09:21 04.01.2017

Fitch downgrades Ukraine's PrivatBank to 'RD'

2 min read
Fitch downgrades Ukraine's PrivatBank to 'RD'

Fitch Ratings has downgraded PJSC CB PrivatBank's Long-Term Foreign Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) to 'RD' (Restricted Default) from 'CCC' and removed it from Rating Watch Evolving (RWE).

Fitch said in a report on December 30, 2016 that the downgrade of PrivatBank's Long- and Short-Term Foreign Currency IDRs and debt ratings follows the recent announcement by the National Bank of Ukraine that third party senior unsecured and subordinated creditors of the bank have been bailed in as a part of the bank's recapitalisation process. The bail-in was executed before the bank was nationalized on 21 December 2016.

"Fitch understands from the bank that all the proceeds due under the senior unsecured eurobonds, as well as some other senior unsecured debt, have been used for recapitalization of the bank," Fitch said.

The senior unsecured debt ratings have been downgraded to 'C'/RR6, the lowest possible level, and withdrawn as the securities have been cancelled. Fitch did not rate the bank's subordinated obligations.

The affirmation of the Support Rating at '5' and the Support Rating Floor at 'No Floor' reflect that government support has been insufficient to avert losses for senior creditors, and in Fitch's view such support cannot be relied upon in future. The latter view in turn reflects the non-strategic nature of the state ownership of PrivatBank and the limited ability of the authorities to provide foreign currency support in case of need.

Fitch said that the Long-Term Local Currency IDR and the National Rating have not been affected by these rating actions as Fitch currently has insufficient information to determine whether the bail-in of creditors has affected third-party senior unsecured local currency obligations.

The 'f' Viability Rating has not been affected by these rating actions as the bank's recapitalization has not been completed and, post bail-in, the capital shortfall remains large (estimated at 4.3x end-3Q16 regulatory capital).

The Long-Term Local Currency IDR and the National Rating will be downgraded to 'RD' if Fitch receives information that third-party senior local currency obligations have also been bailed in as part of the recapitalization exercise.

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