Lahore, October 01, 2021 (PPI-OT): Thardeep Microfinance Foundation (‘Thardeep’ or the ‘Foundation’) is a Microfinance Institution (MFI) governed by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan under Section 42 of the Companies Ordinance, 1984 (now Companies Act, 2017). The Foundation is licensed to operate under NBFC (Establishment and Regulations) Rules, 2003, Non-Banking Finance Companies and Notified Entities Regulations 2008. It has been in operations since 2016, with early footprints as Thardeep Rural Development Programme (TRDP).
The key element is that MFIs are not permitted to mobilize deposits, while they are also not backed by any stakeholder equity due to their status of “Companies Limited by Guarantee”. These two elements, in combination, provide funding constraints, while they also delimit the boundaries of risk. Thardeep is a not-for profit organization, hence, the source of funding comprises a) internal generation of profits, b) loans and c) grants. Second major source of funding is borrowings, for which the Foundation majorly relies on both local and foreign avenues including PMIC and SIMA. Governance structure comprises of sponsoring members who are also the board of directors.
The ratings also incorporate the concentration of business at regional level and vulnerability in business due to low market share. Credit risk reflected by Portfolio At Risk (PAR) remains at the same level compared YoY attributable to the relatively intact asset quality. Total income of the foundation recorded increase and decline in provisioning expense supplemented the profitability. Rating Watch encompass ramifications emerging from Covid-19 outbreak and related implications on the portfolio. Covid-19 has posed challenges to the microfinance sector, almost all segments of the economy, were negatively impacted. Meanwhile, for mitigating the affect of Covid-19, the central bank has taken comprehensive actions including reduction in key policy rates and deferment of repayment obligations for a defined period.
The ratings are dependent on the Foundation’s aptness to sustain positive performance indicators amidst growth in business volumes. Meanwhile, the propensity of the business to guard itself against the current economic turmoil is imperative. Its vital to achieve sustainable profitability along with improvement in the asset quality.
For more information, contact:
Analyst,
The Pakistan Credit Rating Agency Limited (PACRA)
Awami Complex, FB1, Usman Block New Garden Town,
Lahore, Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-5869504-6
Fax: +92-42-5830425
Email: hammad.rashid@pacra.com
Website: www.pacra.com