JCR-VIS Credit Rating Company Limited has assigned entity ratings of 'A/A-1' (single A/A-one) to Al Baraka Bank (Pakistan) Limited (ABPL). Outlook on the assigned ratings is 'stable'. ABPL is a subsidiary of Al Baraka Islamic Bank B.S.C. (C), Bahrain and is a member of Al Baraka Banking Group, Bahrain.
The entity, ABPL, has emerged as a result of the amalgamation of Pakistan operations of Al-Baraka Islamic Bank B.S.C (C) with and into Emirates Global Islamic Bank Limited. Post merger, ABPL is positioned as the second largest Islamic bank in Pakistan.
While exposure to corporate sector comprises the largest proportion of financings and will remain the bank's area of focus, ABPL plans to diversify its financing mix over time; by building the necessary infrastructure to undertake SME and agricultural financing.
Existing portfolio quality has room for improvement. The management expects improvement in the same, by way of recoveries against non-performing flnancings to be realised during the on-going year Growth in financing is expected to remain limited during FY11, with plans to focus on top-tier clients, where the bank currently does not have much presence. Fresh funding generated by deposits is largely being channelled into GoP Ijarah Sukuks.
Going forward, cost of funds needs to be rationalised to enhance spreads while revenue streams may also need to be developed further, including ancillary sources of income. Profitability target for the on-going year may be achieved provided increase in non-performing exposures is contained.
ABPL has received relaxation from the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) for meeting the minimum capital requirement. In the on-going year, the bank may be able to achieve the target level of Rs 6.5 billion as required by SBP, through internal capital generation. In subsequent years, ABPL may require external capital injection.-PR