Analyst
Usama Zubair
usama.zubair@pacra.com
+92-42-35869504
www.pacra.com
Applicable Criteria
Related Research
PACRA Maintains Entity Ratings of JS Bank Limited
Rating Type | Entity | |
Current (28-Jun-19 ) |
Previous (28-Dec-18 ) |
|
Action | Maintain | Maintain |
Long Term | AA- | AA- |
Short Term | A1+ | A1+ |
Outlook | Stable | Stable |
Rating Watch | - | - |
The ratings reflect relative position of JS Bank in the country's competitive banking landscape. This stems from enhanced system share in deposit and advances. The bank's funding base enhanced attributable to increase in deposit base and borrowings from financial institutions. The increased liquidity has been deployed in advances (34% rise on YOY basis). Hence, ADR jumped to 78.4%. As the growth is substantial; it needs continuous vigilance. NPLs have emerged in the recent period, which is a concern. Going forward, higher provisioning expense may pose a challenge to profitability of the bank which is already diluted by currently high opex and mark to market losses. The strategy of the bank is i) to foster penetration of existing network beyond 345 branches over the near-term; ii) consolidate advances book and replace it with liquid collateralized advances to maintain CAR, iii) build non-fund based income; and iv) hold strength in treasury operations. The challenge to profitability is dried return of capital gains. The bank expects the profits to be boosted from growing direct and ancillary business. The bank is facing a challenge on its CAR; Total CAR stood at 12.0% (Tier-I at 9.5% as at end-Dec18). The management issued bond (Tier I) to bolster its CAR. Further room needs to be created.
Ratings are dependent on JS Bank's ability to maintain its profitability to support internal generation of capital. Meanwhile, upholding asset quality, maintaining system share in terms of advances and deposits, adding diversity to income stream, sound CAR and strong governance framework are critical.
About
the Entity
JS Bank Limited (JSBL), incorporated in March 2006, commenced its banking operations on December 30, 2006. JSBL is a subsidiary (~75%) of Jahangir Siddiqui & Company Limited (JSCL). Whereas the rest is widely spread. The overall control of the bank vests in the Board of Directors (BoD) including the CEO. Mr. Suleman Lalani has been appointed as Director, w.e.f October 01, 2018 and Chairman w.e.f October 26, 2018. He himself accompanied with diversified experience. Mr. Basir Shamsie joined as CEO in July, 2018. He possesses work experience of more than 25 years, primarily in the banking sector.