Feb 12, 2010: IGI Insurance Limited, a part of the IGI Financial Services, is now providing Health Insurance to Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry employees and their dependents.

After receiving the memento from Mr. Rasheeduddin Rashid, Acting President Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Jalees Ahmed Siddiqi CEO of IGI Insurance stated, “it is indeed an honor for us to have Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry on board with us. IGI Insurance provides customized services and tailor-made health insurance products backed by years of experience. Our financial strength along with our customer centric approach enables us to achieve our prime objective of fulfilling our customer’s needs efficiently”.

IGI Insurance has an ever expanding customer base of reputable companies including top national and multinational organizations. Over one hundred and twenty five hospitals all over Pakistan are associated with IGI Insurance ensuring wide coverage and ease of accessibility.

Amongst Pakistan’s leading insurance companies, IGI Insurance has been rated ‘AA’ by PACRA for the 9th consecutive year. This rating denotes a very strong capacity to meet policyholder and contract obligations.

Karachi, 7^th January 2010: IGI Investment Bank Ltd., part of the IGI Financial Services Group, has recently launched a comprehensive suite of Wealth Management services specifically designed for the needs of its high net-worth clients. Individuals looking to invest will now have access to the resources and expertise of a financial group involved in businesses ranging from Investment Banking, Securities Brokerage, Insurance, Asset Management, etc., to provide them the best set of investment solutions from across the industry.

IGI Investment Bank Ltd. has been serving corporate and individual investors for the last two decades, and is known across the industry for its integrity and reliability. As part of the expanding IGI Financial Services Group, we have created internal synergies to grow in size while remaining one of the most dynamic and flexible investment firms. This makes it possible for us to pool our expertise and create a customized strategy for every investor that comprehensively covers every aspect of their financial well being.

Investors will be assigned personal Wealth Managers, and a highly experienced Investment Committee which will oversee and review investment strategies that are carefully modified to meet the unique requirements of every individual. Our clients have the opportunity to diversify into an entire portfolio of assets including Mutual Funds, Stocks, Government & Corporate Bonds, Commodities (such as Gold, Oil & Silver), Insurance, and Shariah compliant investments, all through a single point of contact. Special services are also available for clients interested in Tax Planning and the establishment of specific trusts to oversee their Estate or Charitable activities, while they may also avail both secured and unsecured credit where eligible.

Raeda Latif, Head of Wealth Management at IGI Investment Bank, when contacted said. “We aren’t interested in a quick sell; instead we utilize proven economic and financial constructs to make informed decisions, conduct business in a way that maintains our history of financial integrity, and most importantly, provide our clients with the exclusive level of service they expect”.

As asset markets around the globe ready themselves for the challenges of 2010, high net worth investors will recognize the value of IGI Wealth Management’s proactive, well informed and strategic decision making. With personalized strategies, exemplary service, and a commitment to relationships built on trust, IGI Wealth Management may prove to be exactly what the market has been searching for.

Karachi – November 13, 2009: IGI Insurance Limited, part of the IGI Financial Services Group, was awarded the ‘Merit award’ for the year 2008 in the category ‘Non –Banking Sector not subject to prudential supervision’ by the South Asian Federation of Accountants (SAFA).

The award was presented at a ceremony held in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Awards under different categories were conferred on the basis of evaluation by SAFA Committee for improvement in transparency, accountability and governance of the published annual reports of entries from South Asian Countries.

Muhammad Kashif Nisar, CFO IGI Insurance speaking at the occasion said, “Our commitment to following best practices in our business and a strong emphasis on governance has been complemented by this award. With a focus on continuous improvement, we strive to enhance the benefits provided to our stakeholders and customers.
Previously IGI Insurance Limited has also been awarded with the Best Corporate Report Award and Corporate Excellence Award.

About IGI Insurance
Established in 1953, IGI Insurance underwrites all types of property and casualty insurance. With over 55 years of experience, IGI has become one of the leading providers of risk management services across the country and has been listed on the Karachi and Lahore Stock Exchanges since December 1987. Furthermore, IGI Insurance has maintained the “AA” Insurer Financial Strength Rating by PACRA for 9 consecutive years, denoting a very strong capacity to meet policy holders and contract obligations.

