A performance analysis on private mutual funds in Bangladesh

1.1 Introduction

 This report is part of my academic program. To obtain the degree of MBA, you will have to fulfill all of your credit hours available in your course. For this reason behind, you need to complete your internship of three months subsequently producing a report addressing all of the issues you achieve in your intern period. I believed that this study helped me to applying my five years acquired knowledge in Business environment of Mutual Funds like Grameen Mutual Fund One, AIMS First Guaranteed Mutual Fund, ICB AMCL Islamic Mutual Fund. This internship program helped me to understand the organizational environment and behavior also. This program helped us for getting practical work and giving me the opportunity to adjust the theoretical knowledge and practical experience. So, I want to give my heartiest thanks to my supervisor to give such opportunity to show my capability and aptitude in this relevant area.

1.2 Motivation of the Study

Internship is a compulsory part of completing the MBA program in our department. For selecting the Mutual Funds as my potential employer as an intern is that Mutual Funds contributes heavily for the retail investors. Since I am a student of finance background, I am interested to apply my acquired knowledge to mutual funds.

1.3 Objective of the Study

The objective of this study is to acquire the practical knowledge. As a business graduate, this institution is one of the others to know all its function subsequently apply my bookish knowledge. In brief the objectives can be narrated as follows-

    To apply acquired knowledge.

    To acquaint myself with the practical aspect of the mutual funds.

1.4 Rational of the Study

This study is important for knowing the overall performance of Mutual Funds. Mutual Funds play a vital role for the retail investor s in Bangaldesh. Because Mutual Funds act as an intender by which it collects funds from the retail investors to acquire huge amount of capital for making investment in diversified portfolio.  By this investment Mutual Funds can avoid all sorts of unsystematic risk pertaining to the investment and can achieve the diversified return. Generally retail investors are risk averse investors. They always want to invest in low risk project. But for minimizing the risk it is needle to invest in a large scale of various types of securities. Since it is not possible for the individual investor to collect huge capital, Mutual Funds act on be half of them to collect capital by issuing share and invest that proceed.

 This study is important for me in academic point of view. Performance measurement is an important aspect for a Financial Analyst which is a dream for every finance student. Since I am a student of Finance, it is undoubtedly true that the internship in Mutual Funds will enhance my proficiency.

I have tried my best to measure the performance for Mutual Funds.

1.5 Limitations

Everything has its own limitation. My report is not beyond that. Though I try my best to present myself in this report as a laborious one, there is some ambiguity for preparing my report because of various factors.

Factors include the followings:

a.       Three months time is not available to know a giant organization.

b.      Unavailability of information to run the mathematical tools.

c.       The management of Mutual Funds was reluctant to disclose their confidential information because of retaining their privacy.

d.      Business of the head of the division is also a reason for not the availability of information.

Chapter: 2  

   Methodology of the Study

2.1 Data collection Procedure

This report is mainly based on exploratory research and secondary data. Different books L& journals such as the annual reports published by the mutual funds, company’s websites, preceding studies have been used to get an insight; Primary information regarding mutual funds has been gathered through personal interviews of some of the officials of the organization. The head of every department helps me for this regard. Financial performance analysis of mutual funds has been done using the annual reports of the organization. Personal interview is the main way of collecting data.

2.2 Procedure for Data Analysis

In preparing this report I tried my best to follow some methodology for comments & evaluation in any area. These analyses are very root for the research based analysis.

I have not considered the chi-square test, t-test, z-test to make this report simple and lack of practical knowledge of using statistical software is one of the bars for preparing this report as like as think tank.

My considered tools are as follows:

1         Ratio analysis

2         Earning per share analyze

3         Dividend yield

4         Growth rate analyze

 To prepare this report I have gone through all the depts. of the Mutual Funds. Getting information from the in- charge of every dept. & using library, journals, annual reports enrich my report. Methodology can be divided into broad categories:

2.3 Data Collection procedure

Primary Sources:

Data which are collected directly can be also described as raw data. For this, all the members of the Mutual Funds were very helpful to provide information.

Secondary Sources:

Secondary sources of data are the followings:

1        Annual reports of the Mutual Funds

2        Various books of the library of Mutual Funds

3        Business Journals

4        Mutual Funds ordinance

5        General information

6        Others

Chapter: 3

Asset & Investment Management Services of Bangladesh Limited (AIMS) First Guaranteed Mutual Fund

3.1 Introduction

There are two types of mutual funds in Bangladesh – one is owned & managed by Investment Corporation of Bangladesh (ICB) which is completely Govt. owned & the other is the private mutual funds. They act mainly an investment bank which focuses individual investment. This acts as an underwriter. They collect fund from individual by issuing shares subsequently invest that fund in shares making portfolio of securities to mitigate the risk. One of the private mutual funds is AIMS First Guaranteed Mutual Fund.

3.2 Background of AIMS First Guaranteed Mutual Fund

The Trust Deed of the Fund was registered on January 02, 2000 under the Trust Act 1882 and Registration Act 1908. The SEC registered the Fund on January 27, 2000 under the Securities and Exchange Commission (Mutual Fund) Regulations 1997. The team-managed all-weather Fund is a 'close-ended capital guaranteed balanced mutual fund' established to enable both institutional and private investors to invest in the Bangladesh capital market. The Fund will be providing investment incentives and opportunities in order to help broaden the investment base in Bangladesh. The life of the Fund is five years, although there are circumstances set out in the Trust Deed where the unit holders can extend the life of the Fund.

Close-ended Policy

The Fund will adopt a closed-ended policy in its operation. In compliance with the policy, the Fund will not change the initial capital position by issuing any additional shares or repurchasing existing shares during the life of the fund.

Guarantee Policy

The investors, including the sponsors, of the Fund are guaranteed with respect to their initial capital investment on redemption. The initial subscription amount, i.e., the face value will be paid back at maturity (redemption) even if the per share NAV falls below par at that point of time.

The capital of the Fund is fully underwritten at redemption only at the end of the fifth year from the date of listing by IDLC of Bangladesh Limited and AIMS of Bangladesh Limited up to a maximum fund size of Tk 100 million. Under the Scheme, the Fund shall place with IDLC an irrevocable margin deposit with a validity of five years, amounting to 30 percent of the final fund size, where IDLC will pay interest @ 13.5% p.a. compounded semi-annually. The net exposure, representing the final Fund size less future value of margin deposit at maturity, will be shared on a pro-rata basis by IDLC and AIMS and there will be an underwriting commission of 1.25% p.a. on 50% of the net exposure amount, paid semiannually in advance to IDLC. AIMS will not charge any commission on their portion of the exposure.

Additionally, the Fund has incorporated hedging mechanism by which there will be a trigger sale by the Fund as and when market price of any security in the portfolio of the Fund falls by 25 percent of acquisition cost, provided that at no point of time the portfolio value, excluding the margin deposit value at maturity, shall be below the net exposure of the Capital Guarantee Scheme of the Fund.

Face Value and Market Lot

For the benefit of small investors, the Face Value of the share of the Fund is fixed at

Tk 1 (one) and the market lot constitutes 2,500 (two thousand five hundred) shares.

3.3 Investment Objectives and Policy

The primary objective of the balanced fund is to achieve capital appreciation as well as earn dividend and interest income through investment in the capital markets of Bangladesh. It mostly will focus on preservation of principal and at the same time earn moderate return for the shareholders. The assets of the Fund will be invested principally in equity securities and, if available, equity related hybrid instruments like convertible bonds and warrants. Most of the investments will be made in the companies listed on the DSE and/or CSE. The Fund may also invest in unlisted equity securities directly from the issuers (IPO and pre-IPO placement) at the primary market. The Fund may also invest in listed and/or unlisted debt instruments, including government notes and bonds.

The principal investment objective and policies of the Fund as set out above will, in the absence of unforeseen circumstances, be adhered to during the life of the Fund. The Fund will always adopt the investment policy that will ensure the balanced nature.

The details of the investment policies are as follows:

(a) The Fund expects to be fully (with an insignificant cash margin) invested within

120 days from the date of listing.

(b) The Fund shall invest only in securities and investments approved by the Securities & Exchange Commission, the Bangladesh Bank and/or the Controller of Insurance of Bangladesh.

(c) The Fund may underwrite public issue of debt or equity securities.

(d) All Money collected under the Fund, except the margin deposit against Capital

Guarantee Scheme, shall be invested only in transferable securities whether in money market or equity market or privately placed debentures or securitized debts.

(e) Not less than 30 percent of the total assets will be invested in fixed income securities (FIS), including the capital guarantee margin.

(f) Maximum of 15 percent of the NAV of the Fund may be invested in unlisted equity and/or debt securities purchased directly from issuers (IPO and Pre-IPO placement) at any point of time. It is the intention of the Fund that where investments are made in unlisted securities, such investments shall be in securities where a listing can reasonably be expected within a reasonable period of time. It is not the intention of the Fund to be a provider of 'venture' capital.

