Rating History
Dissemination Date Rating Outlook Action Rating Watch
21-Aug-25 BMR2+ Stable Maintain -
23-Aug-24 BMR2+ Stable Maintain -
25-Aug-23 BMR2+ Stable Maintain -
26-Aug-22 BMR2+ Stable Maintain -
15-Oct-21 BMR2+ Stable Initial -
About the Entity

IGI Finex Securities Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of IGI Holdings Limited. IGI Holdings Limited is an investment holding company listed on PSX with strategic investments mainly in the financial sector. IGI Holdings Limited has four subsidiaries namely IGI Life Insurance (82.7%), IGI General Insurance (100%), IGI Investments (100%), and IGI Finex Securities Limited (100%). Major ownership of IGI Holdings (~72%) vests with Packages Group through sponsors (~32%) and associated entities (~40%). IGI Holdings which falls under the umbrella of "Packages Group" are ranked amongst the leading industrial groups of the Country with diversified interests in paper and paperboard, packaging, financial institutions, food, personal care, and real estate sectors. Strong affiliation and technical track record with international JV's have added to the success of companies within the Group. The CEO, Mr. Syed Raza Hussain Rizvi brings across over nineteen years of diversified experience in the fields of Management, Corporate Strategy, Business Development, Mergers & Acquisitions, and Capital Markets.

Rating Rationale

IGI Finex Securities Limited (“IGI” or "The Company") demonstrates stability within Pakistan's brokerage sector, supported by capable management and the financial strength of the Packages Group. Management effectively leveraged strong FY25 equity market momentum (PSX volume +37% YoY, value +80% YoY; KSE-100 historic highs), driving strong 1QCY25 topline growth. Brokerage revenue rose notably to PKR 166 million (1QCY24: PKR 49 million). However, management faces cost control challenges, as elevated operating costs pressured net profit down to PKR 58 million (1QCY24: PKR 70 million). Management's strategic avoidance of a proprietary book mitigates market risk exposure. Prudent financial oversight is evident: the equity base (PKR 921m) and Liquid Capital Balance (PKR 702m) as of 1QCY25, exhibit a substantial buffer above regulatory minima, reflecting management's maintenance of a sound capital structure. Governance oversight is supported by specialized board committees and an experienced team. Management has implemented adequate controls, including outsourced internal audit, dedicated compliance/risk functions, and established policies, though board independence could be enhanced by an independent director. Client service execution includes equity research, online platforms, and digital complaint systems.

Key Rating Drivers

Moving forward, strengthening and diversifying core income streams, ensuring sustainability of market share and profitability, and successful execution of planned business strategies will be vital for IGI’s long-term growth. At the same time, maintaining a strong internal control framework, reinforcing governance practices, retaining experienced management personnel, and diligently monitoring emerging risks will remain equally important to safeguard financial stability and support continued business expansion.

Ownership
Ownership Structure

IGI is a wholly owned subsidiary of IGI Holdings Limited, which is part of the Packages Group, with minor shareholdings held by its four directors.


Stability

IGI Holdings, the parent company of IGI Finex Securities Limited, operates under the umbrella of the Packages Group, one of Pakistan’s most reputable and diversified business conglomerates. This affiliation provides IGI with strong financial strength, strategic guidance, and long-term operational stability, reinforcing its credibility and resilience in the highly competitive financial services sector.


Business Acumen

With a presence spanning over 50 years, IGI and the Packages Group have demonstrated strong business acumen across diverse sectors, including paper and technology, packaging, paperboard, financial services, real estate, and public education. Their sustained performance and recognition as leading industrial players reflect deep industry expertise, strategic vision, and the ability to capitalize on market opportunities.


Financial Strength

Backed by the Packages Group, IGI benefits from solid financial foundations and resource support, enabling it to maintain operational resilience, manage market fluctuations effectively, and sustain long-term growth in Pakistan’s competitive financial services sector.


Governance
Board Structure

The Board of Directors of IGI comprises four members, including the CEO and Chairman, with two executive and two non-executive directors. The board members are Syed Abdul Wahab Mehdi, Syed Raza Hussain Rizvi, Iqra Sajjad, and Faisal Jawed Khan. They provide balanced governance and strategic oversight. The addition of an independent director in the future could further enhance the board’s effectiveness, governance standards, and strategic decision-making.


