Fitch Ratings expects asset quality risks for Asia-Pacific banks to gradually diminish over the next two years, given lower interest rates and sustained economic growth, according to a Monday release.
In emerging markets like India, Vietnam, and the Philippines, Fitch expects greater asset quality pressure due to fast credit growth and risk-taking to be offset by supportive economic conditions and lower rates.
China could see a rise in non-performing loans, while other developed markets such as Hong Kong, Australia, and New Zealand are vulnerable to high interest rates and commercial real estate challenges.
Despite these risks, most APAC banks have sufficient financial buffers to absorb further asset quality erosion, and external support will likely anchor issuer default ratings despite downgrades in viability ratings, Fitch said.
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