(g) FIS investment will be made mostly in privately placed unquoted debt or depository instruments of different terms.

(h) The equity portfolio will be a growth-value blend basket of large-cap as well as small-cap stocks.

(i) In order to increase the profit potential, the manager will have the flexibility to use market timing to move between stocks and FIS in any percentage them deem prudent when investment conditions change.

(j) 40 percent of the total equity investment will be invested in large-cap blue-chip companies. The manager will take a long-term position on such strategic holdings.

(k) 60 percent of the total equity investment will be invested in small-cap growth companies. The manager will take a short-term position on such tactical holdings.

(l) In order to protect the capital and increase the profit potential, the manager will have the flexibility to use market timing to move between tactical and strategic holdings in any percentage they deem prudent, when investment conditions change.

(m) The Fund will seek to invest in companies, which it considers to exhibit good growth potential and have sound management.

(n) Dividend and interest income will be the primary consideration and capital appreciation will be the secondary consideration in making strategic investments.

(o) Capital appreciation will be the primary consideration and dividend and interest income will be the secondary consideration in making tactical investments.

 (p) During periods in which the Investment Manager believes changes in economic, financial or political conditions will adversely affect the Fund's portfolio, the Fund may, for temporary defensive purposes, reduce holdings in equity and other securities and invest in short and/or medium-term debt securities or hold cash.

The investment objective of the Fund is not fundamental and so may be changed by the AMC and the Trustee. However, shareholders would be notified of any material change in the Fund's objective. There is, however, no assurance or pretence that the Fund will achieve the stated objective.

3.4 Nature & Style

This team-managed all-weather Fund is a closed-end capital guaranteed balanced mutual fund. It mostly will focus on preservation of principal and at the same time earn moderate return for the shareholders. Because of the balanced nature, the Fund is less risky than the existing all-equity mutual funds available in the market.

The portfolio will be a growth-value blend basket of large-cap as well as small-cap stocks and a mix of fixed income securities.

In order to increase the profit potential, the management company will have the flexibility to use market timing to move between stocks and Fixed Income Securities in any percentage they deem prudent when investment conditions change.

The management company will adopt both fundamental and quantitative investing approach for the Fund. All investment decisions will be backed by thorough in-house fundamental and technical research.

3.5 Manager

AIMS of Bangladesh Limited

Asset & Investment Management Services of Bangladesh Limited, the initiator of the concept, is the Manager of the Fund. Mr. Monzurul Haque is the Chairman and Mr. Yawer Sayeed is the Managing Director & CEO of the company.

3.6 Sponsors

1. IPDC of Bangladesh Limited

IPDC is the premier joint venture private sector development finance institution operating since 1981. Mr. K. M. Ejazul Huq, Secretary, Ministry of Industries is the Chairman and Mr. C. M. Alam FCA the Managing Director. The company is owned by IFC, CDC, DEG, AKFED and Government of Bangladesh.

2. Sandhani Life Insurance Company Limited

Sandhani Life is a leading private life insurance company of the country, operating since 1993. It is chaired by Al-Haj Mockbul Hossain MP. Mr. Ahasanul Islam Titu MBA is the Vice Chairman and Mr. M. A. Karim the Managing Director.

3. Pangaea Partners (BD) Limited
Pangaea is a joint venture merchant bank with a US investment banking and

consulting institution. Mr. Eric G. Postel is the Chairman and Mr. Irshadul Islam the Managing Director.

4. IDLC of Bangladesh Limited
IDLC, operating since 1986, is the pioneer in leasing business in Bangladesh sponsored by IFC, DEG, AKFED, KDLC, KLB, IPDC, CBL and SBC. Mr. C. M. Alam FCA is the Chairman and Mr. Aminul Islam is the Managing Director.

5. Southeast Bank Limited
Southeast is engaged in commercial banking since 1995. Mr. Yussuf Abdullah Harun is the Chairman and Mr. Syed Anisul Huq is the Managing Director of the Bank.

6. Uttara Finance & Investments Limited
Uttara, a leasing and financing company, is a joint venture between Uttara Group and Singapore based investors. Mr. Rashid-ul Hasan is the Chairman and Mr. Sayyed Husain Jamal is the Managing Director.

7. Sandhani Credit Cooperative Society Limited
Sandhani Credit operating since 1998 has established their name in mobilizing and lending funds to the small and medium enterprises. It is chaired by Al-Haj Mockbul Hossain MP.

8. Bangladesh Industrial Finance Co. Ltd
BIFC is a newly established finance and leasing company under joint venture with Hong Kong. Mr. Golam Kabir is the Chairman and Mr. Khalilur Rahman is the Managing Director. Major (Retd) Abdul Mannan is an Alternate Director.

3.7 Trustee

Bangladesh General Insurance Company Limited (BGIC)

BGIC is the first general insurance company of Bangladesh in the private sector operating for the last fifteen years. Mr. Towhid Samad is the Chairman & Managing Director of the company. He along with Mr. Khorshed Alam, former Governor of Bangladesh Bank, is in the Board of Trustees.

3.8 Custodian

Standard Chartered Bank

SCB is a British Bank operating in Bangladesh for over 50 years. They have been providing custodial services to foreign institutional investors. They are experienced and skilled in this line of service.

3.9 Investment Restrictions

The following restrictions are fundamental policies of the Fund that may not be changed without the approval of majority of the Fund's outstanding voting securities. If a percentage restriction on investment or use of assets set forth below is adhered to at the time a transaction is effected, later changes of holding value due to changes in market price movement will not be considered a violation of the restrictions.

(a) The Fund shall not invest in securities having unlimited liability.

(b) The Fund shall not buy its own shares.

 (c) Investments by way of privately placed debentures, securitized debts and other unquoted debt instruments shall not exceed 40% of the total assets of the Fund.

(d) The Fund shall not invest more than 10% of its assets in any one particular company shares.

(e) The Fund shall not own more than 15% of any company’s paid-up capital at any point of time.

(f) The Fund shall not invest more than 20% of the funds in shares, debentures or other securities of a single company.

(g) The Fund shall not invest more than 25% of its funds in shares, debentures or other securities in any one industry.

(h) The Fund shall not involve in option trading or short selling or carry forward transactions.

(i) The Fund shall not invest in or lend to another scheme under the same Asset Management Company.

3.10 Capital Structure

Share Issue

The Fund has issued 50,000,000 shares of Tk 1 each at par totaling Tk 50,000,000. The total issue has been distributed as follows:

Subscribers No. of Shares                                                    Taka

Sponsors 20,000,000                                                               20,000,000

Pre-IPO Placement 20,000,000                                              20,000,000

General Investors 10,000,000                                                 10,000,000

Total Size of the Fund 50,000,000                                       50,000,000

Subscription from the Sponsors

20,000,000 shares at Tk 1 each have been subscribed and paid in full by the sponsors.

The respective holdings of the sponsors are as follows:

Sponsors No. of Shares                                                                     Taka

IPDC of Bangladesh Limited 2,500,000                                            2,500,000

Sandhani Life Insurance Company Limited 4,000,000                      4,000,000

Pangaea Partners (BD) Limited 4,500,000                                         4,500,000

IDLC of Bangladesh Limited 2,500,000                                           2,500,000

Southeast Bank Limited 3,000,000                                                    3,000,000

Uttara Finance and Investments Limited 2,000,000                          2,000,000

Sandhani Credit Co-operative Society Limited 1,000,000                1,000,000

Bangladesh Industrial Finance Company Ltd. 500,000                     500,000

Total Sponsorship 20,000,000                                                          20,000,000

Pre-IPO Placement

20,000,000 shares at Tk 1 each have been privately placed with the following institutions, as follows:

Pre-IPO Investors No. of Shares                                                     Taka

Consortium of Exchange Members & Clients7 14,000,000               14,000,000

Pangaea Partners (BD) Limited 5,000,000                                         5,000,000

Investment Corporation of Bangladesh (ICB) 500,000                     500,000

Green Delta Insurance Company Limited 500,000                            500,000

Total Private Placement 20,000,000                                                20,000,000

Public Offer

10,000,000 shares at Tk 1 each are being offered to the public for subscription in cash in full on application. Certificates will be allocated in the manner placed alongside.

NRBs                                                  1,000,000

General Public                                     9,000,000

Total Public Offer                             10,000,000

Chapter: 4

Grameen Mutual Fund One

4.1 Introduction

Grameen One is the first scheme of Grameen Mutual Fund One, a trust property registered on May 09, 2001 under the Trust Act, 1882, and Registration Act, 1908. The SEC has registered the Trust as a Mutual Fund on August 28, 2001 under the Securities and Exchange Commission (Mutual Fund) Rules, 2001. The SEC has also approved the Scheme and provided consent on June 27, 2005 to raise subscription from the general investors through public offer.

