Moody's changes to positive from stable the outlook on Banque Saudi Fransi's C financial strength rating

Moody's Investors Service has changed the outlook on Banque Saudi Fransi's (BSF) C financial strength rating (FSR) to positive from stable.




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The outlook for the bank's A3/Prime-2 foreign currency deposit ratings remains unchanged and constrained by the country ceiling for Saudi Arabia for foreign currency deposits. This rating was initiated by Moody's; the issuer does not have an active participation in the rating process.

Moody's explains that this rating action recognises BSF's further improved financial fundamentals, a direct consequence of the ongoing improvements in the domestic operating environment, triggered by the high oil prices and growing stream of infrastructure and development projects, which has boosted the economy and the banking sector in general. BSF has also taken steps to further diversify and strengthen its franchise by placing increased emphasis on consumer lending and retail banking, while maintaining a solid position in corporate banking with the support of its 31% shareholder, CALYON. Moody's also notes that CALYON remains strongly committed to providing management and technical expertise to its Saudi associate, which also seems to have limited direct exposure to the Saudi stock market; hence, the impact from the current major correction in the index is likely to be limited.

According to Moody's, future upward rating action is expected to be driven by BSF's ability to effectively limit and manage its risk exposure to the equity market, and to maintain its strong financial performance under a more challenging competitive environment, while growing and broadening its business franchise especially in the area of retail banking. Challenges faced by the bank include increased competition from stronger domestic banks and newly licensed foreign banks, and concentration in funding and lending. While the rapid (27% CAGR) loan growth over the period 2001-2005 is somewhat a cause for concern with regards to potential asset quality deterioration, such concerns are largely mitigated by the fact that this growth has been in retail lending where a) the loans are secured by salary assignments, b) banks make use of the established credit bureau and c) abide by SAMA's regulations, effectively limiting a borrower's exposure to a manageable level.

Headquartered in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Banque Saudi Fransi reported total assets of SAR73.6 billion (US$19.7 billion) as of March 2006.




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Moody's Investors Service Pty Limited does not hold an Australian financial services licence under the Corporations Act. This credit rating opinion has been prepared without taking into account any of your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should, before acting on the opinion, consider the appropriateness of the opinion having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs.
Anne-Birte Stensgaard Posted by Anne-Birte Stensgaard, Senior News Editor
Thursday, June 15 - 2006 at 09:33 UAE local time (GMT+4)

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This Article was updated on Sunday, September 10 - 2006
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