OREANDA-NEWS. RusRating has lowered the credit rating of Russian Standard Bank from "BB+" to “BB” on the international scale and from “A-“ to "BBB+" on the national scale, in both cases with a stable outlook.

According to the agency, the rating cut reflects a weakening of asset quality in response to current conditions, growth in overdue client loan payments and loss-making operations.

The rating is based on established market positions; possible access to federal government backing in the form of credit resources; satisfactory returns on core operations; long-term partnerships with international financial institutions; and the Bank’s socially-significant role.

Constraining factors include narrow lines of business; high credit risks; and a limited range of re-financing options.