The life of the Scheme is 10 (ten) years from the date of first listing, although there is circumstances set out in the Trust Deed where the unit holders can extend the life on maturity of the tenure.

4.2 Background of initiating a close-end mutual fund

The mutual fund is sponsored by the Grameen Bank principally to facilitate micro savers to invest in the country’s capital market instruments. Although this Fund has been launched primarily for the benefit of the 4.3 million borrowers of Grameen Bank, 96% of whom are women, other micro- and small savers of the country may also find this team-managed, close-ended balanced Fund a dependable investment vehicle. AIMS of Bangladesh Limited, the first SEC-approved asset management company in Bangladesh, pioneered mutual fund under private initiative. It has gained valuable experience and confidence in managing a mutual fund efficiently. This encouraged Grameen Bank to give responsibility to AIMS to manage this mutual fund sponsored by the Bank. The SEC has already approved and registered the Trust as Mutual Fund and provided consent to raise subscription from the investors through Public Offer.

The vision of Professor Mohammad Yunus, founder of Grameen Bank, was to create a dependable financial instrument for the poor clients of Grameen Bank, as well as the poor people of the country, to connect them with the macro economy, give them ownership in the leading enterprises, and take advantage of the growth of the economy. Not only the poor borrowers of Grameen Bank would be investing in their own income-generating activities, they may also be part of owners of the promising enterprises of the country. By owning units of the Mutual Fund, they can also build their own old-age protection. Grameen Mutual Fund has been created to fulfill this dream. This Fund would enhance the earning potential of the savings of the poor savers by linking them with the national capital market in a structured and transparent way. It would also encourage other rural savers to take advantage of this new financial opportunity.

4.3 Nature & Style

This team-managed all-weather Fund is a closed-end capital guaranteed balanced mutual fund. It mostly will focus on preservation of principal and at the same time earn moderate return for the shareholders. Because of the balanced nature, the Fund is less risky than the existing all-equity mutual funds available in the market.

The portfolio will be a growth-value blend basket of large-cap as well as small-cap stocks and a mix of fixed income securities.

In order to increase the profit potential, the management company will have the flexibility to use market timing to move between stocks and Fixed Income Securities in any percentage they deem prudent when investment conditions change.

The management company will adopt both fundamental and quantitative investing approach for the Fund. All investment decisions will be backed by thorough in-house fundamental and technical research.

Close-end policy

The Scheme will adopt a close-end policy in its operation. In compliance with the policy, the Scheme will not change the capital position by issuing any additional units or repurchasing existing units during the life (i.e. 10 years) of the Scheme.

Face value and market lot

The face value of the units of the Scheme is fixed at Tk10 (taka ten) and since there would be no paper scrip issued against any holding, no market lot is necessary and, therefore, for trading at the Stock Exchanges under the CDS mechanism one unit of Tk10 each shall comprise the tradable market lot. However, minimum application amount for Public Offer application shall be for 500 (five hundred) units amounting Tk5, 000 (taka five thousand) and its multiples on a single BO account of the CDS.

4.4 Competitive Advantages in investing in Grameen One

      Mutual funds substantially lower the investment risk of small investors through diversification in which funds are spread out into various sectors, companies, securities as well as entirely different markets. It is always the objective of a fund manager to maximize a fund's return for a given level of risk through tolerable risk-return tradeoff.

      Mutual funds mobilize the fund and channel them into profitable investment opportunities. As a result, mutual funds add liquidity to the market. Moreover, given that the funds are long-term investment vehicles, they reduce market volatility by extending support to scrip prices.

      Mutual funds provide the institutional investors an access to the whole market that, at an individual level, would be difficult if not impossible to achieve.

      Because funds are professionally managed, investors are relieved of the emotional strain associated with the day-to-day management of the fund. Moreover, the amounts of analytical research and study that go into selecting the best securities for a fund portfolio can prove to be overwhelming for the general investor, and is best left to the experts.

      The investor saves a good deal of transaction costs given that s/he has access to    a larger number of securities by purchasing a single unit of a mutual fund.

      The investor can pick and choose a mutual fund to match his/her particular needs.

      Mutual fund is the only vehicle that operates simultaneously both at the demand as well as the supply side of the market. On the supply side, mutual funds’, being itself a listed security in the Stock Exchanges, introduces a good and reliable instrument in the capital market for the small but astute investors. Mutual fund units have been one of the most sought-after scrip’s. On the demand side, since mutual fund investments are primarily in the secondary market stock and bonds bought at the Stock Exchanges, the demand for blue chip shares thus increases with the operation of the mutual funds.

      Mutual funds are one of the most strictly-regulated investment vehicles. The laws governing mutual funds require exhaustive disclosure to the SEC as well as the general public. The laws also entail continuous regulation of fund operations by the Trustee.

      Professional fund managers search for the attractive assets and securities. They do all the footwork to uncover opportunities and research them to make sure that the investment is appropriate for the fund. The fund’s stated goal, or investment objective influences the choice of securities.

  Another benefit of mutual fund is liquidity, the ability to move money in and out of the investment. Unlike fixed deposits or CDs, where money is tied up for a period of time, mutual funds are designed so that access or exit is easy.

4.5 Investment objectives and policy

The primary objective of the Scheme is to achieve capital appreciation as well as earn dividend and interest income through investment in the capital market of Bangladesh. It mostly shall focus on generating cash earning and at the same time preservation of capital. The assets of the Scheme will be invested both in equity securities and fixed-income securities (FIS). Most of the equity investments will be made in the companies listed on the DSE and/or CSE. The Scheme may also invest in unlisted equity securities directly from the issuers (IPO and pre-IPO placement) at the primary market. The Scheme may also invest in the listed and/or unlisted debt instruments, including government notes and bonds.

The principal investment objective and policies of the Scheme as set out above will, in the absence of unforeseen circumstances, be adhered to during the life of the Scheme. The Scheme will always adopt the investment policy that will ensure the balanced nature that is being contemplated.

The details of the investment policies are as follows:

a) The Scheme shall invest only in securities and investments approved by the SEC, the Bangladesh Bank and/or the Controller of Insurance of Bangladesh or any other competent authority in this regard.

b) All money collected under the Scheme, except FIS investments, shall be invested only in transferable securities whether in money market or equity market or privately placed debentures or securitized debts.

c) Generally not more than 25% of the assets will be invested in the fixed-income securities (FIS).

d) FIS investment may be made in privately placed unquoted debt or depository instruments of different terms.

e) The equity portfolio will be a growth-value blend basket of large-cap as well as small-cap stocks.

f) In order to increase the profit potential, the manager will have the flexibility to use market timing to move between stocks and FIS in any percentage they deem prudent when investment conditions change.

g) The Scheme will seek to invest in companies, which it considers to exhibit good growth potential and have sound management.

h) The AMC shall categorize the investments either as ‘Trading Securities’ or as’ Available-for-Sale Securities’ as they deem prudent, as per provisions of IAS- 39 corresponding to the Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (SFAS) No. 115 of Financial Accounting Standard Board, USA.

i) Capital appreciation will be the primary consideration and dividend and interest income will be the secondary consideration for the trading-security investments.

j) Dividend and interest income will be the primary consideration and capital appreciation will be the secondary consideration for the available-for-sale security investments.

k) During periods in which the Investment Manager believes changes in economic, financial or political conditions will adversely affect the Scheme's portfolio, the Scheme may, for temporary defensive purposes, reduce holdings in equity and other securities and invest in short and/or medium-term debt securities or hold cash.

The investment objective of the Scheme may be changed by the Trustee and the AMC. However, unit holders would be notified of any material change in the Scheme's objective.

4.6 Mission & Vision Statement

Our Mission:  To be a household name in Bangladesh and be recognized as a reliable companion in the pursuit of wealth creation.

Our Goal: To take the extra mile to meet the customer’s needs through continuous innovation of suitable financial products and offering the best solutions.

Our Values:    To strive for achieving and maintaining the highest ethical and moral standards to earn the trust of our clients and patrons.

Capabilities: AIMS is experienced in conceiving, developing, structuring, launching and marketing appropriate financial instruments for raising and managing capital, suiting specific needs.

Ø AIMS is also experienced in devising alternative non-traditional corporate    finance instruments like asset and mortgage backed securitization.

Ø AIMS is experienced in corporate and financial advisory services, including debt and equity valuation, credit analysis, feasibility studies and conducting due diligence exercise. 

Ø AIMS is experienced in establishing and managing Trust Funds, including Venture Capital and Mutual Funds, and also capable of constructing and managing portfolios of diverse nature and characteristics.

