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The Pakistan Credit Rating Agency Limited
Press Release

Date
07-Jan-22

Analyst
Sehar Fatima
sehar.fatima@pacra.com
+92-42-35869504
www.pacra.com

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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 Assigns Preliminary Rating to Additional Tier 1 TFC | The Bank of Punjab

Rating Type Debt Instrument
Current
(07-Jan-22 )
Action Preliminary
Long Term AA-
Short Term -
Outlook Stable
Rating Watch -

The Bank of Punjab has built a franchise around its name, which itself is a reflection of strong parentage. It took a long period which witnessed concerted efforts by the management duly backed by the sponsors' support to reinvigorate the Bank. The incumbent management, under the new leadership, has revamped and strengthened the governance and compliance structure in place which is essential for oversight and dynamic operations of the Bank. The areas of focus envision three phases (control, consolidation & growth), which help lead the bank from an augmented control environment to a growth arena. Customer focus and geographical diversification and expansion are the key elements. The Bank grew its deposit's base to stand at PKR 884bln as at end-Sep21. The system share of the Bank has taken a positive contribution from the growth, which would lead the bank towards being classified as a large bank. During 9MCY21, asset quality witnessed improvement attributable to decline in absolute NPLs. However, on a prudence basis, subjective classification and general provisioning were done to ensure that asset quality remains unimpaired going forth. The bank's Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) clocked in at 14.5% as at end-Sep21 (end-Dec20: 16.2%), CET1 to TRWA's stand at 11.66%, providing BOP with a healthy cushion to expand its advances' book in line with its stated strategy, whereby the growth in risk assets will be covered through insurance and first-loss guarantees wherever available. COVID-19 is an ongoing challenge. The proactive measures taken by the regulators and other concerning bodies, alongside the measures taken by the banks, have mitigated the potential damages much anticipated from this pandemic. As a result, the banking industry remained protected and in fact posted record profits.
The ratings are dependent on the financial risk profile of the bank, mainly emanating from the sustenance of capital adequacy and continued healthy profitability trend in line with the management's plans. Any weakening in asset quality will in turn put pressure on the bank's profitability and risk absorption capacity.

About the Entity
The Bank of Punjab, established under the BOP Act 1989, is listed on Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX). The bank operates a vast network of 636 branches as at end Dec-20, mainly concentrated in Punjab. The Government of Punjab (GoPb) holds the majority stake in BOP (57%), whereas the rest is widely dispersed. The bank’s President & CEO, Mr Zafar Masud, was appointed as President & CEO by the GoPb on March 17, 2020. The senior management consists of seasoned bankers. The current team has played a pivotal role in the bank's revival; their continuity and cohesiveness are critical for the successful execution of the envisaged business plan.

About the Instrument
BoP is planning to issue Rated, Unsecured, Perpetual and Non-Cumulative Debt Instruments in the nature of Additional Tier I Capital Term Finance Certificates TFC of the amount PKR 10bln (inclusive of green shoe option of PKR 5bln). The Issue Amount will contribute towards BOP’s Additional Tier I Capital for Capital Adequacy Requirement as per guidelines set by SBP. Mark-up (if declared) will be payable semi-annually in arrears on the outstanding principal amount, based on 365 days a year basis and on a non-cumulative basis.

The primary function of PACRA is to evaluate the capacity and willingness of an entity to honor its obligations. Our ratings reflect an independent, professional and impartial assessment of the risks associated with a particular instrument or an entity. PACRA's comprehensive offerings include instrument and entity credit ratings, insurer financial strength ratings, fund ratings, asset manager ratings and real estate gradings. PACRA opinion is not a recommendation to purchase, sell or hold a security, in as much as it does not comment on the security's market price or suitability for a particular investor.