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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Turning ambitions into reality is quite easier when there are people who provide you
constant support from sharing of knowledge, experiences and precious time to moral
support. I thank all the persons who shared their knowledge, experiences and time with
me, and provided me firm moral support in times of desperation as I compiled my report.
I extend my utmost appreciation and thanks to the professional and emotional
endorsement of all these personalities.
I would Thank God almighty who gives me ability and strength to make and complete
this report, then to my teachers and parents who are always there to support me when
ever I find any problem.
I would also like to thank to the entire team pf Askari bank Johar town branch Lahore,
who shared their knowledge and experiences with me and spared their precious time in
helping me to understand the working of their bank, banking systems and related
terminology.
Professional accomplishment is not the result of a single day's work. Carefully considered
actions build upon one another throughout life until the goal is achieved. So I am grateful
to all the teachers who taught me directly or indirectly during the course of my studies
because without them, I would not have been able to achieve my present position.
PREFACE
This internship report is on my six weeks practical training at Askari bank Johar town
Lahore. In this internship report I have tried to give details about the Bank, its working
and different other aspects.
INTRODUCTION
Banking sector performs the core function of funds mobilization in an economy.
A vibrant and performing banking sector fuels the growth and development by providing
timely and efficiently priced funds, while at the same time helping savers earn a good
return on their savings. Banking sector in Pakistan has witnessed a strong growth since
the start of the decade. Although, it did get affected from the recent financial crisis, it still
managed to show resilience.
Askari Bank is one of the most trusted names in the banking sector of Pakistan.
Following is an introduction of the AWT that heads it, followed by a detailed description
of the bank.
Army welfare trust was established mainly for the welfare of army officials.
The office of army welfare trust is situated at AWT PLAZA Rawalpindi.
AWT offers the “AWT Saving Scheme” to the army officials only.
AWT has further as units.
1. Askari Associates
2. Askari Leasing
3. Askari General Insurance
4. Private Businesses
(a) Textile Mill
(b) Cement Industry
(c) Petroleum
5. Askari Commercial Bank
ASKARI ASKARI
ASKARI
GENERAL COMMERCIAL
ASSOCIATE
INSURANCE BANK
(PVT) Ltd.
ASKARI BUSINESSES
LEASING
CEMENT
PETROLEUM TEXTILE
While capturing the target market share amongst the few banks, Askari has provided
good value to its shareholders. Its share price has remained approximately 12% higher
than the average share price of quoted banks during the last four years.
Since 1992, it expanded into a nation wide presence of over a 200 branches, comprising
commercial and Islamic banking branches, out of which 20 are dedicated Islamic
branches, while one wholesale bank branch in Bahrain, connected online and supported
by a network of 2991 Automated Teller Machines (ATMs). It also enjoys an offshore
banking unit in Bahrain.
Over the years, Askari Bank Limited has proven its strength as a leading banking sector
entity with ever increasing commitment to its clients, through a strategic investment in
electronic technology. It has A1+, the highest possible credit rating, for short-term
obligation, and AA+ for long-term rating. Beside day-by-day banking solutions, Askari
Bank Limited has a wide range of Corporate, Consumer, and Islamic Banking products.
Bank’s growth and success patterns since its foundation have far outgrown industry
standards. It is a matter of pride for the bank to be able to offer one of the widest arrays
of products to its customers through its extensive branch network all over the country.
The recent re-branding of the bank was a part of the same evolution process.
It is said that the shorter, smarter name, crisper new colors and fresh new look are
an insight to the views on banking. The bank aims to provide innovative financial
solutions to its customers, with the security of knowing they are dealing with one of the
strongest financial institutions in the country.
The new slogan of the bank reflects the customer service philosophy – we’re Askari
Bank, ask us!
Ongoing Mergers
However, the deal was cancelled recently and no reason of it was disclosed officially. But
it is believed that one of the banks had a big infected portfolio because of which the two
disagreed on the swap ratio. As a result, talks broke down. Another source said the two
banks might have concluded that they would not be able to achieve the purpose for which
they were seeking to merge. Askari Leasing is also interested to merge with sister
concern Askari Bank. This deal is in the pipeline.
Keeping in view the recent financial turmoil and its repercussions, a Special Asset
Management Team has been strengthened at the head office with a purposeful approach
of facilitating recoveries of bad loans in coordination with field staff and ensuring regular
monitoring of the efforts made by them.
Investment in IT
OFSS
In 2009, the Bank has embarked upon one of the most ambitious projects in its history
by undertaking to upgrade its entire technology platform. The Bank has acquired Oracle
Financial Services Software (OFSS) (previously I-flex) as the core banking software and
its implementation has already commenced. The key objectives of this project are to
In addition to OFSS, the Bank has also signed-up for acquisition of Oracle
Financial as finance and MIS software, PeopleSoft as human resource management
software, and Siebel as customer relationship management software. These soft wares
will be fully integrated with OFSS and collectively strengthen the bank’s product and
service delivery capacity while improving the overall operational and internal control
standards.
ISO 27001
Another major initiative on the technology front is compliance with ISO 27001
Information Security Management System (ISMS). Major work on this project has been
completed and it is in an advanced stage of implementation. It is hoped that the Bank will
achieve full compliance during the ensuing year.
the large urban centers of Pakistan, which are primarily oriented towards foreign trade.
This segment constitutes significant revenues to the bank. The liability side remains
focused on the middle and upper middle class retired and serving government and armed
forces personal and mid-size business houses.
Their corporate banking division was established in April 1999 with the primary
focus on servicing large corporate and multi-national companies (MNCs). Benefiting
from the bank’s growing balance sheet size, this division B now gaining momentum and
their long-term aim D to develop it into an independent Strategic business unit (SBU)
With this branch network of 75 and further expected increase in future, the
ATM’s facility and internet Banking, Askari Bank’s reach is ever increasing. In
recognition of this reach, they have set up a retail-banking group in July 2000, the mobile
ATM’s facility is first time started by Askari commercial bank in 2005 dedicated to
serving the urban consumer market; Askari is committed to aggressively market this
segment. The strategy is to provide their customers with a basket of innovative products
to meet their varying needs.
