Analyst
Muhammad Noor Ul Haq
noorulhaq@pacra.com
+92-42-35869504
www.pacra.com
Applicable Criteria
Related Research
PACRA Maintains Entity Ratings of Sindh Microfinance Bank Limited
Rating Type | Entity | |
Current (09-Apr-21 ) |
Previous (30-Apr-20 ) |
|
Action | Maintain | Maintain |
Long Term | A- | A- |
Short Term | A2 | A2 |
Outlook | Stable | Stable |
Rating Watch | Yes | Yes |
The ratings capture the aptness of the Bank as a growing institution in the microfinance sector. The Bank's business model incorporates appropriate mitigant controls to keep its risk profile adequate. Resonating with the market conditions, asset infection ratio stood at ~1% as at end-Dec'20. The Bank has sustained its net profitability, being recorded at PKR 53mln as at end-Dec’20. There has been a dip in loan book size, reflecting caution while the cash deposits have grown. The 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. A major share of the funding has been obtained from State Bank of Pakistan on a partially low cost. Deposit mobilization still remains low. 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 with a cautious approach. The ratings draw comfort from the Bank's association with the Government of Sindh. The financial risk profile is reflected by sanguine liquidity, adequate profitability and low investment in non-earning assets.
The ratings are dependent upon the Bank’s ability to aptly combat the emerging risks under the current scenario in order to keep its business and financial risk profile intact. The ratings are placed under “Watch” particularly to reflect on the challenges arising from COVID-19 outbreak and subdued economic activity. While the economic activity has risen, the uncertainty as to sustained recovery still prevails.
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.