Analyst
Zeeshan Munir
zeeshan.munir@pacra.com
+92-42-35869504
www.pacra.com
Applicable Criteria
Related Research
PACRA Maintains IFS Rating of Asia Insurance Company Limited
Rating Type | IFS | |
Current (01-Mar-19 ) |
Previous (12-Dec-18 ) |
|
Action | Maintain | Maintain |
IFS Rating | A | A |
Outlook | Positive | Positive |
Rating Watch | - | - |
Asia Insurance is an emerging t small-sized general insurance company of Pakistan. It is characterized by a) premium size, b) strong liquidity and c) good coverage to liabilities. Underwriting performance has sustained with a gradual uptick in business volumes coupled with operational efficiencies. There is a slight slow down, though. The company's stature has benefited from a recent equity stake taken up by InsuResilience Investment Fund, supported by the German Developed Bank KFW and managed by Switzerland based Impact Investment Manager BlueOrchard Finance. This has boosted the company's liquidity. The governance structure is also improving with the induction of a board member from BlueOrchard. The business synergies are also expected to materialize. The company foresee significant expansion in the business with more diversification in the product portfolio.
The Positive Outlook captures the company's improved liquidity and future plans, towards penetration and product enrichment. The translation into performance is considered positive.
About
the Entity
Asia Insurance Company Limited (ASIC), established in 1979 as a general insurance company,
is listed on both courses of the country. The company is majorly owned (71%) by Mr. Ihtsham ul Haq Qureshi and family.
ASIC, with its Head Office in Lahore, operates a network of 32 branches across the country. ASIC's Board of Directors comprises seven members. Mr. Khalid Rashid is the Chairman of the Board. Mr. Ihtsham ul Haq, the CEO, and the man at the last mile for Asia Insurance brings with him over two decades of experience in the insurance sector. Mr. Aisam ul Haq has been replaced by Mr. Thibaud Ponchon since April’18. Mr. Ponchon is a nominee director of KFW