CHANGING LIVES
ANNUAL REPORT 2013/14
OUR VISION
To be a customer centric, innovative and broad based
financial solutions partner.
OUR MISSION
Operate and expand aggressively, efficiently and profitably; with special focus on the Micro, Small and
Medium Enterprise segments
Setup the ‘best-in-the-breed’ operational platform to support growth aspirations
Offer a challenging and rewarding work environment that
- provides opportunities for growth
- Develop and offer high quality, innovative products and
services
Contribute to the quality of life in our communities
Seek and grow business and markets with significant
potential growth
Transform the company into a trusted household financial
brand
Make products easily accessible to the target consumer by investing in distribution channels
CONTENTS
- MANAGEMENT INFORMATION
- FINANCIAL INFORMATION
- Chairman’s Review
- 04
06 08 12 14 16 18
Independent Auditors’ Report Statement of Comprehensive Income Statement of Financial Position Statement of Changes in Equity Cash Flow Statement
66
- 67
- CEO’s Report
Board of Directors Management Discussion & Analysis Operational Review Financial Review
68 69 70
Notes to the Financial Statements Shareholders’ Information Branch Network
71
- Risk Management
- 98
100 101 102
SUSTAINABILITY REPORT
Sustainability Report Our Events
Notice of Meeting
24
27 29 55
Notes Brac Lanka Finance PLC Form of Proxy Corporate Information - Inner Back Cover
Corporate Governance Report Report of the Directors Director’s Statement on Internal Controls
- Over Financial Reporting
- 60
- 61
- Report of the Audit Committee
Report of the Integrated
- Risk Management Committee
- 61
62 63
Report of The Remuneration Committee Directors‘ Responsibility For Financial Reporting
CHANGING LIVES
BRAC Lanka Finance PLC was established with a passion and tenaciousness to support and sustain the emerging lives
of Sri Lankans. We used the platform of Microfinance and Financial solutions to setup a regulated finance company
imbued with decades of experience of BRAC partnered with LOLC. BRAC is the World’s largest development
organization inured with poverty reduction and empowerment of women with its specialist knowledge in Microfinance and Lanka ORIX Leasing Company PLC is one of the most successful and well-respected group of companies in Sri Lanka. Our combination of expertise in international Microfinance applications and domestic market knowledge will ensure innovative solutions and constitute a long term relationship pushing the boundaries of financial inclusion to empower and create wealth for people across the country.
Annual Report 2013/14 | 1
MANAGEMENT INFORMATION
- 2 | BRAC Lanka Finance PLC
- Annual Report 2013/14 | 3
CHAIRMAN’S REVIEW
Muhammad A. (Rumee) Ali
Chairman
Since its inception in 1972 in Bangladesh, BRAC has
been driven by its founder Sir Fazle Hasan Abed’s
vision of a world free from all forms of exploitation and
discrimination, where everyone has the opportunity to realise their potential ability. This further emanates from Sir Abed’s philosophy that poverty is not an act of God, but is a result of societal attitudes and social systems that disempower some communities. As noted by Sir Abed, the root cause of poverty is exclusion and denial of access to the three basic rights of finance, education and health. Therefore, BRAC was designed with a mission of empowering people in situations of poverty and
exclusion, through economic and social programmes that intervene in the three areas of health, education
and finance. We believe in the old adage that health is wealth, which is particularly true for people with little or no access to resources. We believe education is a key tool of empowerment, by paving the way for people to help themselves. Education is a stepping stone to financial literacyandeconomicempowermentthatinturn,facilitate autonomy and self determination. Finally BRAC supports financial development for the poorest of poor through
Micro Credit Programmes that help the under privileged
families overcome poverty. Today, as the world’s largest Non Governmental Organisation, BRAC has made it its business to combat poverty across 14 countries in the
world through a range of interventions that support the
BRAC philosophy of people empowerment.
In Bangladesh, BRAC is one of the strongest non government providers of health and education services and is a prominent advocate to women and children’s
rights. Our poverty alleviation programmes are funded not only through donor funds but also through our own
enterprises and investments. BRAC’s objective was not
to generate profit, but to build a genuine strong social
impact and this differentiates BRAC’s social enterprises
that are aimed at creating livelihoods towards poverty alleviation. This unique model of self financing has been the key to BRAC’s long term sustainability. Today,
BRAC Bank is a recognised bank in Bangladesh which
also play’s a vital role in reaching out to undeserved populations at the bottom of the pyramid. BRAC EPL
Investments Limited (BEIL), is an investment bank,
which is the only institution in Bangladesh certified for consultancy services for environmental and social impact assessment, by the United Nations Framework
Convention for Climate Change. BRAC Lanka Finance PLC in Sri Lanka, which is a joint
venture with the local financial giant Lanka ORIX Leasing Company PLC, is yet another international venture by BRAC. As the world’s most successful Microfinance
Organisation, we strive to introduce our tried and tested
poverty alleviation model in Sri Lanka. Our aim is to replicate the BRAC Microfinance model in Sri Lanka, to
empower rural Sri Lankan populations who do not have
4 | BRAC Lanka Finance PLC
“BRAC Lanka Finance PLC in Sri Lanka, which is a joint
venture with the local financial giant Lanka ORIX Leasing
Company PLC, is yet another international venture by
BRAC. As the world’s most successful Microfinance Organisation, we strive to introduce our tried and tested
poverty alleviation model in Sri Lanka.”