Askari Commercial Bank is the only Private Sector bank that has been approved by the
World Bank as a Participating Financial Institution for the US$ 200 million Line of
Credit sanctioned (authorized) to the Government of Pakistan for the Financial Sector
Deepening and Intermediation Project.
Askari's emphasis on further broadening its core foreign trade business translated into
handling a higher volume of Export and Import business of Rs. 36 billion registering a
growth of 42% over the pervious year. This enhanced foreign trade business was secured
due to excellent customer services and efficient international settlement arrangements
with our correspondent banks.
Askari Bank is operating throughout Pakistan. Most of the branches are connected
through our State of the Art, On-line Communications Network, which gives the bank a
competitive edge in providing instant services to its clientele. We also offer direct access
to the latest Foreign Exchange Rates through our Online Communications.
Vision
To be the leading bank in the region.
Thinking
Core values
Because the right may not always be obvious, Askari must be guided in every action
by a set of well-defined values, governing Askari decisions. Askari understand that its
commitment to satisfy customers’ needs must be fulfilled within a professional and
ethical framework. Askari subscribe to a culture of high ethical standards, based upon
development of right attitudes.
The following primary core values provide the guiding principles for Askari corporate
behavior:
• Commitment
• Integrity
• Fairness
• Team-work
• Service
As part of Askari internal communications program, these core values are inculcated
in Askari employees through internal memos, posters and most importantly leading by
example.
Corporate objectives
As Askari Bank looks ahead to the future by moving through the decade of the 1990's
its efforts are guided by a broad framework of corporate objectives, which are as
follows:
To achieve sustained growth and profitability in all areas of business.
To build and sustain a high performance culture, with a continuous improvement
focus.
To develop a customer-service oriented culture with special emphasis on
customer care and convenience.
To build an enabling environment, where employees are motivated to contribute
to their full potential.
To effectively manage and mitigate all kinds of risks inherent in the banking
business.
To maximize use of technology to ensure cost-effective operations, efficient
management information system, enhanced delivery capability and high service
standards.
To manage the Bank's portfolio of businesses to achieve strong and sustainable
shareholder returns and to continuously build shareholder value.
To deliver timely solutions that best meets the customers’ financial needs.
To explore new avenues for growth and profitability.
Strategic Planning
CORPORATE PHILOSOPHY
Organizational goal and strategy define the purpose and competitive techniques that set it
apart from others organizations. Goals are often written down as an enduring statement of
company intent.
A strategy is the plan of action that describes the resource allocation and activities for
dealing with the environment and for reaching the organizational goal. Goals and
strategies define the scope of operations and the relationship with employees, clients and
competitors.
With over 14 years of experience in trade finance and an extensive international branch
network, Askari Commercial Bank is committed to help the customer succeed in every
competitive environment. To keep pace with changing needs, ACBL constantly review
its comprehensive cash, trade and treasury products and services, ensuring that a full
range of flexible and innovative services is always available for the customer wherever
they trade.
For the past four years, the Bank has received prizes from the South Asian Federalism of
Accountants for “The Best presented Annual Accounts” for the financial sector, in the
SAARC region.
Over the years, Askari Bank has proved its strength as a leading banking sector
entity, by achieving the following firsts in Pakistan banking.
i) First Pakistani Bank to offer on-line real-time banking on a countrywide basis.
ii) First bank with a nation-wide ATM network.
First bank to offer Internet Banking services
First Bank to offer e-commerce solutions.
The Askari Commercial Bank Limited has been declared “The Best Bank in
Pakistan” by the Global finance, an international financial magazine of high repute as a
result of their latest study of Banks in the Emerging Markets. This is the 2nd consecutive
year that the magazine has selected their bank for this prestigious Award.
Over the years, we have received several awards for the quality of our banking
service to individuals and corporate.
These Include:
Best Commercial Bank Consumer Choice award 2005 by The Consumers
Association of Pakistan
Best Retail Bank in Pakistan award 2004 & 2005 by The Asian Banker
Best Corporate Report 1st prize awarded for 2000, 01, 03 & 04 by Institute of
Chartered Accountants of Pakistan (ICAP) and institute of Cost & Management
of Accountants of Pakistan (ICMAP)
Corporate Excellence awards for 2002 & 03 The Management Association of
Pakistan (MAP)
Best Corporate / Institutional Internet Bank in Pakistan award for 2004 by
Global Finance magazine
Corporate Information
Management
Audit Committee
Chairman
Dr. Bashir Ahmad Khan
Member
Mr. Ali Noormahomed Rattansey
Member
Mr. Zafar Alam Khan Sumbal
Auditors
Legal Advisors
Rizvi, Isa, Afridi & Angell
UAN: 111-000-322
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
South II
IAS University of the Punjab Lahore.
West
ACBL Internship Report
PRESIDENT
VICE PRESIDENT
HIERARCHY STRUTURE
OFFICER GRADE I
OFFICER GRADE 2
OFFICER GRADE 3
JUNIOR OFFICER
PABX OPERATOR
DRIVER
IAS University of the Punjab Lahore.
PEON
ACBL Internship Report
Managerial Policies
• Financial policies
• Procurement policies
• Marketing policies
• Promotional policies
• Lending policies
• Personal policies
Financial Policies
The financial policies of any bank are the most important policies through which the
whole banking activity is conducted. These policies are primarily conducted on:
• Source of funds
• Use of funds
Source of funds
The bank finance policy is acquiring funds from the following sources:
• Deposits of account holders.
• Interest on advances and loans granted to the borrowers.
• Income and commission from the services provided by the bank.
• Bank opens various types of accounts for its customers Services are provided for
earning.
