Fitch Ratings has affirmed Bulgarian Development Bank AD's (BDB) Long-Term Issuer Default Rating (IDR) at 'BBB'.

BDB's IDRs are equalised with Bulgaria's (BBB/Positive), reflecting a high probability of support from the sovereign, in case of need, as expressed by its Government Support Rating (GSR) of 'BBB'. BDB's GSR is primarily driven by its full state ownership. Fitch considers that there is limited scope for bail-in of BDB's senior creditors that would be politically acceptable for the state, given its development bank status. BDB has policy bank status, with its development mandate determined by a dedicated legal act. This act defines BDB's role as the primary provider of financial support to small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as well as a participant in projects that have priority to the national economy.