...Support-Driven Ratings: National Bank of Kuwait (International) PLC (NBKI)'s Long- and Short-Term Issuer Default Ratings (IDRs) are aligned with those of National Bank of Kuwait S.A.K.P. (NBK; A+/Stable), its parent. This reflects NBK's strong ability and willingness to provide support to NBKI, as captured by its `a+' Shareholder Support Rating (SSR). Fitch Ratings does not assign a Viability Rating to NBKI, given the bank's close integration with its parent and the agency's view that NBKI's franchise can not be assessed on its own. Integral to Group Strategy: NBKI remains central to NBK's international ambitions, focusing on corporate (mainly commercial real estate) and private banking (primarily residential real estate), and serving as a main link for clients with UK¡Middle East ties. Small but Closely Integrated: NBKI is small, representing about 4% of NBK's consolidated assets at end-2025, making support manageable for the parent. The bank benefits from close operational integration,...
