Lahore, April 29, 2019 (PPI-OT): The ratings take comfort from the bank’s relationship with a leading global telecom group – Veon (formerly Vimplecom) – and with Pakistan’s largest cellular operator – Jazz (formerly Mobilink). Sponsors’ commitment to the bank is witnessed in the form of both technical collaboration and financial support. Ensuing synergies are strengthening the bank’s penetration in target markets. Leveraging on the sponsors network and renowned brand name (JazzCash), branchless banking domain is taking on a rapid growth and being reinforced with the aim of expanding Mobile-wallet accounts. The bank’s current strategy is pivoted around capitalizing on its digital banking base having strong support from its super agent cellular operator.
The management’s confidence lies in keeping this segment’s margins sustained and bring it at the forefront of mobile banking services, amidst rising competition. The bank held a market share of ~6% in the MFBs Gross loan portfolio and ~9% in the total deposits of the Microfinance industry as at End-Dec’18. Overall asset quality is healthy supported by robust recovery framework.
The bank’s business model is directed towards fostering core and branchless banking simultaneously. Granular small ticket size deposits in the BB domain, as growing, adds benefit to performance indicators. The ratings take comfort on the financial risk profile depicted by healthy net interest/mark-up revenue (NIMR) on the backdrop of low cost of funds, translating into fine bottomline, while liquidity profile remains comfortable.
The ratings are dependent upon continued momentum of growth in digital banking domain, while expanding share in core banking landscape. Meanwhile, maintenance of asset quality is of importance.
For more information, contact:
Analyst
The Pakistan Credit Rating Agency Limited (PACRA)
Awami Complex, FB1, Usman Block New Garden Town,
Lahore – Pakistan
Tel: +9242 586 9504 -6
Fax: +9242 583 0425
Email: hammad.rashid@pacra.com
Web: www.pacra.com