Ø AIMS is capable of independently carrying out diagnostic research including micro as well as macro-economic and sectoral research studies.

Ø AIMS has the capabilities for delivering corporate restructuring and management solutions and services.

Ø AIMS also has the capabilities of advising and arranging cross-border joint venture undertakings and on mergers and acquisitions as well as strategic holdings and privatization 

4.7 Major Achievements

Ø AIMS has the rare distinction of being the first approved asset management company in Bangladesh under private initiative and remains so far the only one such institution in the country.

Ø AIMS has brought about qualitative changes in the finance sector in general and the capital market in particular through introducing innovative products and new approaches to investment finance in Bangladesh. 

Ø AIMS  has floated and managing the Tk 70 million first privately managed usual fund in Bangladesh sponsored by top-ranked institutions representing all he sub-sectors of the finance industry, which played a pioneering role in enveloping a matured investment culture. The five-year closed-end Fund features capital guarantees characteristics, unique in Bangladesh (2000).

Ø AIMS is the SEC registered Asset Manager of the Grameen Mutual Fund One sponsored by the internationally reputed Grameen Bank founded by Professor Mhammad Yunus. The Tk 150 million first scheme of the Fund features a minimum assured yield, a new concept in Bangladesh (2001).

Ø AIMS is engaged as Financial Advisor for the Asian Development Bank ADB) financed Technical Assistance to the Privatization Commission. Task included, among others, due diligence and valuation of pilot enterprise, independent review & privatization plan and documentation, in collaboration with International Consultants (2004).

Ø We are engaged as Consultant Financial Analyst & Process Coordinator of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for the Project Preparatory Technical Assistance (PPTA) for Small & Medium Enterprises Development and Export Expansion Program (SME DEEP) Loan, where major task among others, included conducting international standard due diligence of participating financial institutions with international consultants (2003).

Ø AIMS is first to introduce the concept of asset securitization by financing institutions in Bangladesh. We advised the securitization of micro-credit receivables by BRAC, the largest NGO in the world.

Ø AIMS was the 'Consultative Process Coordinator' of the Asian Development and (ADB) for the ‘Finance, Industry & Trade Sector (FITS) Integrated Strategy Formulation’ of the Bank in Bangladesh for coordination and dialogue with the government, donors and stakeholder groups to discuss issues and potential interventions (2002).

Ø AIMS was the Consultant of the World Bank for the regional study and report on ‘Asset Securitization of Financial Institutions in Bangladesh’ for the Credit, Bridge & Standby Facility (CBSF) at Bangladesh Bank under the Financial Institutions Development Project (FIDP) of the Bank (2002).

Ø AIMS is a Consultant for a study ‘Comparative Analysis of Corporate Governance in South Asia: Charting a Road Map for Bangladesh’ commissioned by the Department for International Development (DFID) of the United Kingdom (2002). Currently engaged in the second phase as a Member of the Core Working Group of the national task force with Bangladesh Enterprise Institute (BEI) in drafting a ‘Code of Corporate Governance’ for Bangladesh (2002-4)

Ø AIMS is the Advisor to the Asian Development Bank (ADB)  and holder of Power of Attorney for their strategic divestment of equity holding in the joint venture United Leasing Company Limited (ULC), a leading non-bank financial institution in Bangladesh. Conducted valuation of the company stocks and initiated negotiations with prospective strategic buyers (2002-4).

Ø AIMS conducted for the Netherlands Development Finance Company (FMO) a due diligence on Dutch-Bangla Bank Limited, the only joint-venture commercial bank in Bangladesh, for pricing and eventual public float of the Bank at a premium (2000).

Ø Carried out a diagnostic study for the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and co-authored with the International Financial Specialist a report on ‘Strategic Issues and Potential Response Initiatives in the Finance Industry & Trade Sector (FITS) of Bangladesh’ for them (2001)

Ø Prepared a report on ‘Issues and Status of Financing Small & Medium Enterprises in Bangladesh’ for the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and also the background reports and papers for the “Integrated Financial Deepening’, ‘Banking Reform & Development’ and ‘Enterprise Reform & Privatization’ for the Bank (2002).

Ø AIMS was engaged as Consultant by the Department for International Development (DFID) of UK for a study on ‘Commercialization Review of Bureau Tangail’, a micro-credit financing institution in Bangladesh that researched possible legal and financial requirements and implications of commercialization of micro-credit institutions as banking or non-banking financial institutions (2002).

Ø At the invitation of the World Bank and the Central Bank, AIMS conducted a high level training program on 'Securitization of Receivables' for the non-bank financing institutions, including housing and leasing companies, under the Financial Institutions Development Program (FIDP) of the World Bank (2001).

Ø AIMS had the honor of revealing a study on 'Asset Securitization in Bangladesh' for high level officials of the Central Bank and the Securities & Exchange Commission at the World Bank Dhaka Office that was also video-linked with the World Bank Head Office, Washington (2001).

Ø AIMS was Consultant to the Shared Interest plc, London for feasibility study on its activity in Bangladesh as part of a Department for International Development (DFID) of UK funded project for Business Support Services (BDS), including to Tradecraft (UK) and ECOTA Forum Bangladesh (2003).

Ø The Managing Director of AIMS led the 26 member Bangladesh delegation to the South Asia Regional Debt Market Symposium at Sri Lanka, under auspices of the International Finance Corporation (IFC), an affiliate of the World Bank that charted a 'road map' for the development of a debt securities market in Bangladesh (1999).

Ø The Managing Director of AIMS acted as the Rapporteur of the breakout session on 'The Role of the Private Sector' at the Seminar on Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) jointly organized by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Government of Bangladesh (2002).

Ø The Managing Director of AIMS attended the 4th and the 5th Asian Workshop on Corporate Governance at Mumbai (2002) and Kuala Lumpur (2003), as an official delegate sponsored by the OECD, DFID and the Commonwealth Secretariat and also attended the publication ceremony of the Asian White Paper on Corporate Governance held at the ADB institute, Tokyo (2003).

Ø The Managing Director of AIMS attended the Asian Pension Fund Roundtable sponsored by the Asia Foundation and The Pacific Pension Institute, to initiate a region network (Bangkok, 2003) and also attended a workshop on Pension Management and Corporate Governance in residence at the Asian Institute of Corporate Governance (AICG), Seoul sponsored by the Asia Foundation (2004).

 

4.8 Strength
 At AIMS we have adopted the AIMR (Association for Investment Management and Research) code of ethics and professional standards as a corporate policy.

Ø We believe in professionalism and therefore maintain firm distinction between ownership and management. Consequently as a matter of policy, no director or shareholder of the company or any of their relations are engaged in running the business operation of or are employed with the company.

Ø We have set very high and clear objectives before us and a goal to venture in     to untested grounds.

Ø AIMS is run by a team of expert analysts and capital market & investment banking professionals and is equipped with state-of-the-art computerized automated system.

Ø AIMS ensures smooth operation through synergy with other reputed service providers including researchers, financiers, brokers/dealers, lawyers, accountants and bankers as well as international fund managers.

Ø AIMS maintains a full-time channel of communication and collaborative interaction with multilateral funding agencies, donors and technical assistance providers.

Ø AIMS has developed a highly resourceful research base and all decisions and recommendations are made on the basis of thorough independent fundamental and technical analysis and research findings.

Ø The Managing Director acts as 'Compliance Officer' of the company ensuring the moral and professional standard among the practitioners within the company.

Ø A 'Chinese Wall' has been developed among different departments for effectively controlling information flow and checking unfair practices like insider trading and protect proprietary interests.

Ø AIMS is a career oriented equal opportunity employer and is regarded as a knowledge based institution.

 

4.9 Community Contribution

Ø AIMS has contributed to the community through mobilizing the untapped resources to the mainstream economy through indigenously developing appropriate financial products and corporate solutions.

Ø AIMS has extended the investment opportunities for the people suiting their own risk tolerances.

Ø AIMS regularly bring out various research publications to keep the general investors informed and updated. The 'Weekly Market Review' is one of such regular complimentary publication. Over two hundred thousand recipients worldwide receive the 'Review' every week via e-mail. Besides, we publish various other periodic reports, sector researches and commentaries from time to time.

Ø In order to develop a vibrant debt market in the country, AIMS is closely collaborating with leading local and multilateral institutions, including the World Bank, International Finance Corporation and the Asian Development Bank, apart from our own independent and pioneering efforts in this regard.

Ø AIMS has conducted various seminars, workshops and training sessions on equity and debt market as well as asset securitization issues to educate and assist the issuers and the investors.

4.10 Sponsor of the Fund

Grameen Bank

Grameen Bank is the Sponsor of the ‘Grameen Mutual Fund One’. As the Sponsor, Grameen Bank has provided an initial capital of Tk16.5 million to the first Scheme of the Fund, the Bank has also set the objectives and policy guidelines of the Fund through authoring and executing the Trust Deed and the Investment Management Agreement.