• Interest income and commission bank providing the services to its customer.
Use of funds
After the acquisition of the funds their mobilization becomes necessary. The bank
seeks the best way for making investment to get more profit with the maximum security.
The bank has an investment portfolio in which it allocate its funds for crediting to
borrowers, investment in the stock market, investment in the real estate property etc. for
allocation of funds a bank has to follow some banking policies and the prudential
regulations of SBP these are:
• A bank has to maintain a liquidity with central bank ,i.e. 25 % of its total deposits.
• A bank cannot invest all of its funds otherwise it will be difficult to meet urgent
needs.
• A substantial part of funds is received from interest on loans and advances. Before
granting a loan the bank analyzes and observes the borrower and conduct a
complete ratio analysis. Bank prepares credit line for this purpose the major thing
is granting an advance is the security offered by the borrower and its actual
market value.
Procurement policies
Procurement policies are more concerned with manufacturing organizations. In
bank industry that is service industry procurement means the procurement of funds from
various sources such as deposits. It involves attracting and holding the funds of the
depositors. After the acquisition of funds, the bank invest the acquire funds. One
alternative is to lend its money and earned interest markup or invest in govt. securities etc.
as already mentioned in the above paragraph the major sources of funds for a bank are the
deposit of the general and the other sources of income includes interest or markup charges
received for various services offered by the bank to its clients.
A bank tries to attract maximum no. of accounts so that it can increase its deposits and
this lending ability. In order to get maximum no. of accounts the staff of the bank must be
efficient as compared to the other banks and the manager of the branch must take
personal interest in attracting deposits. Good quality of the service is the key to success.
Marketing policies
Marketing policies are also one of the most important policies because they are
related to the growth of the organization. Marketing for a bank would mean:
These policies can be implemented by providing the right product and service to the
customer at the right place, at the right time, at the right price. It is necessary for the
managers to keep in touch with consumers, observe their needs and develop products,
which meet their needs.
Promotional policies
Public relation and advertising has assumed a great importance in the modern banking
business. As for as promotional activities are concerned, the main objective of the bank is
to inform the existing clients and other people about its new products or change in the
existing services. AB establishes its purpose through:
• Direct contact with customers
• Relation with business organizations
• Community relations
• Standard medium of advertising and promotion
Lending policies
Every bank has its own lending policies except for those, which are common for all
the banks, i.e. the policies, which are imposed on all the commercial banks by the SBP,
are known as prudential regulations. The lending policies of ACBL are as follows:
• The bank only invests in those sound and viable projects, which have good rate of
return
• Bank prefers to advance loan to their account holders
• Loan is given to reliable person only
• No political loan is sanctioned by bank
• Any account holder can apply for running finance or demand finance. The
manager appraises the past record of account holder and his credit worthiness. If
he finds any thing wrong he can refuse to sanction the amount
• The bank while taking security prefers govt. Securities to shares
Personnel policies
Personnel policies have an important role in the success of any organization.
ACBL have its proper personal policies. Good personal policies motivate the employees
towards hardworking.
Customer Relationships
Knowing Askari customers and their needs is the key to Askari business success.
Askari products and services are structured to touch and improve the quality of lives of
all segments of society. Service quality standards are designed and monitored to ensure a
consistent and convenient customer experience. Askari client relationship managers are
well equipped and well trained to provide most efficient and personalized service to each
and every customer. Askari products and services are as diverse as Askari market
segments. Askari have structured and syndicated financing arrangements, working capital
finance, Balancing-Modernization Replacement (BMR) facilities, financing of
international trade, consumer credit, small business loans, credit cards and unparalleled
investment products for the individual saver. Askari Bank is proud of the pioneering role
in providing the most modern technological services to its customer base, which today
exceeds 150,000 relationships.
Employee Relationships
"Unusual effort on part of the employees who are apparently ordinary workers is
one of the key indications of a superior enterprise"
Askari staff is Askari most valuable asset. The human resource philosophy at
Askari Bank focuses on multi-talent hiring, professional grooming, requisite training
and meritocracy based reward system. Askari lays great emphasis on the development
and nurturing of "Askari Culture", a cohesive teamwork, where each relies on the
strength of the other and together they achieve common objectives.
Staff welfare has always been a priority. New initiatives like hospitalization
plan, car buy-back facility and home loan insurance have added new dimensions to
the staff-care policy and motivated them to out-perform Askari competitors.
Employee productivity enhancement is organized through extensive in-house
and external training programs. Askari continue to offer opportunities for people to
develop their knowledge, skills and personalities, thus ensuring greater self-
fulfillment and progression in the organization.
Technological Innovation
Technology is rapidly changing the way Askari think, act and does business. It has
played a pivotal role in enhancing customer expectations, particularly with respect to
speed and quality of service.
Askari enjoy a strategic competitive advantage over all domestic players by virtue of
Askari leadership in technological innovations. Askari have fully automated transaction-
processing systems for back-office support. Askari branch network is connected on-line
real-time and Askari customers have access to off-site as well as on-site ATMs, all over
Pakistan.
Askari Phone Banking service and Internet Banking facility allows customers to enjoy
routine banking services from anywhere in the world, 365 days a year, 24 hours a day.
Askari have also pioneered commerce venture in Pakistan through a major retail
distributor.
Askari qualified and experienced technology team is now focusing on data
warehousing to enhance the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) program
Integrity is the most valued standard in whatever AB does. They understand that their
commitment to satisfy customers' needs must be fulfilled within a professional and
ethical framework. They subscribe to a culture of high ethical standards, based upon
development of right attitudes.
Askari Bank follows a stringent code of ethics policy which encompasses the following
items
• Employees must ensure that ‘know your customer’ principles are adhered by
obtaining sufficient information about the customers to reasonably satisfy
themselves as to their reputation, standing and the nature of their business
activities.
• Employees must never use their position in the Bank to obtain an advantage or
gain.
