OREANDA-NEWS. Fitch Ratings expects to rate Banco Santander Chile's (BSC) upcoming series S-C and S-D senior fixed rate notes due 2024 and 2019, respectively, 'A+(exp)'.

The series S-C notes (for CLP 200 billion, bullet) will mature on June 1, 2024 and carry an annual fixed interest rate equal to 5.95%. The series S-D notes (for CLP 200 billion, bullet) will mature on June 1, 2019 and carry an annual fixed interest rate equal to 5.50%. The notes will rank pari passu with all of BSC's existing and future senior unsecured debt. The final rating is contingent upon receipt of final documents conforming to information already received.

KEY RATING DRIVERS

IDRS, VR AND SENIOR DEBT
The rating assigned to BSC's new debt issuance corresponds to the bank's long-term Issuer Default Rating (IDR) of 'A+'.

BSC's IDRs and national long-term rating are driven by its VR of 'a+' and these do not factor in any extraordinary support from its parent, although it remains a strategically important subsidiary for Banco Santander.

BSC's VR and IDRs reflect its market-leadership position and its strong franchise within Chile. The ratings also reflect the bank's healthy asset quality, sound core profitability, diversified funding and adequate capital position.

RATING SENSITIVITIES

IDRS, VR AND SENIOR DEBT
The Rating Outlook on BSC's long-term IDRs is Stable. Downward pressure for BSC's VR and IDRs could arise from sustained pressure on its profitability stemming from a rise in loan loss provisions or from consistently lower capitalization. More specifically, BSC's VR could be downgraded if its ROAA falls and consistently remains below 1.3%, its Fitch Core Capital to Risk Weighted Assets ratio falls and is maintained below 9%. There is limited upside potential in the near future for BSC's VR.

Fitch currently rates BSC as follows:

--Foreign and local currency long-term IDRs 'A+'; Outlook Stable;
--Foreign and local currency short-term IDRs 'F1';
--Viability rating 'a+';
--Support rating '1';
--Support rating floor 'A-';
--Long-term national rating 'AAA(cl)'; Outlook Stable;
--Short-term national rating 'N1+(cl)';
--Senior unsecured bonds 'A+' and national long-term rating 'AAA(cl)';
--Subordinated bonds national long-term rating 'AA(cl)';
--National equity rating 'Primera Clase nivel 1'.