access to formal financial services. However, due to Sri Lanka’s plans for financial sector consolidation, BRAC Lanka Finance PLC, like all other financial institutions
in Sri Lanka, is in the process of evaluating its strategic direction for the future. Nevertheless, as an Organisation that believes in human values, the best interests of all
stakeholders will be upheld in our final decision, with
regards to our plans for Sri Lanka. I wish to thank the regulators, our business partners LOLC, the Board, Management and staff of BRAC Lanka Finance PLC, for their contributions rendered during the
current year. I also extend my warm appreciations to our
customers in Sri Lanka.
Sincerely
Muhammad A. (Rumee) Ali
Chairman
Annual Report 2013/14 | 5
CEO’S REVIEW
Abedur Rahman Sikder
Chief Executive Officer
I would like to thank all our shareholders for gracing this
second Annual General Meeting of BRAC Lanka Finance
PLC. I am most privileged to present the performance
of the Company for the first year of its operations, since its acquisition by BRAC Bangladesh and Lanka ORIX Leasing Company PLC (LOLC) of Sri Lanka. and then to enter a higher growth path of over 8% in the medium term. This expansion is expected to be broad based with all major sectors, contributing positively in the coming years.
The even more encouraging fact is that Sri Lanka’s National Development Policy places special emphasis on
Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) for women focused growth, as outlined in the Central Bank Road Map for
2014. This policy framework opens a clear window for
BRAC Lanka Finance PLC involvement in Sri Lanka’s future growth, and in this positive backdrop we look forward to
introducing the tried and tested BRAC poverty alleviation model in Sri Lanka. In our first phase of operations, we will focus on strengthening Sri Lanka’s grassroots economy through Microfinance that will empower rural, female populations. Under our second phase of growth we will
target Small and Medium Enterprise sector development
through a range of specialised products. Even at this early
stage of operations, BRAC Lanka Finance PLC is a true example of rural and women focused development, as our client base comprises about 40,000 who are women
Microfinance recipients, served by a workforce which is about 90% women. Through our operations we have not only opened up avenues of economic empowerment for women by way of entrepreneurial activities for women, we also create employment and growth opportunities within the company, for women.
BRAC Lanka’s entry into the Sri Lankan financial markets took place against a backdrop of many positive developments in the Sri Lankan economy. Although
global economic conditions continued to remain weak,
with global GDP growth contracting from 3.1% in 2012 to 3% in 2013. The Sri Lankan economy improved from a 6.3% rate of growth in 2012 to a GDP growth rate of 7.3% by the end of 2013. The industrial sector expanded by 9.9% during the year. The agriculture sector recorded a growth rate of 4.7%, compared the 5.2% growth in 2012, and the services sector saw a robust growth of 6.4%, compared to the 4.6% rate of growth in 2012. In spite of significant rising adjustments to the domestic energy prices, the rate of inflation was stable and remained at single digit level. Headline inflation was 4.7% yearon-year and 6.9% on an annual average basis. With exports recording a growth of 6.4% in 2013 and import expendituredecliningby6.2%, asignificantimprovement
was seen in the trade balance, and the overall balance of
the BOP recording a surplus of US$ 985 million in 2013, in comparison to a surplus of US$ 151 million recorded in 2012. Economic growth is expected to reach 7.8% in 2014
6 | BRAC Lanka Finance PLC
“The current Financial year was a challenging one for BRAC Lanka FinancePLC due to the need of consolidating market position, while shifting to the Microfinance business model. Duringthecurrentfinancialyear,wecommencedthisprocess by placing the infrastructure for Microfinance Services, including the recruitment of experienced personnel from Sri Lanka’s Microfinance sector and expanding the Branch/
Service Network from 01 to 10.”