• Employees must not accept gifts, business entertainment or other benefits from a
customer or a supplier / vendor, which appear or may appear to compromise
commercial or business relationship.
• Employees must remain alert and vigilant with respect to frauds, thefts or illegal
activities committed within the Bank premises.
The philosophy followed at the bank is: Corporate Responsibility for Askari Bank is
embodied by the concept of “Privileged”. What this means is that everything that the
bank must take from this society is taken as privilege, not a right. This is why the bank
believes in giving back to others who have accorded it with this “Privilege” of being a
part of this society.
Askari Bank believes in taking utmost care of its customers and society – of which we are
all part of. This is how business is conducted, and is the core of the bank’s overall
strategy to make Askari Bank the Bank of First Choice in the Region. It requires the bank
to make informed, reasoned and ethical decisions about how business is conducted, how
employees are treated and how the bank behaves towards its customers and clients and
how it acts as a corporate citizen.
Askari Bank managed to manifest sustainable performance over the years in the banking
sector of Pakistan. Over the past the banking industry of Pakistan remained fraught with
financial scandals which shattered the confidence of the customers as well as
shareholders. Askari Bank while fully acknowledging the volatility and vulnerability
factor prevalent in the contemporary banking industry of Pakistan, from the time of its
inception remained fully committed to watch the security and interest of all the
stakeholders.
"Community investment is the substantial time given by our staff in supporting the work
of community organizations, whether raising money, organizing sporting or educational
events, providing business expertise or simply providing another willing pair of hands."
Askari Bank believes in giving back to society that has blessed it with an environment to
thrive in. Just like the ancestors who fought great wars so that we may live in peace and
harmony.
Askari Bank supports the community in which it operates both through the involvement
of its employees and through sponsorships. Persons with physical, sensory, or mental
impairments, that can make performing an everyday task more difficult, have special
needs. They are a part of the bank and Askari Bank enthusiastically promotes functions
organized for them.
GROWTH
"There is no sin punished more implacably by nature than the sin of resistance to
change"
International Division
International Division of the bank strives to place at the disposal of the branch
network, efficient correspondent banking arrangements on global basis. With this
attempt, it would be possible to cater to the needs of bank’s client Diaspora. This is made
possible through a variety of arrangements with various banks around the globe, which,
amongst other benefits of liaisons and linkages, ensures placement of suitable Credit lines
at bank’s disposal by the counter-party banks to facilitate Foreign Trade and Treasury
related activities.
Askari Bank today has an International Division which prides itself in multi-faceted
correspondent banking relationships with over 200 Banks in 77 countries around the
world thereby improving the capacity of Askari Bank’s branches in serving their clients.
International division of the bank has to perform another very crucial role in international
scenario - the role of making feasibilities and risk management in international front,
which has gained immense importance due to recent financial turmoil. International
Division is entrusted to arrange evaluation and approval of exposure limits favoring
various local/overseas banks and Non-banking Financial Institutions with whom the
bank’s Treasury and branches deal on day-to-day basis. Within the context comes the
Country exposure, which is managed and monitored at this division, whereas the bank’s
liaison with State Bank of Pakistan, in respect of Foreign Trade related issues, helps the
bank to provide timely directions and efficient advisory to branch network.
Optimum monitoring of business reciprocity with other banks compliments this efforts to
manage the business flows and ensure greater profitability and balanced distribution of
business amongst international correspondents.
In addition and as a part of the ongoing exercise of Know Your Customer (KYC)
compliance with regard to the foreign correspondents, International Division carries out
regular Due Diligence exercises to ensure that the bank deals only with financial
institutions that are able to meet the prescribed standards and criteria.
London
This is another very important division of the bank, and is responsible for
managing all legal matters pertaining to Bank and is mainly involved in the opinion
making, addressing queries, advising on the laws applicable to Bank and other concerns
relating to carrying out of pre-contractual investigations and securitization aspects.
LAD has also to strategize legal actions and supervise implementation and ensure
compliance. Advising on legal viability of the corporate and commercial lending
agreements also falls into the ambit of LAD’s duties. More frequently LAD suggests
ways for the efficient structuring of the transactions, effecting mortgages, perfection of
securities and provides general assistance to deal with the impacts of Regulatory,
Corporate, Labour and Fiscal Legislation. Attending litigation portfolio, which includes
Recovery cases and suits filed either for or against the Bank, is also one of the core
functions of LAD.
compliant banking, Islamic Banking was launched under the brand 'Askari Islamic
Banking', by opening 6 dedicated Islamic Banking branches in major cities of the
country. Further expansion is planned with improved capabilities for offering products
conforming to the Shariah principles.
Askari Islamic Banking opens the doors for Halal banking solutions. Objective of the
bank is to put in place an efficient banking system supportive to economic justice and
welfare of society in line with Shariah standards.
Islamic Banking products have been approved by the Bank's Shariah Advisor. As per
Shariah requirements, funds and products of Islamic Banking are managed separately
from the Conventional Banking side. All funds obtained, invested and shared in Halal
modes & investments, under supervision of the Shariah Advisor.
Askari Bank understands the unique business requirements of its corporate and
institutional clients, and accordingly, strives to meet their expectations through the
provision of a customized, relationship based banking approach, through the Corporate
and Investment Banking Group (CIBG).
The Corporate and Investment Banking Divisions (CBD & IBD) are strongly positioned
across priority markets with a distinct strategy for developing corporate business. CIBG
is a one-window operation that provides all requisite banking services for the corporate
CIBG is specifically structured to provide dedicated banking services and products to its
corporate customers through two key divisions.
The Corporate Banking Division (CBD) undertakes a number of dept re-pricing swap
transactions, aimed at reducing the financial burden of its key client portfolios and also
manages advisory and loan arrangement activities. The major relationships cover
telecommunications, oil and gas, and chemicals sectors.