Grameen Bank was established under the Grameen Bank Ordinance, 1983, operating with an objective to alleviate poverty through financial services, especially by providing micro credit. Empowering poor people is the ultimate objective of the Bank. The Government of Bangladesh owns 5% of the Bank and the rest 95% is held by the borrowers of the Bank. Mr. Tobarak Hossain is the Chairman and Professor Muhammad Yunus is the founder Managing Director of the Bank. The Government nominates three directors including the Chairman and nine other directors are elected representatives from among the Grameen borrowers.

4.11 Trustee of the Scheme

Grameen Fund

Grameen Fund, a venture capital undertaking of the Grameen family limited by guarantee is the Trustee of the Fund. Established in 1994, Grameen Fund dedicated itself in promoting, managing and financing various enterprises, which aims to create wealth for ultimate poverty alleviation. Professor Muhammad Yunus is the Chairman and Mr. Faizur Razzaque is the Managing Director of this nonprofit company. As the Trustee Grameen Fund, for all practical purposes, is the guardian of the Fund and shall be responsible for ensuring compliance as well as the protection of the properties of the Fund solely for the beneficiaries. In order to properly carry out their responsibilities, Grameen Fund has formed a Trustee Committee, with Mr. M. Faizur Razzaque, Mr. Giasuddin Ahmed, Mr. M. Hafizuddin Khan and Mr. Quazi Sultan Ahmed.

4.12 Custodian of the Scheme

Standard Chartered Bank (SCB)

SCB is a UK-based commercial bank operating in Bangladesh for over fifty years. They have been providing the custodial services to the foreign institutional portfolio investors in Bangladesh for the last several years. They are experienced and skilled in this line of business and enjoy a reputation for confidentiality, timely settlement, reporting, and collecting corporate announcements for their clients. They are also providing custodial service to AIMS First Guaranteed Mutual Fund, the first local private-sector mutual fund.

4.13 Investment Manager of the Scheme

AIMS (Asset & Investment Management Services) of Bangladesh Limited 

AIMS of Bangladesh Limited is the Asset Management Company (AMC) or Manager of the Fund. They are responsible for designing, structuring, registration, floatation and day-to-day management of the Fund. AIMS is also responsible for recurring investment activities, including portfolio construction and rebalancing, under the guidelines set in the Trust Deed and the Investment Management Agreement of the Fund.

AIMS has the distinction of conceiving and floating ‘AIMS First Guaranteed Mutual Fund’, the first and so far the only private sector mutual fund in Bangladesh. AIMS is actively involved in developing with the debt market and contractual savings sectors, and has also been rendering services in various financial sector development projects of different multilateral and donor agencies.

AIMS is the first investment and fund management company of its kind under private initiative in Bangladesh. The shareholders of the company are all practicing professionals, highly qualified in their professed vocation and a majority of them are either returned or expatriate Bangladeshis. It is equipped with a team of expert capital market professionals, research analysts and economists to run the outfit. The core management team has been recruited with experienced managers formerly with leading institutions at home and abroad. Mr. M. Monzurul Haque is the Chairman of the Company.

4.14 Investment restrictions

The following restrictions are fundamental policies of the Scheme that may not be changed without approval of majority of the Scheme's outstanding voting securities. These are also in line with the Section-56 and the Schedule-V of the Securities and Exchange Commission (Mutual Fund) Rules, 2001. If a percentage restriction on investment or use of assets set forth below is adhered to at the time a transaction is effected, later changes of holding value due to changes in market price movement or accrued gain in value over time will not be considered a violation of the restrictions.

a) The Scheme shall not invest in securities having unlimited liability.

b) The Scheme shall not buy its own units.

c) Investments by way of privately placed debentures, securitized debts and other unquoted debt instruments shall not exceed 25% (twenty five percent) of the total assets of the Scheme.

d) The Scheme shall not invest more than 10% (ten percent) of its assets in any one particular company shares.

e) The Scheme shall not own more than 15% (fifteen percent) of any company’s paid-up capital at any point of time.

f) The Scheme shall not invest more than 20% (twenty percent) of its total assets in the shares, debentures or other securities of a single company.

g) The Scheme shall not invest more than 25% (twenty five percent) of its total assets in shares, debentures or other securities in any one industry.

h) The Scheme shall not involve in option trading or short selling or carry forward transactions.

i) The Scheme shall not invest in or lend to another scheme under the same AMC.

j) The Scheme shall not provide term loan or advance to any entity.

k) The Scheme shall not borrow fund for investing unless authorized by the SEC.

4.15 RISK PARAMETERS

Risk Factors

The prospective investors should appreciate that investment in the Scheme involves certain special considerations and risk factors, including those set forth below, which are not necessarily exhaustive or mutually exclusive:

(a) Performance of the Scheme is significantly dependent on the macroeconomic situation and the capital market in particular.

(b) Since the capital market of Bangladesh is extremely fluctuating, there is no firm assurance that the Scheme will achieve all its stated objectives.

(c) Stock market activity in Bangladesh focuses on a small number of companies representing a limited number of industries, resulting in a potential lack of liquidity and price volatility. In addition, a high proportion of the equity securities listed on the DSE and CSE are closely held and the number of shares currently available for acquisition by the Scheme may be very limited. It may, therefore, be difficult to invest the Scheme's assets, to obtain a desired diversification of the portfolio or to realize the Scheme's investments at the prices and times that it would wish to do so.

(d) The recent stock market trends portray that price of almost all the listed securities move in tandem with the market in the similar direction, causing difficulty to the Manager to diversify the assets.

(e) Since Bangladesh lack secondary bond market or product variation as it would have been ideal, the Manager might not be able to swap between different asset lasses, as they might desire.

(f) Money market instruments are also not readily available, which may narrow the opportunity of short term or temporary investments of the Scheme.

(g) If maturity of the Scheme is extended by the unit holders at the closing meeting, investment in fixed income securities will be subject to reinvestment risk, i.e., the risk of non-availability of investment opportunity at the current rate at that time.

(h) The value of the units of the Scheme may, in direct correlation with other listed securities, fluctuate. In addition, there is no guarantee that the market price of units of the Scheme will fully reflect their underlying net asset values.

(i) Since the Scheme is a balanced fund, i.e., the Scheme shall invest in both equity and FIS, the credit risk of the FIS issuers is also associated with the Scheme.

(j) Despite careful selection of stocks, the companies may fail to provide expected dividend or make timely disbursements, which may affect the return of the Scheme.

 (k) The value of the Scheme's assets may be affected by uncertainties such as political or social instability, or changes in any law or regulations of the territory.

(l) Since unlike the older mutual funds in the market, mutual funds under the SEC (Mutual Fund) Rules, 2001 are not allowed to have access to short-term borrowing, the Fund may have to meet its cash needs including dividend payments or meeting pre-IPO placement investment commitments through disposing off its investments, even at unfavorable market conditions. This may greatly curtail the earnings as well as future reinvestment capabilities of the Fund, translating to lower profit.

(m) Qualitative and quantitative investment restrictions imposed through the Rules, have restricted the operational leeway of the Fund Manager, in the event of only a handful of securities qualifying as Category-A at the stock exchanges. Since the older mutual funds in the market do not have such qualitative and quantitative restrictions, ceiling of all these restrictions have created an uneven playing field.

(n) Although application will be made to the DSE and CSE for the units for listing, there is no assurance that the units will be listed with the bourses. In the unlikely event of non-listing by both the exchanges, the Scheme will be redeemed prematurely causing opportunity cost to the investors.

