OREANDA-NEWS. National Rating Agency has affirmed its Indefinite outlook for its 'AA-' reliability rating on URALSIB NSPF CJSC. The rating remains on the Watchlist. NRA's first-time 'A+' reliability rating was assigned to the fund on Dec. 22, 2010. It was raised to 'AA-' in 2011 and placed on NRA's Watchlist with indefinite implications on Nov., 2015. The fund's reliability rating will be updated before May 20, 2016.

The Indefinite outlook reflects potential changes in the fund's ownership structure. Currently, URALSIB NSPF is wholly owned by URALSIB BANK PJSC, but its sale to another investor is being negotiated. A change in the ownership structure may be both a benefit and a risk for URALSIB NSPF, as it may involve changes in the pension investment strategy and in the customer acquisition channels.

The Rating Agency will monitor the situation and take an appropriate rating action, if one or another scenario unfolds. A Watchlist placement is not equivalent to a rating suspension; the fund's 'AA-' reliability rating will be valid until it is withdrawn or updated. The Rating Agency notes that URALSIB NSPF continues its regular course of business, maintaining its solid market position. NRA believes that in the current situation the fund's management will make effective managerial decisions enabling it to maintain high operating standards and ensure that its obligations are performed properly and in a timely manner.