The investment banking activity mainly covers, debt / capital markets, advisory services
and trading (both equities and derivatives).After the initial start-up phase, the capital
market desk, based at Karachi, increased the volume of capital market related
transactions.
The bank’s strategic framework generates sustainable returns based on strong market
presence and financial solutions ranging from debt and equity market transactions to
syndicate finance, and from transaction banking to corporate finance advisory services.
The corporate and investment banking will continue to play a major role in loan
syndications, structured financing and debt / capital raising transactions with the
objective of providing entire range of corporate and investment banking solutions to its
valued clients under one umbrella.
When it comes to hiring and managing people, Askari Bank has a very dedicated
approach. This is also reflected in its core values. At Askari Bank, the vision is to be the
“Employer of 1st choice in the Region”.
The Financial Services industry in Pakistan particularly the Banking sector has grown
tremendously over the past few years. Growth of local private sector banks coupled with
entrance of many foreign banks into the Pakistani markets has resulted in multifaceted
career growth for the Bankers. Such a tremendous growth has also put pressure on banks
to attract and retain good employees.
Since its inception, Askari Bank is taking rapid strides in developing new businesses to
offer complete financial services to cater all clusters of customers. The bank has entered
in to new avenues and remained focused on delivering quality service to customers. The
bank humbly gives the credit for all this to none but its employees who love challenge
and excellence in everything is their passion.
The bank offers very good growth opportunities and most congenial working
environment. Askari Bank, being in its expansion phase, offers unique career
development opportunities for both young graduates as well as experienced bankers.
HR Philosophy
Askari Bank has a progressive and a dynamic human resource (HR) philosophy.
The Bank believes in transforming its human capital into a key source of competitive
advantage. There is a strong value system in place, which is driven by result orientation,
adaptability to change, humility and respect for subordinates and peers. The Bank
believes that investment in human capital is critical for achieving and sustaining growth.
The Bank’s constant endeavour is to create a performance driven work culture with focus
on employee satisfaction and retention.
Believing in the core reality that the interests of the Bank and the employees are
inseparable leads to an employee-oriented approach followed by the bank. At Askari a
‘we’ culture is found where there is mutual trust and respect for each other. Ownership
behavior is encouraged so that everyone feels responsible for the performance and
reputation of the Bank. The bank is committed to develop and enhance each employee’s
skills and capabilities through extensive in-house and external training programs and job
rotations.
Finding the right person for the jobs is a huge and risky task. So a certain set of standards
are followed along with other evaluations to ensure that the best talent is attracted and
retained by the bank.
• The right skills, personality and work experience helps one get the role one wants
in the division of his choice / preference. One needs to make the most of his assets
and experience and think about how his knowledge, qualifications and skills fit
into the desired applicant profile.
In this way, both the candidate profile and resume are stored in the bank’s database and
becomes available to the bank’s HR Department recruiters nationwide. Once a profile is
established on the site, one is able to access the profile at any time.
For entry level positions (OG-III/II), the recruitment process involves the following steps;
• Criteria Based initial short-listing of those who have applied. Criteria may be
Age, minimum qualification, minimum CGPA/Percentage, year of passing etc.
• Written Test
For experienced positions, besides the above areas, the interview format also includes the
Technical Skills Set, required of that specific position. This means that a candidate would
also be evaluated about his past experiences (the quality, depth & relevance with the job
etc.).
Qualification
• Core Banking Positions: M/Com and MA/MSc Economics for core banking
positions. Recently, the bank has also started entertaining B.Sc 4 years
In addition to above mentioned specialists, Askari Bank also recruits intelligent, dynamic
and focused graduates who we feel they will be able to excel in the
Commercial/Islamic/Corporate & Investment banking field. A financial or mathematical
background is not a pre-requisite for a successful application. The comprehensive
training programs cover much of the financial knowledge required and prepare successful
banking Officers including management trainees for their careers within Askari Bank.
Compensation
Askari Bank offers a very competitive package to its valued employees. It has a mix of
financial and non-financial benefits package for employees. Askari Bank frequently
participates in salary surveys to determine its positioning within the industry. The results
of the surveys are then evaluated for enhancing / maintaining Askari’s pay position in the
market. The pay includes all types of benefits in addition to monthly pay i.e. basic salary,
house rent and utilities including fuel. Other benefits include the following:
• Medical/Hospitalization Benefit
Human Resources are the most valuable assets of a financial institution. Their
progress ensures the prosperity of the institution. Askari Bank Training and Development
programs refer to the application of structured learning activities for current and future
tasks to improve work-based performance to achieve business goals and objectives
effectively and efficiently.
Askari emphasizes much on Training and Development of employees and based it on the
conviction that individual as well as organization growth and development respectively,
are interdependent and that each one, complements the other. Askari Bank is committed
to provide on-the-job trainings and development facilities to its staff members. The
Management makes very effort to match staff member’s skills, competencies and abilities
according to the job requirements.
The objectives of training and development programs are to enhance and improve the
capabilities, efficiency, and productivity of an employee up to the desired standards for
current and future assignments and responsibilities.
Training Centers
The bank has its own specialized in-house training facilities in the shape of Training
Academies. These are situated in the following cities
• Rawalpindi
• Lahore
The Training Academies of the Bank are equipped with modern state of the art facilities
and are responsible for imparting multi-functional high quality trainings to all staff
members in the following areas:
• Business Development
o Customer Service
o Liabilities Management
o Asset Development
o Consumer Finance
• Commercial Banking
o General Banking
o Foreign Trade
o Credit Management
o Credit Administration
o Risk Management
o Consumer Banking
• Soft Skills
o Negotiation Skills
o Team Building
o Selling Skill
o Customer Care
The employees of Askari Bank are also sent to attend specialized courses by
various banking /non-banking training institutes.
Askari Bank is an Equal Opportunity Employer and jobs are offered on the basis
of skills and expertise categorically. There are women working at all level positions
throughout the Bank.
