Karachi: The Pakistan Credit Rating Agency Limited (PACRA) has maintained the credit rating of Bank AL Habib Limited (BAHL), emphasizing the bank's resilience and strategic initiatives in a competitive banking environment. The rating reflects BAHL's focus on sustainability, growth, and a strong customer-centric approach, which have been hallmarks of its operations.
Under consistent leadership, BAHL continues to implement strategic initiatives aimed at maintaining its competitiveness and expanding its market presence. The bank has a long-standing history of steady growth, supported by sound governance and prudent risk management.
A significant aspect of BAHL's strategy is its focus on nurturing customer relationships, which has been a key driver of loyalty and growth. The bank's strengths in trade finance and foreign remittances have significantly contributed to revenue diversification and industry positioning.
In the calendar year 2024, BAHL witnessed higher foreign trade volumes, and its focus on remittances improved its market share. This strategy allowed the bank to maintain a net positive contribution in forex terms. In the first nine months of the calendar year 2025, BAHL's deposit base grew to PKR 2.5 trillion, up from PKR 2.2 trillion in the previous year, increasing its market share to 7.00%. The CASA ratio stands at 90.2%, while advances are at PKR 906.6 billion.
Despite a period of stability, the bank's non-performing loans remain unchanged, primarily due to a few large, concentrated exposures that are adequately provided for. Management remains optimistic about recoveries, with profit after tax reported at PKR 25.3 billion, down from PKR 33.1 billion in the previous year.
BAHL is also expanding its acquisition business and enhancing its reach across financial services to meet evolving customer expectations. Although sector-wide margin compression is anticipated amid monetary easing, BAHL's strategic clarity, experienced leadership, and strong customer relationships position it to sustain growth and maintain its status as a stable institution in Pakistan's banking sector.
The ratings are contingent upon BAHL's sustained market positioning and asset quality preservation, with strong capital adequacy remaining crucial.