OREANDA-NEWS. May 06, 2014. Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services affirmed B&N Bank’s long- and short-term issuer credit ratings at “B/B” and revised the outlook to developing from stable.

According to S&P rating scale developing outlook means a possible rating upgrade over the medium term provided that the issuer implements a number of measures for improvement of its creditworthiness.

The main covenant for B&N Bank is the successful integration of Moscomprivatbank (Russian subsidiary of Ukraine’s PrivatBank); the Bank announced of its plan to acquire Moscomprivatbank shortly before S&P rating actions. According to S&P, the acquisition entails some execution risks, but at the same time it may strengthen B&N’s capital base and expand its business franchise.

S&P revised assessment of B&N Bank’s stand-alone credit profile (SACP) upward to “b+” from “b” to reflect the Bank’s stronger capital position. At year-end 2013 Tier 1 capital rose from   RUB 12.5bn to RUB 18.2bn (+46%) due to several capital injections from the shareholders and current revenues. S&P expects that the planned capital increases of RUB 4bn from future shareholder Mr. Gutseriev and RUB 5bn from Mr. Shishkhanov in 2014 will further improve B&N Bank’s capitalization. At the same time S&P is concerned by possible difficulties which B&N Bank might face in the process of integration of Moscomprivatbank. As a result, S&P adjusted the SACP downward by one notch to reach the issuer credit rating of “B” and affirmed B&N Bank’s current ratings.

Among other positive trends S&P also noted a visible improvement on B&N Bank’s risk position represented by progress in decreasing single-name and industry concentrations.  

“Despite the unfavorable market conditions, in the medium term B&N Bank plans to demonstrate its growth according to positive scenario outlined by S&P. We will do our best to maintain the adequate capital level, improve the asset quality and successfully complete the project for Moscomprivatbank’s integration,” said Irina Komarova, B&N Bank Senior Vice President.