Presently, the bank has one OBU at Bahrain, where Pakistani nationals have been
posted. With a vision to become bank of first choice in the Region, Askari Bank plans to
enter in to International Markets in near future that will create multiple opportunities for
local Askarians to grow globally.
Job Rotation
Internships
Though Askari Bank offer internship programs round the year, majority of these
programs spread over six to twelve weeks, are conducted between June and September
during summer semester breaks for most colleges/universities.
Career Ladder
Askari Bank values performances. There is an objective system of performance
evaluation based on Management by Objectives and Behavioral Competencies. The
system allows for mid-year reviews and is 100% open to appraise. A jobholder is
therefore secured in terms of career progression if the desired performance levels are
achieved. Also, since Askari Bank is in its expansion phase, more and more jobs are
created at all levels providing opportunities for current jobholders as well as external
candidates. Promotions are also not time bound.
MANAGEMENT STYLES
Democratic Style
This style of management will put trust in employees and encourage them to
make decisions. They will delegate to them the authority to perform their tasks
(empowerment) and listen to their advice. This requires good two-way communication
and often involves democratic discussion groups, which can offer useful suggestions and
ideas. These managers must be willing to encourage leadership skills in subordinates.
The ultimate democratic system occurs when decisions are made based on the majority
view of all workers. However, this is not feasible for the majority of decisions taken by a
business- indeed one of the criticisms of this style is that it can take longer to reach a
decision.
As banking company is involved in high risk and law compliance business,
democratic and laissez-faire styles find less room. There are manuals and
directions made for each and every step to be done so the style can generally be
regarded as Authoritative. However, at branch level and for non-financial issues
like setup of branch, democratic style is usually followed by branch manager. But
this again varies from person to person. Overall, Askari Bank has a culture of
discipline accompanied with feedback.
The product & services of askari commercial bank limited are developed keeping
in view the customers needs & wants, & the expectation that the customer attaches with
its financial institutions.
A product ACBL includes all those services which customer normally required for
effectively managing his business.
1) Deposits
2) Advances
3) Products
1) DEPOSITS
2. ADVANCES
Advances are major sources of earning of income for commercial banks. Banks
attracts surplus balances from the customers at low interest rates & makes advances at
higher interest rates to the individuals or business firms.
• Funded facilities
• Non- Funded facilities
Funded facilities
In funded facilities the bank actually advances money against further repayment. These
facilities are known as cash credits.
Non- Funded facilities
Non- Funded facilities are those in which bank substitutes its own credit for its
customers.
ACBL offers to its customers are large number of non-funded facilities.
These facilities include:
1. Letter of Guarantee
2. Letter of credit
Irrevocable letter of credit
Revocable letter of credit
Sight letter of credit
Usance letter of credit
3. PRODUCTS
PERSONAL FINANCE
Personal Finance is a parameter driven product for catering to the needs of the general
public belonging to different segments. One can avail unlimited opportunities through
Askari Bank's Personal Finance. With unmatched finance features in terms of loan
amount, payback period and most affordable monthly installments, Askari Bank's
Personal Finance makes sure that one gets the most out of his/her loan.
MORTGAGE FINANCE
Askari "Mortgage Finance" offers the convenience of owning a house of choice, while
living in it at its rental value. The installment plan has carefully designed to suit both the
budget & accommodation requirements. It has been designed for enhancing financing
BUSINESS FINANCE
In pursuance of the National objectives to review the economy of the country, ACBL is
providing loans to small and medium size business enterprises under Askari Bank's
Business Finance Scheme. Their goal is to offer a loan, which enables business
community to receive the financing required by them based on their cash flows.
ASKCARD
ASKCARD means freedom, comfort, convenience and security, so that you can have
retail transactions with complete peace of mind. ASKCARD is your new shopping
companion which enhances your quality of life by letting you do shopping, dine at
restaurants, pay your utility bills, transfer funds, withdraw and deposit cash through ATM
anywhere, anytime.
TRAVELLER CHEQUES
The range of our products and value added services enhances with introduction of Rupee
Travellers Cheques (RTCs) launched in March 2002.
ASKPOWER
Askpower represents a useful tool with which to make secure payments without the need
to have any account, a debit or credit card. This card comes with a number of unique
features and diversified usage capabilities like cash withdrawal from ATMs, payment of
utility bills through ATMs and internet Banking, transfer of balance to another card and
refill option. The prepaid card is enjoying a great success all over the country.
VALUE PLUS
The first liability product launched by this unit is showing a remarkable acceptability in
the market. The growth of this product is witnessed by its share, which has presently
reached at Rs. 1,079 Million even after lowering down the profit rates due to sufficient
liquidity in the market.
NO JOINING FEE
When you successfully apply for an Askari MasterCard, we will not charge you any
Joining Fee. It’s almost like you are getting it for FREE!
GLOBAL ACCEPTABILITY
Your card provides you with service at thousands of locations in Pakistan, and at over 23
million establishments worldwide. As an added convenience, you will have the benefit of
receiving your monthly billing in Pak Rupees, regardless of the currency of purchase.
Think of the freedom this gives you!
Just purchase your travel tickets on Askari MasterCard and you are automatically covered
under our Travel Insurance Plan (in case of personal accident resulting in death or
permanent disablement) for up to Rs.8,000,000/- on a Gold Card and Rs.4,000,000/- on a
Silver Card.
INVESTMENT PRODUCTS
“Earn Rs. 925/- per month on investment of every Rs. 100,000/- for one year!"
“Earn Rs. 1,000/- per month on investment of every Rs. 100,000/- for three
years!”
Askari Bank has launched the Askari Roshan Mustaqbil Deposit, a saving
plan specially designed for individual investors who wish to invest now for a
regular return at a later stage while keeping their principal amount intact. With
Askari Roshan Mustaqbil Deposit investor can double his investment in a time
period of ten years. Invest now in the form of monthly deposits for five years and
get paid back the same amount for the next five years while receiving the
principal amount in full at the end of the tenure.
