The Pakistan Credit Rating Agency Limited
30-Sep-19
Analyst
Muhammad Usman
muhammad.usman@pacra.com
+92-42-35869504
www.pacra.com
Applicable Criteria
Related Research
This press release is being transmitted for the sole purpose of dissemination through print/electronic media. The press release may be used in full or in part without changing the meaning or context thereof with due credit to PACRA
PACRA Maintains Entity Ratings of Sindh Microfinance Bank Limited
| Rating Type | Entity | |
|
Current (30-Sep-19 ) |
Previous (18-Apr-19 ) |
|
| Action | Maintain | Maintain |
| Long Term | A- | A- |
| Short Term | A2 | A2 |
| Outlook | Stable | Stable |
| Rating Watch | - | - |
The ratings capture the strength of the bank as a growing institution in the Microfinance sector. The loan book is gradually building up, which is primarily constituted of group lending arrangement. The bank's business model incorporates appropriate mitigant controls to keep its risk profile adequate. Asset infection ratio stands at 0.3%, resonating with the life of the bank. The current design of the lending portfolio represents concentration in the flagship product "Sujag Aurat" (Visionary Women), focused on women entrepreneurship and financial inclusion. The bank's funding needs are currently being fueled through a mixture of internal and external sources. Additionally, the funding has also been obtained from State Bank of Pakistan on a relatively low cost. Deposit mobilization has also come into play, though relatively small in quantum. The bank has presence in Sindh with plans to go national. A risk-averse approach towards expansion is the key essential, with funds being raised from appropriate channels. The ratings draw comfort from the bank's association with the Government of Sindh. The financial risk profile is reflected by sound liquidity, adequate profitability and low investment in non-earning assets.
The ratings are dependent on the bank's ability to sustain its growth trajectory in the MFBs market. Continued good governance practices are important. Meanwhile, prudent management strategies to maintain asset health and keep its risk profile sound amidst expansion is imperative.
About
the Entity
Sindh Microfinance Bank was incorporated with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) in 2015 and commenced operations in May, 2016. The bank is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sindh Bank. The head office of the bank is located in Karachi.
Board of Directors comprises of seven members; two members are representative of the Sindh Bank. Mr. Shams-ud-din Khan is the Chairman of the Board. He was formerly associated with Pak-kuwait Investment Company (PKIC) and has an overall experience of over ~40 years. Mr. Shoaib Arif, the CEO, is a microfinance industry veteran having an overall experience of more than ~20 years. He is accompanied by a team of professionals.