Members’ Profile

The Board of Directors of IGI comprises experienced professionals: Syed Abdul Wahab Mehdi (Chairman), a University of Massachusetts graduate with extensive multinational corporate experience; Syed Raza Hussain Rizvi (CEO), a Chartered Accountant with over 15 years in management, strategy, M&A, and capital markets; Faisal Jawed Khan, an MBA in Finance with eight years in research, advisory, and capital markets; and Iqra Sajjad, a Chartered Accountant and certified director with 16 years in audit, finance, governance, and compliance, collectively providing strong strategic oversight and governance.


Board Effectiveness

IGI has established several board-level committees, including the Audit Committee, HR Committee, and IT Steering Committee, which enhance oversight and operational governance. While these committees reflect strong governance practices, the inclusion of an independent director, particularly within the Audit Committee, could further strengthen the board’s effectiveness and governance standards.


Financial Transparency

IGI has outsourced its internal audit function to EY Ford Rhodes Chartered Accountants and appointed A Ferguson & CO. Chartered Accountants as the external auditor. The external auditors of the company are classified in the 'A' category of State Bank of Pakistan panel of Auditors.


Management
Management Team

IGI is led by an experienced CEO and a seasoned management team overseeing key functions, including international business and investment banking, sales, finance, research, risk and equity operations, and information technology. Collectively, the team brings extensive expertise and experience, ensuring effective execution of the Company’s strategic and operational objectives.


Organizational Structure

The Company maintains an efficient and streamlined organizational structure, comprising eight distinct departments. (i) Equity & Commodity Brokerage (ii) International Business & Investment Banking, (iii) Research, (iv) Finance & Company Secretariat, (v) Risk Management, (vi) Operations, (vii) Compliance, and (viii) IT Core Applications, all of which report directly to the CEO. The Company has meticulously defined roles and responsibilities across these functions to ensure seamless coordination, operational efficiency, and effective execution of its strategic objectives.


Client Servicing

The Company provides multiple account opening channels, including an intuitive online trading terminal, a mobile application, and in-person services at its branch network. A dedicated and responsive customer support team guides clients throughout the onboarding process, ensuring a seamless and user-friendly trading experience.


Complaint Management

The Complaint Management team addresses and resolves customer complaints, which maintains proper records. Periodic reports are submitted to the SECP, ensuring transparency and regulatory compliance.


Extent Of Automation / Integration

The Company has invested in advanced technology, including a SECP-approved, state-of-the-art trading platform that enables seamless, secure, and efficient trading for its clients.


Continuity Of Operations

A comprehensive disaster recovery plan is in place to ensure business continuity, supported by multiple backup strategies.


Risk Management Framework

IGI Finex upholds a structured risk management framework to provide trading services The company's board is responsible for formulating and monitoring risk management policies. Operational Risks are identified and monitored through a code of conduct and trading hall SOPs.


Regulatory Compliance

Regulatory Compliance is diligently maintained by IGI's Compliance Department. The company ensures adherence to PSX requirements, SECP regulations regarding Anti Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism, professional standards, accepted business practices and internal standards.


Business Sustainability
Business Risk

The KSE-100 Index has witnessed a significant surge in investor interest, repeatedly touching historic highs and, for the first time, breaching the 125k-point mark in FY25. Despite this rally, the market’s P/E ratio remains relatively low, indicating room for further upside. A notable catalyst has been the reduction in the policy rate at the start of FY25, which prompted a shift in investor preference from fixed-income instruments to equities, fueling fresh buying momentum. This environment has created a favorable backdrop for the brokerage industry, with higher trading volumes, increased retail participation, and enhanced transaction-based revenues. While FY25 has been a strong year for the sector, sustaining investor confidence beyond FY25 will hinge on political stability, macroeconomic resilience, and the continuation of market-friendly policies.


Business Profile

IGI Finex Securities Limited ("IGI" or "the Company") is a licensed TRE certificate holder of the Pakistan Stock Exchange and a member of the Pakistan Mercantile Exchange. The Company was incorporated in 1994 and has since established itself as a reputable player in the financial services sector. In 2007, IGI became part of the Packages Group, benefiting from the Group’s extensive expertise and resources to enhance its operational capabilities and market reach. Headquartered in Karachi, IGI offers a comprehensive range of financial services, including equity and commodities brokerage, as well as advisory and consultancy services. The Company extends its operations through a network of six branches across the country, ensuring widespread accessibility and personalized client service.


