Spain-based Abanca is enhancing its returns and efficiency and rebalancing its business toward small and midsize enterprises and consumer segments. We anticipate that the bank will keep strengthening its profitability without undertaking undue risks, while preserving adequate capitalization and a balanced funding profile. We are therefore revising our outlook on Abanca to positive from stable and affirming our 'BB+/B' ratings on the bank. The positive outlook reflects the possibility of an upgrade over the next 12 months if Abanca further improves its operating profitability to levels more in line with its domestic rated peers, provided this does not stem from an excessive risk appetite. On Sept. 10, 2019, S&P Global Ratings revised to positive from stable its outlook on Abanca
