Press Release

VIS Reaffirms Broker Fiduciary Rating of AKIK Capital (Pvt) Ltd

Karachi, August 16, 2024: VIS Credit Rating Company Ltd. (VIS) has reaffirmed the Broker Fiduciary Rating of AKIK Capital (Pvt) Ltd at ‘BFR3’. Outlook on the assigned rating is ‘Stable’. Rating of BFR3 denotes good fiduciary standards. Last rating action was announced on August 01, 2023.

The rating signifies sound internal controls and regulatory compliance, while ownership and governance, management and client services as well as business and financial sustainability are considered adequate.

AKIK Capital (Pvt) Ltd is principally engaged in the brokerage of shares. The company caters mainly to domestic institutional and retail clients. At present, AKIK operates through its head office based in Karachi, where it 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 to provide Trading & Self Clearing Services. External auditors of the company are Kreston Hyder Bhimji & Co Chartered Accountants. External auditors belong to category ‘A’ on the approved list of auditors published by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).

Assigned rating takes into account the ownership and governance framework where enhancement in governance framework can be achieved with increase in board size, inclusion of independent directors and having more board committees. The Company has employed various channels for facilitating clients in executing online transactions. However, client services may be improved through the availability of online customer reports. Likewise, enhancement of trade procedures through sending prompt trade alerts may also be considered. Moreover, contingency measures may be further enhanced by increasing the frequency of disaster recovery exercises. The internal controls and regulatory compliance are considered sound. However, they may be further strengthened by enhancing the scope of internal policies and disseminating the conflict of interest policy to all stakeholders. Similarly, the addition of an independent risk management function may also enhance the internal control framework.

Assessment of the financial profile depicts a rebound in the operating revenue driven by higher brokerage revenue amid increased trading activity in the market. Consequently, the Company’s cost to income ratio witnessed a notable improvement, albeit it remains higher. Market risk is considered higher given higher short-term investments relative to equity. The liquidity profile is supported by healthy coverage of liabilities by liquid assets. Similarly, the capitalization profile draws support from nil gearing and low leverage indicators. Going forward, augmenting and diversifying the revenue base along with improving operational efficiency ratio as well as decreasing market risk will remain important for the rating.

For further information on this rating, please contact at 021-35311861-64 or email at info@vis.com.pk.


Applicable Rating Criteria: Broker Fiduciary Ratings:
https://docs.vis.com.pk/Methodologies%202024/Broker-Fiduciary-Rating.pdf

VIS Rating Scale
https://docs.vis.com.pk/docs/VISRatingScales.pdf

Information herein was obtained from sources believed to be accurate and reliable; however, VIS Credit Rating Company Limited (VIS) does not guarantee the accuracy, adequacy or completeness of any information and is not responsible for any errors or omissions or for the results obtained from the use of such information.VIS , the analysts involved in the rating process and members of its rating committee do not have any conflict of interest relating to the rating(s)/ranking(s) mentioned in this report.VIS is paid a fee for most rating assignments. This rating/ranking is an opinion and is not a recommendation to buy or sell any securities. Copyright 2024 VIS Credit Rating Company Limited . All rights reserved. Contents may be used by news media with credit to VIS .