Fitch assigns Bank of Ceylon's USD Notes Final 'BB-' rating
Fitch Ratings has assigned Bank of Ceylon's (BOC) USD 500m unsecured
notes due 2018 a final rating of 'BB-'. This follows the receipt of the
final documents conforming to information previously received.
The final rating is at the same level as the expected rating assigned
on March 28, 2013 (see 'Fitch Affirms Bank of Ceylon's 'BB-' IDRs' on
www.fitchratings.com). The notes have a maturity of five years and
coupon payments will be at a fixed rate of 5.325% on a semi-annual
basis. The issue proceeds are to be partly used for refinancing
near-term maturities, as well as for balance sheet growth.
The notes are rated at the same level as BOC's Long-Term Foreign
Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) as they will constitute direct,
unsubordinated and unsecured obligations of the bank, and will rank
equally with all its other unsecured and unsubordinated obligations.
BOC's Long-Term IDR is driven by the Government of Sri Lanka's (GOSL)
high propensity but somewhat limited ability to provide timely support
to the bank at times of distress.
In Fitch's view, the state's high propensity stems from BOC's
systemic importance as the largest bank in the country - accounting for
nearly 20% of banking system's deposits and assets - its quasi-sovereign
status, its role as a key lender to the government and full government
ownership.
The state's limited ability is reflected in the 'BB-'/Stable
sovereign rating.
Any change in the GOSL's ability or propensity to extend support to
BOC will result in a corresponding change in BOC's IDRs and hence the
issue rating. |