...Support Drives Ratings: Qatar National Bank (Q.P.S.C.)'s (QNB) 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' view that there would be a strong willingness to do so. SRF Above Domestic Peers: QNB's Support Rating Floor (SRF) of `A+' is above that of the other banks in Qatar (`A') as a result of its status as Qatar's flagship bank, its role in the Qatari banking sector and its close business links with the state. Dominant Franchise in Qatar: QNB's Viability Rating (VR) reflects its dominant franchise in Qatar and close links to the Qatari government. It has preferential access to significant volumes of lower-risk public-sector businesses due to its role as the flagship bank. International Expansion Adds to Risk Profile: Fitch believes QNB's subsidiaries in Egypt and Turkey add to QNB's risk profile,...
