International rating agency Fitch Ratings has affirmed the IDR (Issuer Default Rating) of Abanka d.d. (Abanka) at 'BB+' and a stable Outlook. The agency also affirmed Short-Term IDR at 'B', VR (Viability Rating) at 'bb+', Support Rating at '5' and Support Rating Floor at 'No Floor'.

The IDR of Abanka, is driven by bank's standalone financial strength, as expressed by its VR. The affirmation of the VR of Abanka, reflects its already high VR in the context of the bank's franchises and overall company profiles despite further improvements in asset quality and profitability, stable capitalisation and funding and liquidity positions.

The VR of the bank benefit from Slovenia's benign economic environment. High economic growth and rising real estate prices support the resolution of legacy non-performing loans (NPLs). These factors, combined with tentative recovery in corporate lending and a strong increase in lending to households over the last two years, have resulted in a sector-wide asset quality and profitability improvement.

This announcement will also be published on Abanka d.d.’s website as of 24 April 2019 and will be accessible for a period of no less than five years.