...Support Drives IDRs: Doha Bank's (DB) Issuer Default Ratings (IDRs) are driven by an extremely high probability of support from the Qatari authorities, if needed. This reflects Qatar's strong ability to support its banks, as indicated by its rating, combined with Fitch Ratings' belief that there would be a strong willingness to do so. Established Domestic Franchise: DB's Viability Rating (VR) reflects its established franchise in Qatar, where it operates as a conventional commercial bank. DB is the fifth-largest bank in Qatar, accounting for 6%-7% of Qatari banks' lending and deposits at end-2017. DB operates mostly (91% of assets) in Qatar's relatively small, narrow domestic economy. Deteriorating Asset Quality: DB's asset quality has deteriorated since 2016 and remains weaker than most peers'. The impaired loans ratio increased to 4% at end-1Q18, reflecting fairly low loan growth and some loan seasoning. The higher impaired loans ratio also reflects DB's higher exposure to the higher-risk...