Askari enables the consumer class to aim higher with their investments
with Askari Deposit Multiplier account. This account is for individual investors
whose purpose is long term savings with high returns. With a tenure of 10 Years
and a competitive rate of return on maturity this account is ideal for investors who
wish to start saving for their future today.
OTHER PRODUCTS
Pricing Policies
Banks do not have much discretion when it comes to major part of pricing their
policies, as they themselves get funds from SBP and general masses, and there are
established economic principles that govern how the mechanism of fixing the mark-up
rates. (The price of bank’s products)
Lending rates are KIBOR linked and spread is the income of the bank. But
increased competition has limited bank’s ability to earn excessive profits in this way.
However, banks do charge for the services they provide, for example, remittances.
Lending Products
Personal Finance
Upto 3 Years 18%
Smart Cash
1 Year (Renewable) 22%
Business Finance
1 Year 1 Year Kibor + 3% to be reviewed on
yearly basis
Mortgage Finance
20 years maximum 1 Year Kibor + 3% to be reviewed on
yearly basis.
13% to 15%
Auto Financing
Distribution Policies
WHEN IT COMES TO DISTRIBUTION CHANNEL OF A BANK, WE HAVE TO SEE HOW VAST AND
EXTENSIVE THE BRANCH NETWORK OF THE BANK IS.
YELLOW SOUTH
ASKARI BANK HAS A FAIRLY WIDE AND LARGE BRANCH NETWORK ALL OVER THE COUNTRY, EXCEPT FOR
BALOCHISTAN. BUT THAT IS QUITE JUSTIFIED AS ECONOMIC ACTIVITY IS LESS IN THAT REGION.
ALSO, THE BANK HAS SHOWN A GOOD RATE OF INCREASE IN NUMBER OF BRANCHES, AND THAT IS
HEALTHY SIGN AND CAN BE USED TO PREDICT THAT ASKARI BANK WILL CONTINUE THE SAME PACE
(AS 55 BRANCHES WERE OPENED IN 2008). HOWEVER, IT STILL HAS TO ENHANCE ITS OUTREACH IN
RURAL AREAS AS THEY OFFER AN UNTAPPED SECTOR OF CREDIT ADVANCEMENT.
Promotional Policies
Brochures
Sponsorships
TV Commercials
Special Efforts for Privileged and Valued customers (Mailing them about new
promotions, through postal mail or e-mail)
Tele marketing
FINANCIAL ANALYSIS
Economy of Pakistan has seen one of the worst scenarios ever in the last two
years. Global financial crisis had a trickle down effect on the Pakistan’s economy.
Although it is believed by most of the experts that the financial sector of Pakistan was
saved from the impacts of the financial crunch in the global markets due to lack of
financial linkages, second round effects of a global slowdown of economy cannot be
ignored. With economic activity slowing down worldwide, and certain domestic issues at
home, banking sector has faced tough times in the last year despite excellent growth in
the earlier half of 2009.
The firm itself and outside providers of capital – creditors, and investors – all take benefit
from the firm’s financial statements. The type of analysis varies according to the specific
interest of the party involved. Similarly objectives of the financial statements analysis
vary from person to person.
Trade creditors are primarily interested in the liquidity of the firm. Their claims
are short terms, and the ability of the firm to pay their claims quickly is best
judged by an analysis of the firm’s liquidity.
Bondholders are more interested in the cash flow ability of the firm to service a
debt over a long period of time. They may evaluate their ability by analyzing the
capital statement of the firm.
Investors usually focus on the profitability of the firm. They would be concerned
with the financial conditions insofar as its affects the ability of the firm to pay
dividends and avoid bankruptcy.
Management employees financial analysis for the purpose of internal control and
to better provide what capital suppliers seek in financial conditions and
performance from the firm
Management needs to undertake the financial analysis in order to plan and control
effectively.
Financial ratios are the tools, which are used to analyze the financial conditions
and performances.
Finally, financial statement analysis deals with the outcomes of the past decisions
and leads to the future planning.
Horizontal Analysis
Vertical Analysis
180
160
140
120
100
Advances
80
Deposits
60
40
20
0
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
Balance sheet items, i.e. Advances and Deposits have been following an upward
trend since 2003 and even before that. That refers to increased lending activity and
deposit attraction by the bank, which is quite a case as Askari Bank is in growth stage. It
is in the phase of opening new branches, attracting deposits, lending comes along as a
natural other side of the coin. It is commendable that Askari bank has been able to
manifest deposit growth in the face on intense competition and decreased economic
activity.
Ratio Analysis
Ratio analysis is an important and age-old technique of financial analysis. However, the
ratios are only indicators, they cannot be taken as final regarding good or bad financial
position of the business other things have also to be seen.
Banks ratios analysis is some what different from the ratio analysis of manufacturing
concerns, as there are no sales, purchases, inventory, CGS, accounts receivable, accounts
payable etc. Therefore each bank has developed its own set of ratios for analysis. The
objective of ratio analysis is to evaluate the position of business with respect to its
liquidity, profitability, debts, capital adequacy and market. Most commonly used ratios in
banking sector can be divided into following five main categories:
Liquidity Ratios
The liquidity of a firm is measured by its ability to satisfy its short term obligations as
they come due. Liquidity refers to the solvency of the firm’s overall financial position.
Graphical Presentation
80
percentage
75
70
65
2006 2007 2008
years
Interpretation
This ratio demonstrates the degree to which bank has already used up its available
resources to accommodate the credit needs of its customers. This ratio is a
comparison of funds generation and its funds mobilization. It indicates the total loans
sanctioned by the bank in relation to total amount of money deposited with the bank.
In 2007 it was 70.45% and in 2008 it is 76.82%.This shows that the bank has
improved its potential to advance additional loans.