About SAFA
South Asian Federation of Accountants (SAFA) was formed in the year 1984 to serve the accountancy profession in the South Asian Region and uphold its eminence in the world of accountancy. SAFA is an Apex Body of the South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation (SAARC) and a Regional Grouping of International Federation of Accountants (IFAC). SAFA represents over 170000 accountants having membership of the national chartered accountancy and cost and management accountancy institutions in the South Asian countries namely Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. SAFA came into existence at the initiative of the accounting professional bodies in the South Asian Region, which has a bond of culture and homogeneity of professional environment.

Karachi – October 23rd, 2009: IGI Stock Fund (IGISF), an open ended equity market fund of IGI Funds Ltd, has recently been awarded 5-Star rating by PACRA. The rating signifies stellar performance, well rounded management and strict adherence to regulatory parameters.
The Mutual Fund Performance Ranking (Star Ranking) aims to distinguish funds based on their relative actual performance within a similar category of funds. In measuring performance, PACRA considers absolute monthly return and risk adjusted return measured through standard deviation.
Ms. Maheen Rahman, CEO of IGI Funds said, “We intend to continue with the philosophy of a strong portfolio of dividend yielding stocks, which are at a fundamental discount to the market. Our commitment remains the betterment of our unit holders. Therefore, risk mitigation will remain a prime objective along with high return generation.”

At the end of FY09, IGISF posted a stellar performance. The fund registered a Month to Date return of 0.6% against a benchmark decline of (1.57%). Since Inception, the fund has appreciated by 32.9% against a KSE-100 depreciation of (34.65%). IGISF was among the very few to announce a payout. The Fund treated its unit holders to a Cash Dividend of Rs.25.3111 (Bonus Issue of 23.5268 per 100 units). Presently, the fund has net assets of PKR ~500Mn.

IGI Insurance Limited, one of the leaders in general insurance in Pakistan has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Overseas Private Investment Corporation(OPIC) U.S.A, working together to insure US investors in Pakistan against Political Risks.

IGI Insurance joins hands with the most experienced political risk insurer in the world, that has $ 4 billion in reserves and the backing of the US Government, with the confidence that this would not only improve and diversify its own line of business, but would reduce the risk of unfair interference, protect small and large investments, improve access to credit and also offer its clients flexible and affordable programs.

Mr. Rod Morris, Vice President of Insurance, OPIC during his visit to Pakistan said, ‘We aim at assisting small and large businesses in Pakistan, an emerging market where political risk insurance is missing on the private markets, it will accelerate Pakistan’s growth in all sectors paving a way to a better future. IGI Insurance is a channel through which this exclusive product will be offered and we are confident that it would facilitate improved investment and allow for improved insurance products in the future.

Mr. Jalees A. Siddiqi, CEO of IGI Insurance said, ‘Political Risk Insurance, particularly the coverage of Currency Inconvertibility and Expropriation, is a unique and specialized product that is going to be offered in Pakistan for the first time by a local concern and IGI Insurance is proud to be the company with that distinction. I feel that our strong relationship with OPIC and their patronage would immensely help the General Insurance Industry in Pakistan.’

During the visit Mr. Morris met a large number of business and government leaders in Lahore and Karachi where he discussed cooperation prospects with OPIC.

About IGI Insurance
Over the last fifty years IGI has established a sound business in the non-life insurance sector in Pakistan on the basis of well governed operations based on the highest ethical and integrity levels and a focus on customer service. Its secure ethical business base is manifest by the fact that whereas IGI is among the top 5 companies in the industry in Pakistan in terms of gross premium, it has the highest underwriting profitability ratio, solvency margin and net realizable asset value, and has one of the strongest balance sheets in the industry.

