OREANDA-NEWS. National Rating Agency has placed its reliability rating on TKB BNP Paribas Investment Partners (OJSC) on Watchlist with indefinite implications. On Dec. 22, 2006, the company was assigned NRA's individual reliability rating of 'AA+'.

The rating was raised to 'AAA' on Dec. 19, 2007 and re-affirmed every consecutive year thereafter. The latest affirmation took place on Dec. 15, 2014. The company's reliability rating is to be updated before Nov. 1, 2015.

The indefinite rating outlook reflects the fact that it is currently impossible to appraise the company's prospects. Individual investor Anatoly Gavrilenko (Chairman of Supervisory Board at Promagrofond and Nasledie NSPFs and Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Alor Group) has gained a 100-percent control over TKB BNK Paribas Investment Partners. The company's previous ultimate

owners with a 50:50 split were the financial divisions of Russian Railways OJSC and BNP Paribas Investment Partners asset manager incorporated into BNP Paribas international financial group. Factors such as the change in the ownership structure, possible revision of the growth strategy and relinquishment of a well-known brand may significantly affect the company's business and development prospects. At present, their effect is hard to predict.

NRA will monitor the situation and take appropriate rating actions if any of the possible scenarios forecasted were to happen. The rating placement on the Watchlist does imply its withdrawal: TKB BNP Paribas Investment Partners' reliability rating of 'AAA' will remain in force until it is withdrawn or revised. NRA notes that the company continues to operate as usual, maintaining a strong position in its business segment. We believe that the management can ensure a high quality of managerial decision making and risk management, enabling the company to maintain the high operating standards and fulfill its obligations fully and in a timely manner.