News

S&P Global made a deviation from its pre-established calendar, triggered by the statement of the U.S. Department of the Treasury related to the Latvia-based ABLV Bank and introduction of payment restrictions by the European Central Bank and the Financial and Capital Markets Commission (FCMC) of Latvia towards the ABLV Bank.

In accordance with the S&P Global, the direct fiscal risk for Latvia in relation to ABLV Bank is modest and insignificant to Latvia's public finance capability.

S&P Global outlines that no material negative effect on the core of the Latvian banking system - financial institutions focusing on serving resident deposits - is expected.

In S&P Global view, although there is a possibility that the ongoing situation could negatively affect some other domestic Latvian banks that focus on servicing non-resident clients, however it would have only a limited impact on the Latvian economy and not endanger the financial stability in Latvia.

S&P Global acknowledges the strong government's fiscal position, current and expected economic growth close to 3% in the medium term. In S&P Global view, economic growth in the medium term will be driven by strong local domestic consumption, investments supported by the EU funding cycle and exceptionally favourable foreign trade conditions.

According to a pre-established calendar of rating publication dates, the next scheduled rating publication on the sovereign rating of the Republic of Latvia will be on March 23, 2018.

Full press release in S&P Global homepage (registration required).