FCMB rated B In Fitch Ratings : Stable Outlook For IDR
Fitch Ratings has affirmed First City Monument Bank Limited's (FCMB) Long-Term Issuer Default Rating (IDR) at 'B-'. The Outlook is Stable. A full list of ratings is at the end of this commentary. Key Rating Drivers IDRS, VR AND National Ratings The IDRs of FCMB are driven by its standalone credit profile, as defined by its Viability Rating (VR). This reflects FCMB's weak financial metrics, partly due to the bank's limited company profile and higher-risk business model, as well as the challenging operating environment in Nigeria. The operating environment in Nigeria remains tough, with the country having recently emerged from a recession. Although access to foreign currency (FC) has eased, many borrowers retain limited capacity to service obligations and there are few opportunities for banks to grow their loan portfolios. FCMB's modest franchise is illustrated by the bank's small (4%) market share of domestic credit. In our view, this drives a high-risk busin...