OREANDA-NEWS. Fitch Ratings has today affirmed Russia-based Probusinessbank's ("PBB") ratings at Issuer Default 'B-' (B minus), National Long-term 'BB+(rus)', Short-term 'B', Individual 'D' and Support '5'. The Outlooks on the Issuer Default and National ratings remain Stable.

PBB's ratings reflect risks associated with rapid asset growth and operational/integration risk related to the recent and potential acquisitions and the bank's weak earnings performance attributable to high operating costs emanating from branch and infrastructure expansion.

Upward pressure on PBB's ratings could result from stronger internal capital generation and further diversification of the loan book, which the bank's ongoing expansion may help to achieve through increased scale and a broadening of the customer base.