About OPIC
The Overseas Private Investment Corporation, OPIC, is an independent U.S. government agency that facilitates investment by U.S. organizations in emerging markets by providing financial and insurance related support. As a pioneer in Political Risk Insurance OPIC provides unparalleled expertise and has an unmatched reputation globally. Over its 38 year history it has supported projects in over 150 countries and it continues to work for the development and growth of free markets world wide.

July 24, 2009: IGI Investment Bank, a part of the IGI Financial Services recently signed a distribution agreement with Pak-Qatar Family Takaful Limited aiming to further strengthen its portfolio by adding Family (Life) Takaful Insurance to its insurance advisory services. According to this agreement, clients would be able to secure their own and their family’s future the Islamic way through a host of Shariah compliant Takaful- Islamic insurance products offered to the Bank. IGI Investment Bank would therefore successfully be able to cater to all those clients who are seeking a Halal alternative to conventional insurance.

The recently appointed CEO and Director of IGI Investment Bank, Syed Javed Hassan stated, “IGI Investment Bank aims at going that extra mile in providing its valued customers with not only the very best standards of conventional insurance products, but also with a comprehensive bouquet of Shari'ah compliant insurance products to create a greater synergy between the client’s need and the solution provided by us.”

Also present on the occasion, Mr. P. Ahmed, Director and CEO of Pak-Qatar Family Takaful Limited stated, “I commend the management of IGI Investment Bank for their bold initiative to provide Family (Life) Takaful coverage to their customers. They have certainly set a precedent for other Banks to follow. Clearly, we can no longer ignore the religious values of the people and this agreement between IGI Investment Bank and Pak-Qatar Family Takaful just shows how sincerely we respect these values.”

About IGI Investment Bank
IGI Investment Bank is a part of the IGI Financial Services Group, established in 1990 and is licensed to carry out investment financing and leasing activities under the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan. PACRA has awarded it a long-term credit rating of ‘A’ and short-term rating of ‘A1’ which ensures a strong risk absorption capacity. For more information, please log on to www.igi.com.pk or call 0800-2-34-34

About Pak-Qatar Family Takaful Limited
Pak-Qatar Family Takaful Group, the pioneers of Family Takaful, is a technology-driven Shari’ah compliant company sponsored by some of the leading financial institutions from the State of Qatar. The company has a rating of ‘A-‘ (having stable outlook) from JCR-VIS Credit Co. Ltd. It has a network of 24 branches present in 14 cities and is quickly growing in its corporate and individual customer base. For more information, please log on to www.pakqatar.com.pk or call 111-TAKAFUL

Karachi – July 17, 2009: National Commodity Exchange Limited (NCEL) is seeing a steady growth in activity and more than 600 contracts worth rupees 150 Million are traded daily. This was revealed to a group of media personnel at a briefing session held at the IGI Securities head office.  

The event was chaired by Azhar Ahmed Batla, CEO IGI Securities, Mr. Zulfiqar Hyder Khan, COO IGI Securities, Muhammad Khurram, Head of IGI Commodities and Mansoor Ali, Head of Business Development, NCEL. The speakers briefed a team of journalists about the growth in commodity trading with emphasis on prospects in the field. “Operational transparency, time elasticity and global accessibility marks profit potential in the field and NCEL will soon be launching crude oil trading and futures trading” said Mansoor.

Azhar Batla, CEO IGI Securities added, “IGI Commodities although a market leader in commodities trade with a 43% market share is striving for wider investor base as Pakistan being an agriculture based country, is most suited for commodity trading like its neighbors”.

There are 70 commodity exchanges around the world and NCEL as a platform makes access to these markets easier for Pakistani investors. The exchange also facilitates international research and expert opinion to its investors and comprises of more than 300 members.  

About IGI Finex Securities :
IGI Finex Securities Limited is a full service brokerage house with state-of-the-art technologies. The firm was incorporated in 1994 and thereafter in 2006 was acquired by IGI Investment Bank Limited. With a history of over a decade of providing financial broking, IGI Finex Securities has emerged as a dominant player in Pakistan’s Security and Brokerage industry. Being a corporate member of both the Karachi and Lahore Stock Exchanges, the company offers its clients a full range of financial brokering services ranging from equity trading to fixed income investments, research support, Forex and commodity trading.
For further details call our toll-free number 0800-234-34 or email us at contact.center@igi.com.pk.