4.16 Capital Structure

Share Issue

The Scheme has issued 17,000,000 (seventeen million) units of Tk10 (taka ten) each at par totaling Tk170, 000,000 (taka one hundred seventy million), distributed as follows:

Subscribers                                                    No. of Units                            Taka

Sponsors                                                          1,650,000                    16,500,000

Pre-Public Offer Institutional Placement        10,350,000                  103,500,000

Public subscription                                          5,000,000                    50,000,000

Total Size of the Scheme                               17,000,000                  170,000,000

Pre-Public Offer Institutional Placement

10,350,000 (ten million three hundred fifty thousand) units at Tk10 (taka ten) each, totaling Tk103, 500,000 (taka one hundred three million five hundred thousand) have been privately placed with the following financial institutions including banks, insurance companies, non-banking financial institutions and merchant banks:

Pre-Public Offer Investors                                       No. of Units                Taka

Bangladesh Mutual Securities Ltd. (Portfolio)           400,000                       4,000,000

Bangladesh Shilpa Rin Sangstha                                150,000                       1,500,000

EC Securities Ltd.                                                      100,000                       1,000,000

Equity Partners Ltd.                                                   50,000                         500,000

Equity Partners Ltd. (Portfolio)                                  1,000,000                    10,000,000

First BSRS Mutual Fund                                            50,000                         500,000

Grameen Capital Management Ltd.                           300,000                       3,000,000

Grameen Capital Management Ltd. (Portfolio)          500,000                       5,000,000

Green Delta Insurance Ltd.                                        250,000                       2,500,000

IDLC of Bangladesh Ltd.                                          250,000                       2,500,000

Investment Corporation of Bangladesh                      200,000                       2,000,000

Karnaphuli Insurance Company Ltd.                         50,000                        500,000

Meghna Life Insurance Ltd.                                       100,000                       1,000,000

Midas Financing Ltd.                                                             250,000                       2,500,000

National Housing Finance and Investment Ltd.        400,000                       4,000,000

Pangaea Partners (BD) Ltd.                                        800,000                       8,000,000

Pragati Insurance Ltd.                                                200,000                       2,000,000

Prime Bank Ltd.                                                         500,000                       5,000,000

Prime Finance and Investment Ltd.                           400,000                      4,000,000

Reliance Insurance Ltd.                                              500,000                       5,000,000

Sandhani Life Insurance Company Ltd.                    150,000                       1,500,000

South Asia Capital Ltd. (Portfolio)                            500,000                       5,000,000

Swadesh Investment Management Ltd. (Portfolio)   1,200,000                    12,000,000

The City Bank Ltd.                                                     1,000,000                    10,000,000

The Trust Bank Ltd.                                                   800,000                       8,000,000

Vanik Bangladesh Ltd.                                               250,000                       2,500,000

Total Private Placement                                           10,350,000                103,500,000

Public Offer

5,000,000 (five million) units at Tk10 (taka ten) each are being offered for public subscription in cash in full on application. Units will be allocated in the manner placed alongside.

Units

Non Residential Bangladeshis (NRBs)          500,000

General Public                                                 4,500,000

Total Public Offer                                         5,000,000

Chapter: 5

ICB Islamic Mutual Fund

5.1 Introduction

Mutual Fund presently is one of the fastest growing sectors through out the world. In Bangladesh ICB is the harbinger of Mutual Funds. Out of the total 13 Mutual Funds, ICB and its subsidiary alone floated 11 Mutual Funds in the market. These Mutual Funds are basically conventional fund which invest their funds both in equity and debt securities. Islam's prohibition against and charging interest prevent Muslims from investing in securities that draw their income from those activities. In Islam, interest is viewed as usury or riba because of its potential for exploitation of the borrower by the lender. In addition, the Islamic Shariah Law forbids any involvement in or ties to gambling, pornography, tobacco, weapons, alcohol etc. As the conventional Funds invest and draw their income, among others, from the above mentioned companies and debt securities, ICB Asset Management Company Ltd. has decided to float a fund which will invest its funds according to the Shariah Law. It may be mentioned here that there are over 100 Islamic mutual funds in the global equity markets of which half originated in the Middle East. These funds are managed according to Islamic principles.

With keeping in view of Islamic sentiment, ICB capital Management Ltd. has come forward with the proposal to act as sponsor of the ICB AMCL Islamic Mutual Fund. ICB itself will be the Trustee and Custodian of the fund whereas ICB Asset Management Company Ltd. will act as the Fund Manager of the said Mutual Fund.

5.2 Advantages in investing in ICB AMCL Islamic Mutual Fund

Generally investment in mutual funds enjoys some advantages compared to investment made directly in other securities of the capital market. Investors of this mutual fund will be able to enjoy the following advantages:-

(i) As the Fund will be invested in Sharia compatible securities, there shall be no scope of haram earnings and as a result the income in the hand of the investors will totally be halal.

(ii) As the sale proceeds will be invested in the diversified portfolio, there will be a minimum risk in investment.

(iii) Diversified portfolio of the fund help the small investor access to the whole market which is difficult at individual level.

(iv) By channel zing small investors saving, this mutual fund will add liquidity to the market.

(v) As the fund will be professionally managed under prudent guidelines, the Fund is accepted to be able to achieve the targeted objectives.

(vi) The investors can save a great deal in transaction cost as he/she has access to a larger number of securities by purchasing a single unit of mutual fund.

(vii) Investment in the Fund would qualify for investment tax credit under section 44(2) of the Income Tax Ordinance 1984.

(viii) Management and operation of mutual funds are subject to prudential guidelines. SEC regularly monitors the performance of such funds. The laws governing mutual funds require exhaustive disclosure to the regulator and general public. As a result, the investors will be able to know the performance of the fund and accordingly they can be able to take convenient entry and exit options.

(ix) Income will be exempted from tax to a certain level in the hand of the individual investors.

5.3 Investment Objective & Policies

The scheme has been designed for a specific sectoral objective i.e. to provide interest free return to the investors by investing the fund only in Shariah compliant instruments.

1) The fund shall invest both in listed and non listed securities. While investing in securities the following criteria are to be observed:

(i) Primary Selection of Companies

The basic business of the company should be in consistence with the Sharia Law. Although no universal consensus exists among contemporary Sharia scholars on the prohibition of companies, most Sharia boards have advised against investment in companies involved in the activities of:

a) Conventional Banks, Insurance and Leasing Companies

b) Alcohol

c) Pork related products

d) Tobacco

e) Weapons and Defense

f) Entertainment (Hotels, Casinos/Gambling, Cinema, Pornography, Music etc.)

(ii) Screening of Acceptable Companies

After removing companies with unacceptable primary business activities, the Fund may invest in the remaining companies if:

o   The total debt of the investee company is equal to or less than 33% of the trailing 12 month average market capitalization of the Company.

o   The sum of cash or interest bearing securities of the investee companies is less than or equal to 33% of the trailing 12 month average market capitalization of the company.

o   The Accounts Receivable is less than or equal to 45% of the Total Assets of the Company.

2) The Fund may also invest in other Shariah Compliant instruments as and when they are available for investment. Specifically:

i) In Participation Term Certificates, Modaraba Certificates, Musharika, Murabaha,

Term Finance Certificates and all other asset backed securities;

ii) In contracts, securities or instruments of companies, organizations, and establishments issued on the principles of Bai' Mu'ajjal, Bai' Salam, Istisna'a, Mudaraba, Murabaha and Musharika.

iii) In the form of Riba-free cash deposits with Islamic Banks or financial institutions with the object of maintaining sufficient liquidity to meet the day to day requirement and to take advantage of suitable investment opportunities as and when they arise.

iv) In other instruments that may be allowed by the Rules and confirmed as Shariah Compliant by the Fund's Shariah Advisor from time to time.

3). The Fund will adopt a conservative strategy and will try to out-perform the index through market timing and security selection. A part of the fund will also be used to take advantage of the short term trading opportunities that may arise from time to time.

4) The AMC will make the investment decisions based on best judgment supported by documents and analysis.

5). the fund shall get the securities purchased or transferred in the name of the mutual fund.

6). only the AMC will make the investment decisions and place orders for securities to be purchased or sold by the Fund.

7). AMC will choose broker(s) for the purchase and sale of securities for the Fund’s portfolio.

8). Settlement of transaction will take place as per the customs and practice of the stock exchanges in the country.

9) The ownership of the certificates will be changed by CDBL under electronic book entry system and there will be no physical movement or endorsement of certificates.

5.4 Investment Restrictions

In making investment decision the following restrictions should be taken due consideration:

(i) The Fund shall not buy its own unit;

(ii) The Fund shall not involve in option trading or short selling or carry forward transactions.

(iii) The Fund shall not invest in or lend to another scheme under the same Asset Management Company. However, the inter fund transactions can be made through stock exchanges.

 (iv)The Fund shall not acquire any asset out of the Trust property, which involves the assumption of any liability that is unlimited or shall result in encumbrance of the Trust property in any way.

(v) The Fund or the ICB Asset Management Company Ltd. on behalf of the Fund shall not give or guarantee term loans for any purpose or take up any activity in contravention of the Rules.

5.5 Sponsor of the Fund

ICB Capital Management Ltd. (ICML), a subsidiary of ICB will be the sponsor of the Fund. ICB Capital Management Ltd. (ICML) was created as part of the restructuring program of ICB under Capital Market Development Program (CMDP) initiated by the Government of Bangladesh (GOB) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The company was incorporated as a public Ltd. company under the companies Act, 1994 with the Registrar of Joint Stock Companies and Firms on 05 December, 2000. Registration of the company with the SEC was also obtained on 16 October, 2001 and the gazette notification of Govt. of Bangladesh has been issued with a view to carry out the merchant banking activities. Although it is a newly created company, it has enormous scope of expansion and growth in the field of merchant banking as ICB shall not undertake any new business in this area rather these functions will be carried out by this company.

