QTMB’s merger plans will have ‘limited impact’: Moody’s

The credit ratings agency affirmed QMTB’s long-term issuer rating of A3, its baseline credit assessment of a3, its adjusted baseline credit assessment of a3, its counterparty risk assessment of A2/ Prime-1 and its short-term issuer rating of Prime-2.

The affirmation of QTMB’s ratings follows the bank’s announcement that it plans to merge with the Royal Automobile Club of Queensland (RACQ).

Moody’s noted that if the merger is successful, it expects it will have “limited impact” on QTMB’s financial profile, as the bank would operate as a banking subsidiary of the RACQ and likely maintain all existing and future generated capital.

“As a result, Moody’s expects QTMB to maintain its strong financial position, as reflected by its very strong asset quality and capital metrics,” it said.

Moody’s does not expect the merger will increase QTMB’s credit risk appetite in an effort to promote profitability and growth, given the similar strategies of the non-major and the RACQ.

“Both are Queensland-based, customer-owned organisations that focus on returning value to members rather than maximising shareholder profits,” it said.

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