The current Financial year was a challenging one for BRAC
Lanka Finance PLC due to the need of consolidating
market position, while shifting to the Microfinance business model. During the current financial year, we commenced this process by placing the infrastructure for Microfinance Services, including the recruitment of experienced personnel from Sri Lanka’s Microfinance
sector and expanding the Branch / Service Network from
01 to 10. To deliver Microfinance services to Sri Lanka’s
rural populations we intend to expand our Branch /
Service Network exponentially over the next few years starting with 80-100 Branches / Service Centers by end 2014. I am happy to report that even with our extremely limited infrastructure, during the current financial year,
BRAC Lanka Finance PLC disbursed over LKR 700 mn in micro loans. In addition to this, progress over the current
financial year includes a customer base increased to 39,378 from 994 in 2013, with a total asset base growth of 191%, where the loan portfolio has expanded by 284%. I am confident of sustained growth over the next few years
that will position BRAC Lanka Finance PLC as a leading
Microfinance Institution in Sri Lanka.
our respected Shareholders and all other Stakeholders
for the trust placed in me to head this Company. With our years of experience in poverty alleviation through Micro Credit, and your cooperation as Shareholders of this Company, I am confident we can take this Company
to the next level of growth.
Sincerely
Abedur Rahman Sikder
Chief Executive Officer
I would like to thank the Board of Directors for their guidance and leadership during this formative year
of BRAC Lanka Finance PLC towards building a solid foundation for the future. I would like to thank the ManagementandStaff of BRACLankaFinancePLCfortheir
dedication and hard work over the last year. I also thank
Annual Report 2013/14 | 7
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 9
- 6
- 7
- 8
Investment Climate Fund, International Chamber of
Commerce, Bangladesh and CEOs Forum for inclusivity. He also served as a member of the governing body of PKSF and as a Vice-President of Bangladesh Association of Banks and of the Employers Federation of Bangladesh.
1. Mr. Muhammad A (Rumee) Ali
Chairman - Non-Executive Director
Rumee Ali Chairman of BRAC Bangladesh and Board
of Director of BRAC Lanka Finance PLC, has served at
different levels for the local and international Banking
sectors. Prior to joining BRAC, he served as the Deputy Governor of Bangladesh Bank. With his appointment as Country Head and General Manager of ANZ Grindlays
Bank, Bangladesh in March 1997, Mr. Rumee Ali became
the first Bangladeshi to head a major international bank in Bangladesh. In July 2000, following the takeover of ANZ Grindlays Bank by Standard Chartered Bank, Mr. Rumee Ali was appointed the Chief Executive Officer of the Standard Chartered Group in Bangladesh, heading
both Standard Chartered Bank and Standard Chartered
Grindlays Bank. His banking experience includes stints in India, United Kingdom and Australia. Mr. Rumee Ali was
elected as fellow member of the Bangladesh Institute of Bankers in 2001.
He has received a number of awards including C. R. Das, Atish Dipanker and Sarojini Naidu Gold Medal for Banking in 1995, 1999 and 2009 respectively, and the ‘CEO of the Year’ award by Junior Chamber International,
Bangladesh. Mr. Ali received his BA and MA in economics from the
University of Dhaka.
2. Mr. Ishara Chinthaka Nanayakkara
Non-Executive Director
Ishara Nanayakkara joined the Board of Lanka ORIX Leasing Company PLC (LOLC) in 2002 and is, presently the Deputy Chairman of LOLC and of Lanka ORIX Finance Company PLC. He is also the Chairman of Commercial Leasing and Finance PLC, a leading finance company in the country.
He is the Chairman of BRAC EPL Investments Ltd, BRAC
EPL Stock Brokerage Ltd, bKash Ltd, BRAC Sajaan
Exchange Ltd, BRAC IT Services Ltd, BRAC Lanka Finance Ltd and also the Director of several other organisations,
including BRAC Bank, BRAC Net and Alliance for
Bangladesh Worker Safety. Mr. Rumee Ali is a member of the global steering committee of the performance-based
grants initiatives of the International Finance Corporation,
and the technical advisory committee of Bangladesh
Mr. Nanayakkara is the Chairman of LOLC Micro Credit Limited, the Microfinance arm of LOLC Group. He also serves on the Board of PRASAC Microfinance Institute; one of the largest Microfinance institutions in Cambodia. His enduring interest in Microfinance was further evident by his latest initiative and LOLC’s first overseas investment
8 | BRAC Lanka Finance PLC
- LOLC Myanmar Microfinance Company Ltd in which he is the founding Chairman. He was also instrumental in
the joint venture between BRAC and LOLC to form BRAC Lanka Finance PLC.
Mr. Kairy supervises the overall financial control and
management over the sources and applications of funds for BRAC activities, both development and commercial.
His responsibilities include ensuring effective financial control, transparency and accuracy of financial data and reporting. Mr. Kairy is responsible for ensuring the
effective procurement and asset management of BRAC.
