Fitch Ratings has affirmed HSBC Bank Middle East's (HBME) long-term Issuer Default Rating (IDR) at 'AA-', short-term IDR at 'F1+', and support rating at '1'.The Individual 'B/C' Rating remains on Rating Watch Negative (RWN), with outlook for the Long-term IDR as 'Stable'. "The Individual Rating reflects the strength of HBME's regional franchise, its sound liquidity and satisfactory capitalisation as well as the benefits of being part of the HSBC group," Fitch said.