Karachi – June 15th, 2009: IGI Insurance Limited, part of the IGI Financial Services Group, was awarded the Best Corporate Report (BCR) Award in the Non Banking Financial Institutions Category. Salim Raza, Governor State Bank of Pakistan presided the ceremony held at a local hotel in Karachi.

The award recognizes the best annual reports of companies in terms of accuracy, transparency, usefulness and speed of financial and other disclosures made for all stakeholders along with its presentation and ability to convey corporate objectives.

Jalees Siddiqi, CEO IGI Insurance when contacted said, “Stakeholders associate high quality annual reports as a fundamental to providing pertinent, concise and comprehensive information to understand the company’s operating and financial performance. This award recognizes that we are following good governance and management practices at IGI Insurance”.

The awards are adjudicated jointly by the Institute of Cost and Management Accountants of Pakistan (ICMAP) and Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan (ICAP) and are regularly held since 2000.

About IGI Insurance:
Established in 1953, IGI Insurance underwrites all types of property and casualty insurance. With over 55 years of experience, IGI has become one of the leading providers of risk management services across the country and has been listed on the Karachi and Lahore Stock Exchanges since December 1987. Furthermore, IGI Insurance has maintained the “AA” Insurer Financial Strength Rating by PACRA for 9 consecutive years, denoting a very strong capacity to meet policy holders and contract obligations.

May 14, 2009: IGI Insurance Limited, a part of the IGI Financial Services, was proclaimed the winner of the 26th Corporate Excellence Awards for the Financial as well as Management Practices Category by the Management Association of Pakistan (MAP).

Amongst Pakistan’s leading insurance companies, IGI Insurance has maintained one of the highest Solvency Margins which proves the company’s ability to manage associated risks, along with its substantial risk absorption capacity, provides significant cushioning to make inroads into relatively high risk areas.

IGI Insurance also maintains the “AA” Insurer Financial Strength Rating with a Stable Outlook by PACRA that denotes a very strong capacity to meet policy holders and contract obligations.

After receiving the two awards from Mr. Salim Raza, Governor of State Bank of Pakistan, Mr. Jalees Siddiqi CEO of IGI Insurance stated, “Strong, effective management practices enable organizations and companies to attain high standards of performance across regions, cultures and markets. At IGI Insurance we strive to bench mark with the best in class and embrace good management practices in our business with strong emphasis on governance. Receiving this award is an indication that we are headed towards the right direction.”

Established in 1953, IGI Insurance underwrites all types of property and casualty insurance. With over 55 years of experience, IGI has become one of the leading providers of risk management services across the country and has been listed on the Karachi and Lahore Stock Exchanges since December 1987.

IGI Investment Bank, a part of the IGI Financial Services after meeting all the necessary financial and regulatory requirements, is now effectively listed on the Islamabad Stock Exchange (ISE).

IGI Investment Bank is already listed on the Karachi and Lahore Stock exchanges and by gaining a place in the ISE, it will be one of the few banks that enjoy the privilege of being listed on all the major stock exchanges of the country.

In response to the listing, Mr. Samir Ahmed, Managing Director and CEO of IGI Investment Bank stated, “We were keen to maintain a presence in all stock markets in the region and by being listed on the ISE we have now opened the door for investors in Islamabad and other northern areas to trade directly in our shares. This will no doubt add depth and stability to trading on the market, especially in view of the increasing growth performance by IGI Investment Bank as the largest investment bank in Pakistan with a paid up capital of 2.1 Billion.“

In conclusion of his remarks, Mr. Samir Ahmed thanked the management and all officials of the Islamabad Stock Exchange for their cooperation and support to the Bank and expressed his confidence that such cooperation and support will continue further in the future for the benefit of all concerned.