Revenue and Profitability Analysis

The Company’s brokerage revenue stood at PKR 107 million in 1QCY25, marking a substantial increase from PKR 49 million in the corresponding period last year, driven by higher trading activity in the equity market. Total operating income improved slightly to PKR 166 million (SPLY: PKR 155 million), reflecting growth in brokerage earnings despite relatively stable contributions from other income streams. Profit after tax (PAT), however, declined to PKR 58 million from PKR 70 million in the same period last year, primarily due to higher operating expenses and a reduction in non-core income.


Financial Sustainability
Credit Risk

In addition to KYC/AML, Customer Due Diligence (CDD) and Enhance Due Diligence (EDD) procedures are in place for the assessment of its client creditworthiness. The entire EDD process is comprehensive and well documented, especially in the account opening and client risk assessment stages. The documents gathered from this mined data is used for reporting suspicious activities, anti-money laundering policies and other irregular transactions.


Market Risk

Market risk is mitigated by the Company’s policy of not maintaining a proprietary trading book. Its investment portfolio is conservatively structured, comprising primarily long-term holdings in PSX-listed shares valued at approximately PKR 40 million as of 1QCY25, alongside short-term, low-risk investments in government securities amounting to around PKR 137 million. This prudent allocation supports capital preservation while generating stable returns.


Liquidity Profile

Liquidity risk remains low, with the Company maintaining a healthy liquidity position reflected in current assets of PKR 4,825 million against current liabilities of PKR 4,076 million as of 1QCY25. The resulting liquid capital balance (LCB) of PKR 702 million provides adequate capacity to meet short-term obligations without strain, supported by the availability of liquid assets and efficient working capital management.


Financial Risk

The Company’s capitalization stood at PKR 921 million as of 1QCY25, reflecting a solid equity base that supports its operational needs, underpins business stability, and provides capacity for future growth without reliance on external borrowings.


 
 

Aug-25

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Mar-25
3M
Dec-24
12M
Dec-23
12M
Dec-22
12M
Management Audited Audited Audited
A. BALANCE SHEET
1. Finances 0 0 23 7
2. Investments 178 44 111 13
3. Other Earning Assets 3,350 1,672 3,262 604
4. Non-Earning Assets 1,474 1,028 721 233
5. Non-Performing Finances-net 0 0 (414) 14
Total Assets 5,002 2,745 3,703 871
6. Funding 4,081 1,878 3,009 429
7. Other Liabilities (Non-Interest Bearing) 0 0 66 115
Total Liabilities 4,081 1,878 3,075 544
Equity 921 867 629 327
B. INCOME STATEMENT
1. Fee Based Income 167 659 159 128
2. Operating Expenses (84) (378) (220) (183)
3. Non Fee Based Income 0 5 464 66
Total Opearting Income/(Loss) 83 286 403 12
4. Financial Charges (1) (2) (3) (2)
Pre-Tax Profit 82 283 401 10
5. Taxes (24) (53) (94) (1)
Profit After Tax 58 230 307 10
C. RATIO ANALYSIS
1. Cost Structure
Financial Charges / Total Opearting Income/(Loss) 1.0% 0.9% 0.7% 15.0%
Return on Equity (ROE) 32.6% 41.3% 244.6% 4.0%
2. Capital Adequacy
Equity / Total Assets (D+E+F) 18.4% 31.6% 78.4% 72.7%
Free Cash Flows from Operations (FCFO) / (Financial Charges + Current Maturity of Long Term Debt + Uncovered Short Term Borrowings) 1059.9% -18495.9% 35641.9% 3352.1%
3. Liquidity
Liquid Assets / Total Assets (D+E+F) 12.2% 4.1% 11.8% 0.0%
Liquid Assets / Trade Related Liabilities 15.0% 6.0% 3.2% 0.0%
4. Credit & Market Risk
Accounts Receivable / Short-term Borrowings + Advances from Customers + Payables to Customers 11.6% 6.0% 0.0% 0.0%
Equity Instruments / Investments 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%

Aug-25

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