Fitch Ratings Warns Euroclear of Potential Downgrade Due to Russian Asset Seizure Risks
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, Fitch Ratings has placed Euroclear on negative watch, signaling a potential downgrade. The agency highlighted risks stemming from the possible confiscation of Russian assets held by the Belgian financial institution.
Fitch stated that while the likelihood remains low, there is a danger that inadequate legal and credit support could lead to a maturity mismatch on Euroclear’s balance sheet.
The rating agency emphasized that if legal risks are not adequately mitigated by legal guarantees embedded in Ukraine’s compensation structure, the potential for a significant increase in legal claims against Euroclear exists.
The EU Council decided on December 12, 2025, to indefinitely freeze Moscow’s assets. The European Commission hopes to decide on the confiscation of 210 billion euros of Russian assets during the December 18-19 summit.
