The Pakistan Credit Rating Agency (PACRA) has assigned an asset manager rating of “AM2” to Arif Habib Investment Management Limited (AHIML). ‘AM2' rating reflects the company's outstanding capacity to master the risks inherent in asset management. In a span of four years, the company has successfully launched five Funds and plans to launch another three in the coming year. AHIML has sound internal systems and processes, a high degree of independence and control, effective asset allocation and risk management policies and a qualified and experienced management team.

AHIML manages three open-end funds and acts as the investment advisor to three closed-end funds. The company is targeting to capture a substantial market share by focusing on increasing the number and size of funds under management. Consequently, AHIML is pursuing an aggressive marketing strategy with a focus on retail investors. AHIML has over PKR 10.5bln of assets under management and equity of the company stands at PKR 115.3mln as at June 30, 2004. AHIML serves a diverse client base which makes it independent from any one source of business.

About the company: AHIML, incorporated in August'00, is one of the largest asset management companies in Pakistan with over PKR 10.5bln of assets under management. AHIML is an associated undertaking of Arif Habib Securities Limited (AHSL), a leading securities brokerage firm also offering research and corporate finance services. AHSL has one of the largest brokerage operations on the Karachi Stock Exchange. AHSL owns 40% of shares in AHIML. Of the individual shareholders, Mr. M. Arif Habib is the largest shareholder at 40%. AHIML manages three open-end funds and acts as the investment advisor to three closed-end funds. The current Chief Executive of AHIML, Mr. Nasim Beg, is a C.A. with over 30 years of experience in the financial sector as well as in the domestic and international mutual fund industry.