...Support Drives Ratings: Qatar Islamic Bank (Q.P.S.C)'s (QIB) 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. QIB's Viability Rating (VR) reflects its strong franchise in Qatar, adequate profitability, sound asset-quality metrics, satisfactory capital ratios and sufficient liquid assets. It also takes into account high balance-sheet concentrations and a high share of foreign funding. Established Franchise: QIB has a strong and well-established franchise in Qatar, with a market share of about 10% of total banking system assets at end-1H17. Like its domestic peers, it benefits from a supportive operating environment, with the government's capital investment programme driving GDP growth and financing opportunities. Sound Asset Quality: Asset-quality...
