Press Release
VIS Upgrades Broker Management Rating of AKIK Capital (Private) Limited
Karachi, December 24, 2025: VIS Credit Rating Company Ltd. (VIS) has upgraded the Broker Management Rating of AKIK Capital (Private) Limited from ‘BMR3’ to ‘BMR3+’. Outlook on the assigned rating is ‘Stable’. Last rating action was announced on December 19, 2024.
The rating signifies adequate regulatory requirement, along with supervision, internal controls, client relationship, HR and infrastructure. Financial Management and Compliance & Risk Management are also considered adequate while external control framework is strong.
AKIK Capital (Pvt) Ltd is principally engaged in the brokerage of shares transactions. The Company caters mainly to domestic institutional and retail investors. AKIK operates through its head office based in Karachi and provides both assisted and online trading services. The Company holds Trading Rights Entitlement Certificate (TREC) granted by Pakistan Stock Exchange Limited (PSX), and is registered with SECP for providing Trading & Self Clearing Services. External auditors of the Company are Kreston Hyder Bhimji & Co Chartered Accountants, which is an ‘A’ category audit firm.
The rating upgrade reflects the Company’s strong external control framework, with comprehensive disclosures made in the financial statements. Contingency measures are in place, supported by offsite data backups outsourced to a third-party warehouse, which bodes well for the rating. The upgrade also incorporates improvements in compliance and risk management, underpinned by a conservative operating approach, with no credit limits extended to clients. The rating further factors in the Company’s client relationship and fairplay, supported by the availability of both desktop and mobile trading platforms, facilitating clients to ensure seamless transaction. However, establishment of a dedicated research function and provision of research materials on the Company’s website may further enhance client services. Expansion of the Company’s geographical footprint may also support broader customer reach. While internal policies are in place, enhancement in their scope may further strengthen the internal control framework. Meanwhile, the governance framework remains constrained by the small board size, comprising only two members. Expansion of the board, along with inclusion of independent and certified directors, may strengthen governance oversight. Additionally, with only one board committee currently in place, a larger board may facilitate the formation of additional committees to improve overall governance effectiveness.
Assessment of the financial profile reflects growth in operating revenue, primarily driven by higher brokerage income, in line with positive industry trends. However, the Company’s cost-to-income ratio remains elevated. Liquidity profile is considered sound, whereas market risk is elevated. The Company’s capitalization profile continues to be supported by its debt-free balance sheet, although the leverage indicator has increased and the equity base remains limited. Going forward, enhancing and diversifying the revenue base, reducing market risk, maintaining the liquidity profile and gearing levels, and strengthening the equity base will be important for the rating.
For further information on this rating, please contact 021-35311861-64 or email at info@vis.com.pk.
Applicable Rating Criteria: Broker Management Ratings:
https://docs.vis.com.pk/Methodologies%202024/Broker-Management.pdf
VIS Rating Scale
https://docs.vis.com.pk/docs/VISRatingScales.pdf