Society

Japan, U.S. and Europe banks face losses from $150bn Russia exposure

Mar 03 (Nikkei) - Banks across Japan, the U.S. and Europe face potentially big losses from their Russian operations, as sanctions and an exodus of global companies dim the prospects of recouping a combined $150 billion in debt owed by the country and businesses.

"Our loans in Russia essentially are in default," said an executive at one of Japan's megabanks.

The company that built the new Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline connecting Germany and Russia is considering filing for insolvency, Reuters reported. Though construction has been completed, Germany said it will not certify the project for commercial operations.

Financing agreements for such projects often include a force majeure clause, granting temporary relief in extraordinary circumstances like war or economic sanctions. This means debtors rarely default as long as their projects remain in operation. But the projects themselves could fail if countries like the U.S. or Japan impose new Russia sanctions that interfere with their services.

In addition to the three Japanese megabanks -- Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group and Mizuho Financial Group -- the state-run Japan Bank for International Cooperation also provides financing for projects in Russia. They were involved in the Nord Stream 1 pipeline in the past. The Amur Gas Chemical Complex, slated for completion in the Russian Far East during 2024, is also believed to be partly Japanese-financed.

Neither of these projects has been targeted by sanctions so far. But their revenue could dry up if core participants withdraw. Exxon Mobil and Shell have said they will exit the Sakhalin-1 and Sakhalin-2 oil and gas projects, respectively, in Russia. ...continue reading

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