Fitch affirmed KB Financial Group (KRX:105560) subsidiary Kookmin Bank's long-term issuer default rating (IDR) at A and short-term IDR at F1+ with a stable outlook.
The ratings agency on Monday also affirmed the Korean bank's government support rating (GSR) and viability rating (VR) at a.
Fitch expects the bank's underlying profitability to remain above 2% over the next two years, aided by moderate loan growth, cost discipline and a stabilizing net interest margin. In addition, the bank's strong domestic banking franchise, along with its diverse products and solutions, is expected to raise business volumes and lead to resilient near-term earnings.