About IGI Investment Bank
IGI Investment Bank is a part of the IGI Financial Services Group, established in 1990 and is licensed to carry out investment financing and leasing activities under the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan. PACRA has awarded it a long-term credit rating of ‘A’ and short-term rating of ‘A1’ which ensures a strong risk absorption capacity. For more information, please log on to www.igi.com.pk or call 0800-2-34-34.

About the Islamabad Stock Exchange (Guarantee) Limited
The Islamabad Stock Exchange (ISE) was incorporated as a guarantee limited Company on 25th October, 1989 in Islamabad with the main object of setting up of a trading and settlement infrastructure, information system, skilled resources, accessibility and a fair and orderly market place that ranks with the best in the world. The purpose for establishment of the stock exchange in Islamabad was to cater to the needs of less developed areas of the northern part of Pakistan.

March 14 2009: IGI Insurance Limited a part of the IGI Financial Services Group received Karachi Stock Exchange’s (KSE) prestigious Top Companies Award for the year 2006.

Conferred to twenty five companies, the awards are KSE’s means of recognizing the excellent performance of these companies on the basis of turn over of shares, distribution of dividend return on equities and other indices.

Amongst Pakistan’s leading insurance companies, IGI Insurance has maintained one of the highest Solvency Margins which proves the company’s ability to manage associated risks, along with its substantial risk absorption capacity, provides significant cushioning to make inroads into relatively high risk areas.

IGI Insurance also maintains the “AA” Insurer Financial Strength Rating with a Stable Outlook by PACRA that denotes a very strong capacity to meet policy holders and contract obligations.

After receiving the award from Mr. Shaukat Tarin, the country’s finance advisor, Mr. Jalees Ahmed Siddiqi CEO of IGI Insurance stated, “This award represents the relentless commitment and effort of the IGI Insurance team towards providing its customers and clients with peace of mind. Such rewards also strengthen our dedication to maintaining the highest standards of integrity and sound dealing in our relationships with all our stakeholders. “

Established in 1953, IGI Insurance underwrites all types of property and casualty insurance. With over 55 years of experience, IGI has become one of the leading providers of risk management services across the country and has been listed on the Karachi and Lahore Stock Exchanges since December 1987.

March 6, 2009 (Friday): IGI Investment Bank a part of the IGI Financial Services Group and New Jubilee Life Insurance Limited (NJI Life) marked the beginning of a long lasting relationship by signing an agreement at the IGI Financial Services head office.

According to the agreement, NJI Life will be joining hands with IGI Investment Bank to provide bancassurance whereby its customers will have the privilege of availing innovative and custom made life insurance products tailored by NJI Life.

Present at the ceremony, Mr. Javed Ahmed the Managing Director and CEO of NJI Life stated, “We are honored to provide our life insurance services and products to the customers of IGI Investment Bank, one of the country’s leading investment banks. Being the pioneers of bancassurance in Pakistan, we are confident that we will provide the highest level of services and guidance to our new bancassurance partners- IGI Investment Bank”

Also present at the ceremony, Mr. Samir Ahmed Managing Director and CEO of IGI Investment Bank said, “We have been striving to transform our bank to a one-stop financial service provider which offers solutions to a diverse range of financial requirements. Thus, by signing an agreement with NJI Life we are taking a positive step towards achieving this goal.”

About IGI Investment Bank:
IGI Investment Bank established in 1990 provides a host of specialized services which include finance, treasury management and mutual funds advisory has grown to become Pakistan’s largest investment bank with a paid up capital of PKR 2.1 Billion. It has also been awarded a long term credit rating of ‘A’ and ‘A1’ by the Pakistan Credit Rating Agency (PACRA). For more information, please log on to www.igi.com.pk or call 0800-2-34-34

About NJI Life:
New Jubilee Life Insurance Company Limited (NJI Life) is a subsidiary of the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED), Switzerland. It was incorporated in Pakistan on 29 June 1995 as a Public Limited Company under the Companies Ordinance 1984. Its shares are quoted on the Karachi Stock Exchange.

