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The Pakistan Credit Rating Agency Limited
Press Release

Date
19-Apr-22

Analyst
Muhammad Junaid
muhammad.junaid@pacra.com
+92-42-35869504
www.pacra.com

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This press release is being transmitted for the sole purpose of dissemination through print/electronic media. The press release may be used in full or in part without changing the meaning or context thereof with due credit to PACRA

PACRA Maintains Stability Rating of NBP Islamic Money Market Fund

Rating Type Stability Rating
Current
(19-Apr-22 )
Previous
(18-Oct-21 )
Action Maintain Maintain
Long Term AA(f) AA(f)
Short Term - -
Outlook Stable Stable
Rating Watch - -

NBP Islamic Money Market Fund (or the "Fund") is a low-risk profile fund. The Fund aims to competitive return with maximum possible capital preservation by investing in low risk and liquid Shariah Compliant authorized instruments. As of end-Dec’21, the fund has invested ~88% of its net assets in ‘AA’ and higher-rated bank. The Fund had also placed 9% of AUMs in ICPs rated ‘AA’. Furthermore, the Fund had allocated ~10% of its net assets in 'AA' rated Sukuks. The WAM and Duration of the Fund were recorded at 20 days. The low WAM shields the fund from credit risk; whereas, the lower duration shields the Fund from interest rate risk. The Fund is subject to moderate redemption pressure due to high top 10 investor concentration, which stood at 53% at end-Dec’21.
Going forward, in accordance with the investment policy the fund intends to maintain its current asset allocation. Material changes in the fund's asset allocation will impact the rating.

About the Entity
NBP Fund Management Limited (or the "Company"), established in 2005, is licensed by Securities and Exchange Commission (SECP) to carry out asset management and investment advisory business. National Bank of Pakistan is the largest shareholder of the company with a stake of ~54%. In 2019, Baltoro Growth Fund has acquired the entire 36% stake of Alexandra Fund Management Private Limited in the Company. Baltoro Capital is a Pakistan focused private equity firm. Baltoro Capital has made investments in the pharmaceutical, renewable energy and financial services sectors in Pakistan. It is actively deploying its funds in businesses positioned to achieve extraordinary growth. The CEO of NBP Fund Management Limited, Dr. Amjad Waheed, CFA and family also holds a 10% stake in the company.
The Company’s nine-member Board of Directors includes three independent directors and the CEO. With overall assets under management of PKR 169,025mln at end-Dec'21, the Company is currently managing a diversified fund slate of twenty seven open-end mutual funds, two voluntary pension schemes and an Exchange Traded Fund.

The primary function of PACRA is to evaluate the capacity and willingness of an entity to honor its obligations. Our ratings reflect an independent, professional and impartial assessment of the risks associated with a particular instrument or an entity. PACRA's comprehensive offerings include instrument and entity credit ratings, insurer financial strength ratings, fund ratings, asset manager ratings and real estate gradings. PACRA opinion is not a recommendation to purchase, sell or hold a security, in as much as it does not comment on the security's market price or suitability for a particular investor.