OREANDA-NEWS. Fitch Ratings says the downgrade of Japan's sovereign rating to 'A' with Stable Outlook from 'A+' on Rating Watch Negative has no impact on any of the rated Japanese financial institutions. The agency had noted the potential for the downgrade and had said that the ratings of certain entities would be impacted only if the sovereign was downgraded to below 'A'/Stable, (that is, 'A' with Negative Outlook or Rating Watch Negative, or below).

The Long-Term Issuer Default Ratings (IDRs) of the highest rated financial institutions in Japan - Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd., Mitsubishi UFJ Trust and Banking Corporation and Shizuoka Bank, Ltd. - are at 'A' and are all driven by their Viability Rating of 'a'. They remain on Stable Outlook. The recent sovereign action reflected concerns over the government's fiscal position rather than any fundamental deterioration in the operating environment or prospects of Japan's financial system. That said, persistent weakness in the economy and demand for credit has encouraged the three mega banking groups, in particular, to expand abroad (organically and inorganically), which together with their substantial direct exposures to the sovereign via holdings of Japanese government bonds (JGBs), has potential to raise their risk profile over time.

In the event that further negative action is taken on the sovereign rating, Fitch will also review its Support Rating Floors, currently 'A-' for the large systemically important financial groups in Japan. The institutions whose the IDRs are predicated on expectations of sovereign support include: Mizuho Bank, Ltd., Mizuho Financial Group, Inc., Mizuho Trust & Banking Co., Ltd., Nomura Holdings, Inc., Nomura Securities Co., Ltd., and Nomura Financial Products & Services, Inc - all are rated 'A-' with Stable Outlook.

Any other entity deemed constrained by the Japan sovereign would also be reviewed.