...The Saudi Investment Bank's (SAIB) Long-Term Issuer Default Ratings (IDRs) reflect potential support from the Saudi Arabian authorities (A+/Stable), as expressed by its Government Support Rating (GSR) of `a-'. SAIB's GSR is in line with the domestic systemically important banks' GSR in Saudi Arabia, reflecting Fitch Ratings' view of the Saudi authorities' strong ability and willingness to support domestic banks irrespective of size, franchise, funding structure and level of government ownership. The bank's Viability Rating (VR) reflects adequate capital ratios with sufficient buffers above regulatory requirements, as well as strengthened profitability, improving asset quality and tightening underwriting standards. It also incorporates the modest franchise, weaker asset-quality and earnings and profitability metrics than the sector average, high credit concentrations and an adequate funding profile, albeit less stable than peers. Conflict Poses Operating Environment Risks: Fitch expects...