February 23, 2009: IGI Insurance Limited, a part of the IGI Financial Services Group signed an agreement with Pakistan Automobile Manufacturers Authorized Dealers Association (PAMADA) with respect to its comprehensive automobile insurance “IGI Auto Cover”.

The agreement will effectively include, “IGI Auto Cover” in PAMADA’s exclusive panel of automobile insurance providers for prospective buyers.

In a statement after the signing ceremony Mr. Saulat Said, CEO of IGI Insurance said,
“We are making major headway in the automobile insurance sector. Our aim is to introduce “IGI Auto Cover” to PAMADA association so that it becomes the preferred choice for individuals when they consider automobile insurance.”

Also present at the ceremony, Mr. PM Polad, Chairman of PAMADA stated, “I am honored to have IGI Insurance Limited on our panel of insurance providers. We hope this long term relationship proves beneficial not only for both the parties but more so for the population of automobile buyers throughout the country.”

An association formed in 2005, PAMADA serves the public interest and benefits franchise dealers such as Honda, Toyota, Mitsubishi and Suzuki and independent auto dealers by fostering high standards of business conduct. Its objectives also include presenting information to the public and to governmental agencies that will help auto dealers in our economy

 IGI Insurance has earned the ‘AA’ Insurer Financial Strength (IFS) rating with stable outlook by PACRA that denotes a very strong capacity to meet policy holders and contract obligations.

IGI Investment Bank, a part of the IGI Financial Services group signed a Memorandum of Understanding with American Life Insurance Company (Pakistan) Limited - ALICO to introduce insurance and savings products for its customers. The signing ceremony took place at the IGI Financial Services head office in the presence of senior executives representing both companies.
 
By signing the MoU, IGI Investment Bank customers will have the privilege of availing valuable insurance and savings products offered by ALICO, the market leader in international life insurance with assets in excess of US$100 billion and operations in 55 countries worldwide, through the bank’s advisory and distribution channel.

Mr. Arif Sultan Mufti, Chairman & CEO of ALICO said, ‘In a country still relatively new to the concept of bancassurance, we aim to increase its potential in a market where exposure to financial markets is still on a rise. Going into an understanding with IGI Investment Bank, we hope to create a long term relationship with them, providing our expertise in the field of insurance, whilst aiming to cater to the masses through different channels’.

About IGI Investment Bank
IGI Investment Bank is a part of the IGI Financial Services Group, established in 1990 and is licensed to carry out investment financing and leasing activities under the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan. PACRA has awarded it a long-term credit rating of ‘A’ and short-term rating of ‘A1’ which ensures a strong risk absorption capacity. For more information, please log on to www.igi.com.pk or call 0800-2-34-34

About ALICO
ALICO first started its operation in Pakistan in 1952 and continued till 1972 when the life insurance industry was nationalized. By 1972, ALICO had issued 72,000 policies and had invested more than US$36 million in the country’s economy. In 1994, ALICO was the first foreign life insurer to re-enter Pakistan. It commenced its operations in May 1995 with a paid-up capital of PKR 130 million which today stands at PKR 500 million. Along with commitment, ALICO brings to Pakistan an extensive international expertise and cutting edge technology being used by our operations in the most developed markets

IGI Insurance held its Annual Sales Conference for 2009 at the Marriott Karachi from January 23rd to January 25th 2009. Sales teams from across the country shared their branch’s performance for 2008 and discussed their targets for the up coming year. At the conclusion of the conference, awards were presented for the following categories:

Best Performing Branch for 2008: Syed Maratib Ali Road Branch Lahore
Best Sales Person of the Year for 2008: Mr. Mohammad Amjad
Best Groomed Sales Person: Mr. Mohammad Haider Hashimi
Best Presentation: Faisalabad Branch
Best Presenter: Mr. Muhammad Ikram
A special award was also presented to Mr. Saulat Said for his commitment to excellence during his tenure as Chief Executive Officer of the company.
Congratulations to all the winners and best of luck to all the delegates for a successful 2009!

