OREANDA-NEWS. Fitch Ratings has upgraded Kazakhstan-based BTA Bank's USD750m senior unsecured bond (ISIN: XS0867478124) to 'B' from 'B-' following the transfer of the obligation to BTA's main shareholder Kazkommertsbank (KKB; 'B'/Stable). Fitch has also maintained BTA's support-driven ratings on Rating Watch Positive (RWP).

KEY RATING DRIVERS AND RATING SENSITIVITIES - SENIOR UNSECURED DEBT RATING

The senior unsecured bond rating is now aligned with the 'B' rating on KKB's other senior unsecured debt obligations. The bonds have a maturity date of 21 December 2022 and bear a coupon rate of 5.5% payable semi-annually.

KKB became the obligor under the bond following the transfer of the bond from BTA's balance sheet to that of KKB in November 2014. This was part of ongoing actions to more closely integrate the operations of KKB and BTA. The bond rating will be sensitive to any changes in KKB's 'B' Long-term foreign currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR).

KEY RATING DRIVERS AND RATING SENSITIVITIES - BTA'S LONG-TERM IDRS AND SUPPORT RATING

BTA's 'B-' Long-term local and foreign-currency IDRs reflect potential support from KKB based on (i) KKB's significant directly owned equity stake in BTA (46.5% of share capital) and operational control over BTA acquired in 2Q14; (ii) KKB's intention to further integrate the two banks; and (iii) the fact that BTA qualifies as a material subsidiary under the cross-default clauses of KKB's eurobonds.

The one-notch difference between KKB's and BTA's ratings reflect BTA's still weak balance sheet and its large size relative to KKB (equal to 35% of consolidated assets at end-3Q14), which may in certain circumstances constrain the ability and propensity of KKB to provide support.

The RWP on BTA's Long-term IDRs and '5' Support Rating continues to reflect Fitch's view that risks for BTA's creditors should reduce moderately as a result of BTA's further integration with KKB. Completion of the integration may take more than six months, the usual review period for Rating Watches.

BTA's IDRs are sensitive to the ratings of KKB. A downgrade of KKB would remove the upside potential for BTA's ratings. An upgrade of KKB could result in an upgrade of BTA.

The rating actions are as follows:

BTA:
Long-Term foreign and local currency IDR: 'B-', maintained on Rating Watch Positive
Short Term foreign and local currency IDR: 'B', unaffected
Viability Rating: 'ccc', unaffected
Support Rating at '5': maintained on Rating Watch Positive
Senior debt rating (ISIN: XS0867478124): upgraded to 'B' from 'B-' upon transfer to KKB, Recovery Rating 'RR4'

KKB's ratings are unaffected by the rating action and as follows:

Kazkommertsbank:
Long-term foreign and local currency IDRs: 'B'; Outlook Stable
Short-term foreign and local currency IDRs: 'B'
Viability Rating: 'b'
Support Rating: '5'
Support Rating Floor: 'B-'
Long-term senior unsecured debt rating: 'B'; Recovery Rating 'RR4'
Short-term senior unsecured debt rating: 'B'
Subordinated debt rating: 'B-'; Recovery Rating 'RR5'

Kazkommerts International BV:
Senior unsecured debt rating: 'B'; Recovery Rating 'RR4'

KAZKOMMERTS FINANCE BV:
Perpetual debt rating: 'CCC'; Recovery Rating 'RR6'