PACRA Maintains Asset Manager Rating of 786 Investments Limited

The rating reflects the Company’s ("786IL"or the "Company") modest positioning in the competitive asset management industry. Currently, the Company is focusing on managing only one fund i.e. 786 Smart Fund. Since Dec'20, the assets under management of the Company increased by ~57%, to PKR ~871mln at end Sep'21. However, the market share remained stagnant at 0.1% as the industry grew at a faster pace. The rating also incorporates the Company's good governance framework, experienced management team and adequate organizational structure. The Company managed to improve the financial position and turned the losses into profits. The Company recorded a profit of PKR 3.3mln during FY21 (FY20: PKR 2.82mln). Other Income and share of associates' also contributed to turning around the Company's losses into profits. The Company has retained its investment advisory license, which would ultimately strengthen the existing revenue streams. The fund performance remained above the benchmark but below the peers average in the category. Currently, the equity stood at PKR 230mln at end FY21, which is above minimum equity requirement. Strong sponsor commitment is considered positive for the rating.
The rating is dependent on materialization of strategy to enhance AUM's and market position of the Company. Meanwhile, maintaining strong fund performance and diversifying fund slate is important. Upholding high governance standards and strengthening of risk management is crucial for the rating.

About the Entity
786 Investments Limited is a public listed company and was founded in 1990 with Asian Development Bank being its co-sponsor. The Company commenced business operations of venture capital financing in 1993. Later, in 2002, First Dawood Group in partnership with Asian Development Bank, converted the Company's business operations to asset management. The key shareholders are First Dawood Investment Bank (15%), Bank of Khyber (15%), B.R.R. Guardian Modaraba (~13%), and Miss Tara Uzra Dawood (~12%). The remaining shareholding of ~45% is held by other individuals and entities. The Company had AUM's of ~ PKR 871 mln at end Sep'21 (Dec'20: ~PKR 555 mln).
786 Investments Limited has a seven member board including the CEO, Ms. Tara Uzra Dawood. She holds a Doctorate in judicial science from Harvard Law School. She is on the board of directors of MUFAP and has around two decades of professional experience in mergers and acquisitions, corporate law and investment management. She is supported by an experienced core management team. The other board members comprise four independent directors including Mrs. Shafqat Sultana, who is also also the Chairperson of the board. She is a professional banker and possesses around four decades of experience in financial sector.