Analyst
Ayesha Qasim
ayesha.qasim@pacra.com
+92-42-35869504
www.pacra.com
Applicable Criteria
Related Research
PACRA Maintains Entity Ratings of NRSP Microfinance Bank Limited
Rating Type | Entity | |
Current (31-Oct-17 ) |
Previous (29-Apr-17 ) |
|
Action | Maintain | Initial |
Long Term | A | A |
Short Term | A1 | A1 |
Outlook | Stable | Stable |
Rating Watch | - | - |
The ratings incorporate emergence of the Bank as a growing institution, evident from consistent improvement in business volumes and ensuing profitability. The loan book has reported significant growth since inception, reaching a market share of ~16% of the GLP market of MFB at end-Jun17. Though the design of lending product keeps the concentration high, it takes comfort from the prudent strategy to focus group-lending in rural areas and a sizeable portion of crop-linked loans. Moreover, the bank is eyeing diversification through introducing new microfinance products and expanding its Islamic micro-lending division. The healthy asset quality of the bank is exhibited by its low non-performing loans (NPLs); though increased during 1H17 (1.6%) on account of expansion activities. The expansion strategy boded well for the bank resulting into enhanced customer outreach evident from the escalated deposit base. This has made the bank a major contributor in the micro-savings and is expected to sustain its position, benefiting from the specified branches introduced for deposit mobilization. The ratings reflect association of NRSP Microfinance Bank with the National Rural Support Programme, the major shareholder, and with the three foreign development organizations - IFC, Acumen, and KfW, providing both technical and financial support to the bank. The Bank is poised towards expansion mainly focusing in untapped rural areas and aims to introduce technology driven banking products in near future.
The ratings are dependent on the bank's ability to sustain improving trend in its market position. Given the expansion strategy of the bank, related risks mainly credit quality needs to be monitored carefully. With the anticipated growth in deposits, the management needs to keep a check on the stretched liquidity profile of the Bank, and keeping it compliant with the statutory liquidity requirement.
About
the Entity
NRSP Microfinance Bank Limited (NRSP Bank) commenced operations in Mar’11 as a nation level microfinance bank. The bank is majority (~52%) owned by National Rural Support Program (NRSP). Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW), International Finance Corporation (IFC), and Acumen each have ~16% shareholding in the Bank. With a network of 107 branches, the bank has its head office in Bahawalpur, a key district in Southern Punjab; this places it closer to its target market.
NRSP's board comprises 3 representatives from NRSP, 1 nominee each from IFC, KfW, and Acumen, 2 independent directors and the CEO. Mr. Zahoor Hussain Khan - President since 2011 – an experienced microfinance banker, is assisted by a qualified management team.
About
the Instrument
The Bank issued in Jun’16 secured, privately placed TFC of PKR 3bln for a tenor of 2 years to support expansion in microfinance; quarterly coupon payments at 3M KIBOR plus 2.35%. Security structure comprises pari passu charge on the bank's current assets with 25% margin and cash coverage of PKR 300mln throughout the life of instrument. Principal of ~ PKR 1.1bln remains outstanding as of Sep’17.