The present authorized and paid up capital of the company are Tk. 100.00 crore and Tk. 8.00crore respectively. The company is being managed by high caliber professional people mostly taken from ICB. An independent board consisting members from private and public sectors provides guidance in framing objectives & policies of the company. Besides, ICB as holding company, also supervise and control the performance of the company.

5.6 Trustee and Custodian of the Fund

In order for maximum trust and confidence of the investors, supervisory bodies and persons concerned towards the fund, the Investment Corporation of Bangladesh (ICB) itself will act as the trustee and custodian of the Fund. The Investment Corporation of Bangladesh (ICB) was established on 1 October 1976, under “The Investment Corporation of Bangladesh” Ordinance, 1976 (No. XL of 1976) with a view to encouraging and broadening the base of investment, develop the capital market, mobilize savings, promote and establish subsidiaries for business development & provide for matters ancillary thereto. Over the years, the activities of ICB have grown manifold, particularly in Merchant Banking, Mutual Funds operations and stock brokerage activities. ICB is the biggest investment bank and the harbinger of mutual funds in the country. Out of country’s eleven (11) closed-end mutual funds, ICB manages eight funds. ICB also manages the only open-end fund in the country. ICB is the trustee and custodian of the ICB AMCL Mutual Fund and ICB AMCL Unit Fund floated recently by the ICB Asset Management Company Ltd.

ICB has acted as trustee to debentures amounting TK.1.42 billion in aggregate out of total Tk.2.93 billion publicly traded debentures. ICB also acted as underwriter/ manager to the issue to more than 370 companies of which 101 companies are publicly traded companies. Besides portfolios of over 51,000 investors (margin accounts), institutional portfolios including mutual funds and unit fund were also being managed by ICB. The Corporation has long and proven experience in advisory function, particularly in buying and selling of shares, corporate restructuring and engineering, off loading of govt. shares and hosts of other merchant bank related activities for the benefit of its clients. ICB has been playing a unique role in the development of country’s capital market.

5.7 Investment Manager of the Fund

ICB Asset Management Company Ltd. (ICB AMCL) a subsidiary of ICB will act as the investment manager of the Fund. ICB Asset Management Company Ltd. (ICB AMCL) was created as part of the restructuring program of ICB under Capital Market Development Program (CMDP) initiated by the Government of Bangladesh and ADB. The company was incorporated as a public limited company with an authorized capital of Tk. 100.00 crore and a paid-up capital of Tk. 5.00 crore under the Companies Act, 1994 with the Registrar of Joint Stock Companies & Firms on 5 December, 2000. Registration of the company with the SEC was obtained on 14 October, 2001. Necessary Government Gazette Notification has also been obtained on 1st July, 2002 to carry out the Mutual Fund operations. At present, the Company is managing one open-end Mutual Fund and one Closed-end Mutual Fund.

As per relevant provision of the ICB Ordinance, ICB shall hold all or majority shares of the company and may review business objectives, supervise and control its performance. The CEO and other key personnel have been deputed to the company from ICB. An independent Board consisting 50 per cent directors from ICB and the rest from private sector, has been created.

5.8 CAPITAL STRUCTURE

Issuance of unit

The paid up capital of the Fund shall be Tk. 100,000,000.00 divided into 1,000,000 units of Tk.100.00 each. The total distribution of units shall be as follows:

PRE-IPO PLACEMENT

Subscription from sponsor

ICB Capital Management Ltd., the sponsor, has already subscribed Tk. 100, 00,000.00 for 100,000 units of Tk. 100.00 each at par.

Pre-IPO Placement to Institutional Investors:

The following institutions have been subscribed Tk. 20,000,000/- for 200,000 units of Tk. 100.00 each at par:

Public Offer

10% of the Public Offer i.e. 70,000 units of Tk. 100.00 each totaling Tk. 7,000,000.00 are being offered to the Non-Resident Bangladeshis (NRBs) and the rest 630,000 units of Tk. 100.00 each amounting to Tk. 63,000,000.00 are being offered to the general public for subscription in cash in full on application. The distribution is as under:

Chapter-6

Performance Analysis of Private Mutual Funds in Bangladesh

6.1 Introduction

To analyze the performance of Mutual Funds, Ratio analysis is my first preference to measure the performance of the organization. Ratios are highly important tools in financial analysis that help financial analyst implement plans that improve profitability , liquidity, financial structure , recording , leverage and interest coverage. Although ratios report mostly on the past performances they can be predictive too, and provide lead indication of potential problem areas.

Ratio analysis is primarily used to compare the company’s financial figures over a period of time, a method sometimes called trend analysis. Through trend analysis, we can identify trends, good & bad, and adjust the business practice accordingly. We can also compare how ratios stack up against other business, both in & out of the industry.

Ratios can be analyzed in different ways:

Ø Comparison within one fiscal year.

Ø Comparison in different fiscal years.

Ø Comparison within the industry with one fiscal year

Ø Comparison within the industry with different fiscal year.

 To analyze the performance of Mutual Funds, we followed second category of comparison. Our considerable years are mostly from 2003 to 2005. Sometime on the basis of availability and suitability we consider the year of 2006.

6.2 Profitability Ratio

Profitability ratio allows us to measure the ability of the firm to earn an adequate return on sales, total asset and invested capital. Many of the problem s related to profitability can be explained, in or in part, by the firm’s ability to effectively employ its resources.

A. Profit Margin Ratio

The profit margin measures the relationship between profit & sales. The net profit margin is the indication to the managements ability to operate the business with sufficient success not only to cover from revenues of the period, the cost of merchandise or services, the expenses of operating the business (including depreciation) and the cost of borrowing fund but also to leave a margin of reasonable compensation to the owners for providing the capital at risk.

1. AIMS First Guaranteed Mutual Fund:

Year	2003	2004	2005
Net Profit	6,848,298	17,162,394	21037998
Income	10946040	19821496	21193095
Profit Margin	62.56%	86.58%	99.27%

Figure: Net Income & sales comparison.

The above graph states that the profit margin of AIMS First Guaranteed Mutual Fund is increasing successively. It is a good signal for the investors because it will increase the wealth of the shareholders.

2. Grameen Mutual Fund One:

Year	15-02-2005	31-12-2005	30-06-2006
Net Profit	4500000	11949628	10298
Income	6142267	14334396	4875501
Ratio	73.26%	83.36%	0.21%

Figure: Net Income & sales comparison.

Though the above graph reveals the decreasing trends of the profit margin but it is not certain that will it be decreasing or increasing.

3. ICB Islamic Mutual Fund:  

Figure: Net Income & sales comparison.

The above graph reveals that the profit margin of ICB Islamic Mutual Fund is decreasing successively.

B. Return on Asset

 Return on asset ratio measures the efficiency with which total assets are employed within the firm.

1. AIMS First Guaranteed Mutual Fund:

Year	2003	2004	2005
Net Profit	6,848,298	17,162,394	21037998
Total assets	77566848	90322847	93648989
Ratio	8.83%	19.00%	22.46%

Figure: Return on Equity.

From the above table we see that the return on asset is increasing from 2003 to 2005.

2. Grameen Mutual Fund One:

Year	15-02-2005	31-12-2005	30-06-2006
Net Profit	4500000	11949628	10298
Total assets	17671388	184308124	174274275
Ratio	25.46%	6.48%	0.01%

Figure: Return on Equity.

From the above table we see that the return on asset is decreasing trend but it is not certain that will the return on asset be decreased or increased. And this is happened because the information of Grameen Mutual Fund One is not available.

3. ICB Islamic Mutual Fund: 

Year	2005	2006
Net Profit	5,684,992	6,101,311
Total assets	107,564,434	111,118,402
Ratio	5.29%	5.49%

Figure: Return on Equity.

From the above table we see that the return on asset is increasing. Definitely this is a good signal for the investors because it will increase their assets.

C. Return on Equity:

Return on equity measures the efficiency with which common shareholders equity is being employed within the firm.

1. AIMS First Guaranteed Mutual Fund:

Year	2003	2004	2005
Net Profit	6,848,298	17,162,394	21037998
Equity	75089482	87162394	91037998
Ratio	9.12%	19.69%	23.11%

 Figure: Return on Equity

It is recommended from the above graph that the return on equity is increasing from 2003 to 2005.

2. Grameen Mutual Fund One:

Year	15-02-2005	31-12-2005	30-06-2006
Net Profit	4500000	11949628	10298
Equity	16500000	181949628	170010298
Ratio	27.27%	6.57%	0.01%

Figure: Return on Equity

It is recommended from the above graph that the return on equity is decreasing successively from 15^th February 2005 to 30^th June 2006.