On this momentous occasion the participants and employees of IGI welcomed Mr. Jalees Ahmed Siddiqi who will be taking office from Mr. Saulat Said as CEO IGI Insurance.

Karachi: February 03, 2009 – IGI Funds Limited the asset management company of the IGI Financial Services Group launched its Stock Fund on the 15th of July 2008. Inspite of the volatile and uncertain economic scenario, IGI Stock Fund outperformed its benchmark by 43.14%. This performance has been evaluated on the basis of growth and value parameters and the KSE 100 index serves as a benchmark.

IGI Stock Fund an open ended fund, allows investors to offset the volatility of the stock market through a diversified stock market portfolio managed by an experienced team of professionals. Therefore in view of the current KSE 100 performance, IGI Stock Fund has become one of the best bet on the risk and return scale because of its strategic focus on value and growth stocks, positive month to date returns in comparison to its peer group, experienced fund team and strong research support for stock selection.

Syed Javed Hassan, CEO IGI Funds said “Investment decisions and portfolio management are critical to fund performance and we expect to sustain growth.”

IGI Funds Limited, since its establishment in 2006, has grown to PKR 1,460 million and earned a rating of AM3 with positive outlook from PACRA in 2008.The performance of its funds has been outstanding, based on returns, Sharpe ratio and standard deviation.

True to its endeavor of promoting the arts, IGI Financial Services, proudly sponsored the 7th KaraFilm Festival - the Karachi International Film Festival 2009,  from the 4th to 15th of February 2009 at the Arts Council Auditorium and Nishat Cinema.

The KaraFilm Society (organizers of the event) strives to promote creativity, arts and learning in Pakistan through their festival and they were successful in achieving the aforementioned goals this year as well much to the satisfaction of IGI.

The festival this year offered a chance for everyone to give an eye to the screen by showing films that catered to all, from your child’s favorite funny animated film Kung Fu Panda, Enchanted or Water Horse, to the famous Pakistani horror flick Zibahkhana that kept you at the edge of your seats during its thrilling scenes. If you weren’t in the childish mood or ready to scream your heart out, you could have visited one of the shows airing the famous Pakistani award winning blockbuster Khuda Kay Liye, a recent classic Revolutionary Road, opted for documentaries like Riding Solo to the Top of the World or just sat back and enjoyed one of the short stories like Lost Lovers or The Fantastic Life of Mr. Tripathi.

For more information and the schedules you can visit the following link:

http://www.karafilmfest.com

Arts Council Auditorium KaraFilm Festival Schedule

Karachi: January 17, 2009 – The Pakistan Credit Rating Agency PACRA maintains A for long term and A1 for short term ratings for IGI Investment Bank one of the leading investment banks in Pakistan and part of IGI Financial Services Group. The rating is significant as it comes at a time when the overall industry outlook is projected negative due to turmoil in the money & capital markets and general slowing down of economic activity.

The primary function of PACRA is to evaluate the capacity and willingness of an entity to honor its obligations. The ratings are independent, professional and reflect the Bank’s strong relative positioning in the field emanating from the resilience exhibited by IGI Investment Bank during the current liquidity crisis. Furthermore, these ratings are recognition of IGI’s strong risk absorption capacity, good asset quality, sound equity base and quality risk management.

Mr. Samir Ahmed, CEO IGI Investment Bank, on this achievement stated, “These ratings are a result of IGI Investment Bank’s commitment to its stakeholders and excellent risk management practices adopted by the Bank. IGI has never compromised on the quality of assets and is committed to optimizing value for its shareholders. The ratings are recognition of our efforts and a source of confidence”.

The rating projects prospects of various investment banks operating in the country on a stand-alone basis and give due consideration to the macro economic challenges being faced by the entire economy that led to a difficult operating environment for the industry. IGI Investment Bank continues to be one of the most professional investment banks in Pakistan.

IGI Investment Bank is a part of the IGI Financial Services Group was established in 1990 and is licensed to carry out investment financing and leasing activities under the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan. For more information please log on to www.igiinvestmentbank.com.pk or call 0800-2-34-34.