Nosheen Booret

PACRA - The first and leading credit rating agency of Pakistan was established in 1994 as a joint venture among Fitch Ratings (the world's leading international rating agency, at that time IBCA Ratings), IFC (International Finance Corporation), and LSE Financial Services Limited ( at the time Lahore Stock Exchange). Since its inception PACRA have over 8500 opinions spread across more than 10 distinct financial sectors and more than 45 distinct corporate sectors; all these are a testament to its expertise, exceptional command, market leadership, and the confidence reposed in its opinions. The current outstanding rating opinions stand at over 500. More than 40% of the KSE-100 index companies are rated and have a rating opinion on every third rupee of corporate debt raised in Pakistan through the banking sector. PACRA along with its strong national position has also enhanced its international presence over the years. This includes successful completion of international rating assignments in collaboration with Fitch and providing technical assistance to NCR Bangladesh and Lanka Rating Agency. The ownership and management structure of PACRA ensures complete independence from any direct or indirect control of the government, political influence, private sector business group, or financial institution. Hence, the rating assigned by the rating committee of PACRA reflects a true and objectively formed opinion of the credit risk. PACRA's "over-quarter of a century" experience is equipped with a full range of credit rating and specialized rating services. Our Credit rating includes corporate entities and fixed income instruments. In contrast, the Specialized Ratings help gauge the risks across factors other than the probability of default. Specialized ratings include Financial Strength ratings of modarabas, Mutual Fund ratings, Insurer Financial Strength (IFS) ratings for insurance companies, Broker Fiduciary Ratings (BFR), and, Social Impact & Performance ratings (SIP).