Mr. Nanayakkara is the Deputy Chairman of Seylan Bank PLC, a premier commercial bank in the country. His
strategic participation in general, life and micro insurance
through LOLC Insurance Company Ltd, factoring and
working capital through LOLC Factors Ltd, stock brokering
and securities through LOLC Securities Ltd, Islamic finance through LOLC Al-falaah, SME financing in addition to
conventional lending and deposit product knowhow,
reflects his vivid exposure in the financial services arena.
He is currently serving on the board of BRAC Bank Limited
and BRAC Lanka Finance PLC (Sri Lanka) as a director
nominated by BRAC.
4. Mr. Waduthantri Dharshan Kapila Jayawardena
Non-Executive Director
Kapila Jayawardena counts over thirty two year’s
experience in Banking, Financial Management and
Corporate Management. Mr. Jayawardena was appointed as the Group Managing Director/CEO of Lanka ORIX Leasing Company PLC in 2007. He was the former CEO/ Country Head of Citibank N.A. Sri Lanka & Maldives.
He is also the Executive Chairman of Brown & Company PLC and Browns Investments PLC. The Browns Group is a
renowned conglomerate with leading market position in trade, leisure, manufacturing, consumer appliances and
agriculture equipment and Browns Investments is the
strategic investing arm of Browns that consists a portfolio of Leisure, Plantation, construction, agriculture inputs and banking.
Mr. Jayawardena has played a pivotal role in the banking sector contributing to the financial market reforms, development and regularly advising regulators on prudential requirements and has widespread experience in introducing innovative financial service products to the
market.
Mr. Nanayakkara also serves on the Boards of Sierra ConstructionsLtd,FreeLankaHoldingsPLC,LankaCentury Investment PLC, Associated Battery Manufacturers (Cey)
Ltd and Agstar Fertilizer PLC.
LOLC Group is one of the largest conglomerates in Sri Lanka with presence in diversified industries such as Financial Services, Trading, Manufacturing, Construction, Leisure and Renewable Energy.
He holds a diploma in Business Accounting from Australia.
3. Mr. Shib Narayan Kairy
Non-Executive Director
Mr. Kairy is the chief financial officer of BRAC and BRAC International. He is also a member of the executive
management committee, the organisation’s management
decision-making committee. Following the completion of his MCom in accounting from the University of Dhaka, he joined the accounts section of BRAC in April 1982.
As an individual with extensive International and domestic
financial experience, Mr. Jayawardena was a key member
of the following committees:
•••
Chairman Sri Lanka Bank’s Association (SLBA) 2003/2004 Member of the Financial Services Reforms Committee (FSRC) 2003/ 2004
At BRAC, he progressed through the roles of chief
accountant, finance manager, head of finance, director of finance and accounts, and was appointed to his current position in May 2011.
Director of Lanka Clear and was instrumental in
completing the Automated Clearing Project for the
Sri Lankan banking industry 2004
•
President of the American Chamber of Commerce Sri Lanka 2006/2007
Annual Report 2013/14 | 9
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
•••
Member of the inaugural Sovereign ratings team for Sri Lanka
London. He then moved to Global Emerging Markets, a boutique investment bank concentrating on emerging markets based out of London. Subsequently he moved
to Bangladesh and was responsible for establishing the
structured finance unit of Industrial and Infrastructure Development Finance Company Limited where he launched the first ever zero coupon bond in Bangladesh. Prior to establishing RSA he was the treasury consultant
with Price water house Coopers for restructuring Agrani Bank one of the largest state owned banks in Bangladesh.
Member of the National Council of Economic
Development (NCED) Board Member of the United States - Sri Lanka
Fulbright Commission
Presently, Mr. Jayawardena holds Chairmanship Directorship in the following companies:
/
- •
- Lanka ORIX Leasing Company PLC - Group Managing
Director/CEO
Mr. Ahmad has established himself as one of the leading
structuredfinance bankers inBangladeshbylaunchingthe first ever zero coupon bond,the first step down syndicated loan facility, the first ever unsecured international term loan facility for a Micro Finance institution and of course the world’s first micro credit securitization, the first ever
variable rate subordinated domestic convertible bond
as Tier 2 Capital with international participation in the
Bangladesh market.
•••••••••••••••
Lanka ORIX Finance Company PLC - Chairman LOLC Insurance Company Limited - Chairman LOLC Securities Limited - Chairman Palm Garden Hotels PLC - Chairman Speed Italia (Pvt) Ltd - Chairman United Dendro Energy (Pvt) Ltd - Chairman LOLC General Insurance Ltd - Chairman LOLC Life Insurance Ltd - Chairman LOLC Micro Credit Ltd - Director Commercial Leasing & Finance PLC - Director Brown & Company PLC - Director Browns Investments PLC - Director Seylan Bank PLC - Director
He is also a partner in Mekong Brahmaputra Clean Development Fund involved in investing in clean energy