3. ICB Islamic Mutual Fund: 

Year	2005	2006
Net Profit	5,684,992	6,101,311
Equity	100000000	100000000
ROE	5.68%	6.10%

 Figure: Return on Equity

It is recommended from the above graph that the return on equity is increasing successively from 2005 to 2006.

6.3 Capital Structure Ratio

Capital structure ratio provides insight into the extent to which non- equity capital is used to finance the assets of the firm.

1. AIMS First Guaranteed Mutual Fund:

Year	2003	2004	2005
Total Liabilities	2477366	3160453	2646991
Equity	75089482	87162394	91037998
Ratio	3.30%	3.63%	2.91%

Figure: Capital Structure ratio

The above graph reveals that the AIMS First Guaranteed Mutual Fund  increases from 2003 to 2004 then it is decreasing.

2. Grameen Mutual Fund One:

Year	15-02-2005	31-12-2005	30-06-2006
Total Liabilities	1171388	2358496	4263977
Equity	16500000	181949628	170010298
Ratio	0.070993	0.0129624	0.025080698

Figure: Capital Structure ratio

The above graph reveals that the Grameen Mutual Fund One increases its non equity capital which is 158000000 Tk.

3. ICB Islamic Mutual Fund: 

Year	2005	2006
Total Liabilities	7564434	11118402
Equity	100000000	100000000
Ratio	7.56%	11.12%

 Figure: Capital Structure ratio

The above graph reveals that the ICB Islamic Mutual Fund increases its non equity capital from 2005 to 2006.

6.4 Working Capital / Cash Flow Ratio

The higher of this ratio, the higher the working capital or cash flow generated by the firm in its operations.

1. AIMS First Guaranteed Mutual Fund:

Year	15-02-2005	30-06-2006
Cash flow from operation	5448587	10282353
Incomes	6142267	4875501
Ratio	0.887064	2.1089839

Figure: Working Capital / Cash Flow Ratio

We can state by using the above graph that the working capital to cash flow ratio is increasing from 2005 to 2006. So it is clear that the ICB Islamic Mutual Fund’s ability to generate cash from its operations is increasing.

2. Grameen Mutual Fund One:

Year	15-02-2005	30-06-2006
Cash flow from operation	5448587	10282353
Incomes	6142267	4875501
Ratio	0.887064	2.1089839

Figure: Working Capital / Cash Flow Ratio

                                          

We can state by using the above graph that the working capital to cash flow ratio is increasing from 15^th February 2005 to 30^th June 2006. So it is clear that the Grameen Mutual Fund One’s ability to generate cash from its operations is increasing.

3. ICB Islamic Mutual Fund: 

Year	2003	2004	2005
Cash flow from operation	4318411	7224785	652589
Incomes	10946040	19821496	21193095
Ratio	39.45%	36.45%	3.08%

 Figure: Working Capital / Cash Flow Ratio

We can state by using the above graph that the working capital to cash flow ratio is decreasing from 2003 to 2004 slightly but it is decreasing heavily from 2004 to 2005.

6.5 Earning Per Share

1. AIMS First Guaranteed Mutual Fund:

Year	2003	2004	2005
Net Profit	6,848,298	17,162,394	21037998
No of shares outstanding	70000000	70000000	70000000
Earning Per Share(EPS)	0.097833	0.24517706	0.300543

Figure: Earning Per Share

The above graph reveals that the earning per share is increasing from 2003 to 2005 successively.

2. Grameen Mutual Fund One:

Year	15-02-2005	31-12-2005	30-06-2006
Net Profit	4500000	11949628	10298
No of shares outstanding	1200000	17000000	17000000
Earning Per Share	3.75	0.7029193	0.000605765

The earning per share is 3.75 Tk at 15^th February2005 though it is Tk.0.000605765 in 30^th June 2006. It is happened because the number of share outstanding is increasing form 1200000 to 17000000 in 30^th June 2006.

Figure: Earning Per Share

We can state that the Earning per Share of Grameen Mutual Fund One shows the higher earning per share for the first 2005 then it is gradually decreasing.

3. ICB Islamic Mutual Fund: 

Year	2005	2006
Net Profit	5,684,992	6,101,311
No of shares outstanding	1000000	1000000
Earning Per Share(EPS)	5.684992	6.101311

 The earning per share is Tk. 5.68 in 2005 though it is Tk.6.10 in 2006. It is happened because the net profit increases from 2005 to 2006.

Figure: Earning Per Share

The earning per share of the ICB Islamic Mutual Fund in the above graph shows the increasing trend from 2005 to 2006. This sends a positive signal to the investors because it increases the earnings of them.

6.6 Retention Ratio

This ratio is very important for the fund because this is used for the further expansion of the fund. This indicates how much amount a fund retains in proportion to its total earnings.

1. AIMS First Guaranteed Mutual Fund:

Year	2005	2006
Retain earnings	684,992	786,303
Earnings this year	5,684,992	6,101,311
Retention Ratio	12.05%	12.89%

The above table represents that the retention ratio for the ICB Islamic Mutual Fund is

about same for both the year which is 12.05% & 12.89% in 2005 & 2006 respectively.

2. Grameen Mutual Fund One:

Year	15-02-2005	31-12-2005	30-06-2006
Retain earnings	4500000	11949628	10298
Earnings this year	4500000	11949628	10298
Retention Ratio	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%

The above table represents that the retention ratio for the Grameen Mutual Fund One is hundred percent that means the Grameen Mutual Fund One does not any dividend to its shareholders.

3. ICB Islamic Mutual Fund: 

Year	2003	2004
Retain earnings	5350661	6662394
Earnings this year	6,848,298	17,162,394
Retention Ratio	78.13%	38.82%

The above table represents that the retention ratio for the AIMS First Guaranteed Mutual Fund is 78.13% for 2003 which can be said as very high but it is decreasing the following year in 2004.

6.7 Growth Rate

Growth rate indicates how much a fund will grow over the coming year. And growth is denoted by g.

1. AIMS First Guaranteed Mutual Fund:

Year	2003	2004
Net Profit	6,848,298	17,162,394
Equity	70000000	70000000
ROE	9.78%	24.52%
g = Retention Ratio * ROE	7.64%	9.52%

From the above table we see that the growth rate of the AIMS First Guaranteed Mutual Fund is 7.64% & 9.52% for 2003 & 2004 respectively.

2. Grameen Mutual Fund One:

Return on Equity =Net Profit / Equity
Year	15-02-2005	31-12-2005	30-06-2006
Net Profit	4500000	11949628	10298
Equity	12000000	170000000	170000000
ROE	0.375	0.0702919	0.00006058
Calculation of Growth Rate (g):
g = Retention Ratio * ROE	37.50%	7.03%	0.01%

 The growth rate of Grameen Mutual Fund One in the above table shows that the growth rate is 37.50% in the first 2005 then in the last 2005 it shows 7.03% growth rate and it is also subsequently decreased in June 2006 which is 0.01%.

3. ICB Islamic Mutual Fund: 

Year	2005	2006
Net Profit	5,684,992	6,101,311
Equity	100000000	100000000
ROE	0.05684992	0.06101311
Calculation of Growth Rate (g):
g = Retention Ratio * ROE	0.68%	0.79%

The growth rate is increasing from the 2005 to 2006 which is 0.68% & 0.79% respectively. The growth rate is lower because the ICB Islamic Mutual Fund pays higher dividend.

6.8 Yield Calculation

Dividend yield are related to the market’s perception of future growth prospect of the funds Firm’s high growth prospects will generally have lower dividend yields.

AIMS First Guaranteed Mutual Fund:

Year	2006
Dividend Yield:
Dividend per share	7
Market price per share	1.57
Dividend Yield	445.86%
Beginning  price (P0)	1.12
Ending price(P1)	1.57
Yield	486.04%

AIMS First Guaranteed Mutual Fund is higher dividend paying fund. So we can say that the growth prospect of this fund is lower which is also proved by the above growth rate this is only 9.52% in 2006.

2. Grameen Mutual Fund One:

Year	2006
Dividend Yield:
Dividend per share	5
Market price per share	14.4
Dividend Yield:	34.72%
Beginning  price (P0)	14.4
Ending price(P1)	17.8
Yield	58.33%

Grameen Mutual Fund One has higher dividend paying fund. So we can say that the growth prospect of this fund is lower which is also proved by the above growth rate which is only 0.01% in 2006.

3. ICB Islamic Mutual Fund: 

Year	2006
Dividend per share	16
Market price per share	131.25
Dividend Yield	0.121904762
Beginning  price (P0)	111.75
Ending price(P1)	131.25
Yield	29.64%

ICB Islamic Mutual Fund has higher dividend paying fund. So we can say that the growth prospect of this fund is lower which is also proved by the above growth rate which is only 0.79% in 2006.