Moody's upgraded rating of notes of Development Bank of Kazakhstan to "Baa2"

/REUTERS, New York, June 30, 05/ - Following the introduction of the 'GRI' methodology for non-depositary financial institutions in the EMEA region, Moody's Investors Service has upgraded to Baa2 from Baa3 the rating for Development Bank of Kazakhstan's (DBK) US$400 million European Medium-term Note (EMTN) Programme as well as for senior unsecured notes issued by the bank under this programme. The outlook for the rating is positive. The debt affected encompasses the first three drawdowns under the programme in the amount of US$100 million each, with the first tranche issued by the bank in October 2002 at a coupon rate of 7.125% per annum with a five-year maturity, the second tranche issued in November 2003 at 7.375% annual coupon and a ten-year maturity, and the third tranche issued in June 2005 with a coupon of 6.5% per annum and a 15-year maturity. The rating of DBK's senior unsecured debt has pierced Kazakhstan's Baa3 sovereign ceiling for bonds, which currently constrains the bank's long-term issuer rating as determined under the new methodology. The level of the rating reflects the important role the bank plays as the sole development bank in the country, with the principal mission of supporting non-mineral resources sectors of the Kazakhstani economy. DBK's strategy is closely related to the objectives of the government. Its main goal is in providing medium- and long-term funding for development projects. However, as stipulated by law, the government may decide only the general direction of the bank's activities but is not allowed to interfere directly in DBK's day-to- day business or influence individual credit decisions. Moody's views this relative independence from the country's political structures positively, as it limits the possibility that political pressure rather than economic viability will be relied on in making business decisions. However, should the government attempt to misuse DBK's relatively high ratings for its own needs, this may result in lower ratings for the future senior unsecured borrowings of DBK. Development Bank of Kazakhstan is headquartered in Astana, Kazakhstan, and reported total IFRS assets of KZT118.4 billion (US$893 million) as of 31 March 2005. [2005-07-01]