrial and media assets plus six subsidiary and affiliated banks in Russia, Belarus, Switzerland and Armenia. A close strategic and commercial partnership with Gazprom has ensured solid government backing and made the Bank a system-critical player at the national level. It is also systematically developing an independent business and is now an established leader in virtually all market segments, serving key sectors of the economy. GPB has a strong presence in the global financial markets.