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Financial Strength & Resilience: PTCL Group dispels false speculations on U Microfinance Bank

10:06 PM | 23 Oct, 2023
Financial Strength & Resilience: PTCL Group dispels false speculations on U Microfinance Bank

ISLAMABAD - PTCL Group, the largest ICT services provider in Pakistan refutes all claims and rumours regarding the financial health of U Microfinance Bank (Ubank) its wholly-owned subsidiary. 

Ubank is Pakistan’s fastest-growing microfinance bank and one of the key players in the banking industry, highlights a robust and unwavering financial structure and has a strong capital base. 

PTCL Group ensures that the teams at Ubank, from the management to that on-ground, will continue to make progress, innovate, and endeavour to achieve the bank’s core mission of financial inclusion for all segments of Pakistani society.

Ubank’s Gross Loan Portfolio is one of the highest in the industry as a result of the bank’s sustainable growth strategy. Almost 54% of this portfolio is backed by gold, displaying the financial resilience of the bank against its lending practices. The diverse portfolio of Ubank also includes solar financing, agriculture tractor financing, housing, and vehicle financing, etc. 

Ubank enjoys strong and positive backing from PTCL Group. The bank has a paid-up capital of PKR 4 Billion, PKR 1 Billion as additional Tier-1 capital and PKR 1.2 Billion as Tier-2 capital from PTCL. In addition to this, the bank has also raised PKR 1 Billion additional Tier-1 capital from the market. The bank’s funding base continues to grow on a regular basis with consistent cash flows, deposits, lending, and capital influx. 

Hatem Bamatraf, President and Group CEO, PTCL & Ufone 4G and Chairman, Board of Directors, U Microfinance Bank, said: “Ubank has always enjoyed strong backing from PTCL Group. The bank has demonstrated impressive financial performance and a positive growth trajectory; therefore, I would like to reiterate that PTCL Group firmly stands with the bank and reassures the investors, customers and shareholders of its continued support. Currently, we don’t foresee the need for any equity injection in the bank but are fully committed to meeting any future growth requirements.” 

Given the strong capital base, diversified revenue engines and portfolio, coupled with unprecedented growth, Ubank remains credible with a long-term credit rating of A+ awarded to it by PACRA Credit Rating Agency and VIS Credit Rating Company. Both the rating agencies in Pakistan have reported Ubank to have a ‘Stable’ outlook, recognizing the bank’s sustainable business strategic initiatives. 

The Incumbent President & CEO, U Microfinance Bank, Mohamed Essa Al Taheri was earlier associated with Ubank as a Member of the Board of Directors and has previously worked with e& Group as the Group EVP Financial Policies and Systems.

In light of the ongoing developments, Al Taheri states, “We want to address recent rumours circulating on various platforms, regarding UPaisa & U Microfinance Bank's capital base. These claims are entirely baseless and unfounded. Ubank has a strong and committed management team and enjoys complete support from its investors, partners, stakeholders and customers as the bank continues to strive for growth and excellence.”

PTCL is owned 62% by the Government of Pakistan and 26% by e& (formerly Etisalat), whereas its subsidiary U Microfinance Bank came into existence in 2012 and since then has only witnessed consistent and unwavering growth.

The bank has steadily enhanced its profitability as an institution over the years, while significantly increasing its presence across multiple urban, as well as rural regions of Pakistan. Ubank and its wide network of 350+ branches is a testament to the bank’s commitment to reaching the unbanked population at the last mile while providing viable financial products and services to its customers.

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Pakistani rupee remains stable against US dollar, Euro, Pound and other currencies

Pakistani rupee remained stable against US dollar, and other currencies in the open market amid strong economic cues.

Dollar Rate in Pakistan Today

On Sunday, the US dollar was being quoted at 285.15 for buying and 287.95 for selling.

Euro moves down to 309.9 for buying and 310.5 for selling. British Pound rate stands at 359.4 for buying, and 360.05 for selling.

UAE Dirham AED also moved down to 77.45 whereas the Saudi Riyal drops to 75.82.

Today’s currency exchange rates in Pakistan – 3 December 2023

Currency Symbol Buying Selling
US Dollar ‎USD 285.15 287.95
Euro EUR 309.9 310.5
UK Pound Sterling GBP 359.4 360.05
U.A.E Dirham AED 77.45 77.6
Saudi Riyal SAR 75.82 75.97
Australian Dollar AUD 187.72 188.22
Bahrain Dinar BHD 759.94 767.94
Canadian Dollar CAD 209.99 210.49
China Yuan CNY 39.78 39.88
Danish Krone DKK 41.95 42.05
Hong Kong Dollar HKD 36.38 36.48
Indian Rupee INR 3.39 3.5
Japanese Yen JPY 1.49 1.56
Kuwaiti Dinar KWD 926.39 935.39
Malaysian Ringgit MYR 60.38 60.98
New Zealand Dollar NZD 173.44 175.44
Norwegians Krone NOK 26.25 26.55
Omani Riyal OMR 742.16 750.18
Qatari Riyal ‎QAR 78.5 79.2
Singapore Dollar SGD 212.45 212.95
Swedish Korona SEK 27.09 27.19
Swiss Franc CHF 325.38 325.88
Thai Bhat THB 8.05 8.09

Gold prices increase in Pakistan; check out today gold rates in Pakistan - 3 December 2023  

The price of gold increased by thousands of rupees due to an upward trend in the international market.

Gold Rates in Pakistan Today - 3 December 2023

On Sunday, the price of a single tola of 24-karat gold stands at Rs219,800 and 10 grams of 24k gold costs Rs188,450.

Meanwhile, single tola of 22 Karat gold costs Rs201,482, 21 karat rate costs Rs192,325 and 18k gold rate is Rs164,850.

Globally, gold prices hover at around $2072, gaining $32 on Sunday.

Today Gold Rate in Pakistan

City Gold Silver
Lahore PKR 219,800 PKR 2,730
Karachi PKR 219,800 PKR 2,730
Islamabad PKR 219,800 PKR 2,730
Peshawar PKR 219,800 PKR 2,730
Quetta PKR 219,800 PKR 2,730
Sialkot PKR 219,800 PKR 2,730
Attock PKR 219,800 PKR 2,730
Gujranwala PKR 219,800 PKR 2,730
Jehlum PKR 219,800 PKR 2,730
Multan PKR 219,800 PKR 2,730
Bahawalpur PKR 219,800 PKR 2,730
Gujrat PKR 219,800 PKR 2,730
Nawabshah PKR 219,800 PKR 2,730
Chakwal PKR 219,800 PKR 2,730
Hyderabad PKR 219,800 PKR 2,730
Nowshehra PKR 219,800 PKR 2,730
Sargodha PKR 219,800 PKR 2,730
Faisalabad PKR 219,800 PKR 2,730
Mirpur PKR 219,800 PKR 2,730

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