Graphical Presentation
percentage 10
0
2006 2007 2008
years
Interpretation
This ratio is an indication of Askari Bank’s funds management policies. Financing to the
banks is the most secure way of lending. In the year 2006 this ratio is satisfactory but in
2007 it has increased up to its maximum, up till now as this was never before in the
History of Askari Bank. The situation was very much in favor of the Bank, since bank’s
advances have been increased. But in 2008 it has reduced to 2.172%, which indicate that
bank's advances have been decreased. This needs a lot of improvement.
Graphical Presentation
percentage 100
50
0
2006 2007 2008
years
Interpretation
This ratio is an indicator of the relationship between what the bank owes from other
banks and what is due to it. In 2006 position became unfavorable and the year 2007 the
situation is again very favorable. This indicates a reduction risk. In the phase of economic
instability, the bank’s management had efficient to assess the risk involved in lending and
they had control this ratio up to an extent and they are doing well needs to be improved.
But in 2008 this ratio is 29.47 %, which is again a decline, showing the fact that the bank
has to receive fewer funds from the financial institutions and has to pay more. This ratio
needs a lot of improvement.
Due to banks
Formula =
Total Deposits
Graphical Presentation
15
percentage
10
0
2006 2007 2008
years
Interpretation
This ratio is an indicator of the proportion of the lending from the financial institutions in
relation to the total funds raised by the bank in the form of deposits.
This ratio for Askari Bank is 9.05% in the year 2008. There has been a significant decline
in this ratio as previously the bank depended slightly more on the borrowings from
financial institutions. It shows that the bank is concentrating on raising funds from
depositors and trying to rely less on the borrowed funds. It is a favorable indication in the
sense that the bank has large potential to ask for borrowed funds in the phase of tight
liquidity position. Further more, it shows the efficiency of the marketing department to
have created so much of deposits that the bank does not need to look at the financial
institutions for help in improving its liquidity position. There is another favorable aspect
of this declining tendency. The rate of interest offered to the depositors is very low in
comparison with the interest to be paid to the financial institutions for their funds. A
decline in this ratio means less mark up burden on the bank resulting in less financial risk
for the bank. This ratio has decreased as compared to the previous year.
PROFITABILITY RATIOS
The continued viability of any bank depends on its ability to earn an appropriate
return on its assets and capital. Good profitability performance enables a bank to expand
it operations and remain competitive in the market. There a many measures of a bank’s
profitability. Some of these are stated below:
Graphical Presentation
percentage 2
1.5
1
0.5
0
2006 2007 2008
years
Interpretation
This ratio indicates the profit earned by the bank on the resources employed. As far as
Askari Bank is concerned, there is an increase in the utilization of the resources. In 2007
it keeps on increasing from the previous year, but in 2008 this ratio has decreased to
0.187.This shows that management needs an immediate attention.
2. Return on Deposits
Graphical Presentation
percentage 2
1.5
1
0.5
0
2006 2007 2008
years
Interpretation
This ratio indicates to what extent deposits which represent funds mobilization on the
part of the bank, contribute towards income generation. In 2007 it is increasing. But in
2008, it has declined to 0.23 %, which is an indicator that deposits have not been
efficiently utilizing by the Bank.
Graphical Presentation
25
Rupees
20
15
10
5
0
2006 2007 2008
years
Interpretation
The earning per share of Askari Bank is quite satisfactory in 2006 but it declined in 2007
and it is keep on declining till 2008, management has to take in to account this issue and
must increase its EPS.
DEBT RATIOS
The debt position of a firm indicates the amount of other people’s money being used to
generate profits. In general, the financial analyst is most concerned with long-term debt,
because these commit the firm to a stream of payments over the long run. Commonly
used debts ratios include debt ratio and times interest earned ration.
Debt Ratio
Total Liabilities
Formula =
Total Assets
Graphical Presentation
Percentage 100
80
60
40
20
0
2006 2007 2008
years
Interpretation
The debt ratio measures the proportion of total assets financed by the firm’s creditors.
The higher this ratio, the greater the amount of other people’s money being used to
generate profits. As far as Askari Bank is concerned the situation is quite interesting
because it has very high debt ratio since past 3 years. This also shows the bank’s higher
degree of indebtedness.
Graphical Presentation
Times Interest 3
Earned
2
1
0
2006 2007 2008
years
Interpretation
This ratio shows whether the bank is earning enough profit before mark up charges to be
paid to the financiers. The above figures indicate the bank’s ability to cover its interest
payments. Now it is less than 2 times, which means that bank is not earning as much as
its interest obligations.
These ratios measure the extent of capital funds used by the banks for financing their
resources. Most commonly used capital adequacy ratio is capital fund to total assets ratio.
Capital Fund
Formula =
Total Assets
Graphical Presentation
percentage 6
5.9
5.8
5.7
5.6
2006 2007 2008
years
Interpretation
This ratio takes into account the extent of the funds employed by the bank in the total
assets as shown in the balance sheet. It keeps on increasing in 2007 it is 6.64% which is
the highest. This means that more and more of capital funds are being utilized by the
bank for raising the assets.
Market Ratios
Market ratios relate the firm’s market value as measured by its current share prices, to
certain accounting values. Most commonly used market ratios are price/earning (P/E)
ratio and market/book (M/B) ratio.
Graphical Presentation
M/B Ratio 3
2
1
0
2006 2007 2008
years
Interpretation
This ratio provides an assessment of how investors view the firm’s performance. In 2007
it has decreased to 2.19 but still fair enough But in 2008 ,it has decreased to 1.457 which
means that investors are currently paying Rs. 1.457 for each Rs. 1 of book value of
Askari’s share.
Future Outlook
Pakistan’s banking industry has tremendous potential for further investment in the
financial sector of the country. Continued interest of international investors in the
banking industry of Pakistan is a good omen and it reflects the immense potential of the
country, specifically in the financial sector.
“Given the current economic scenario, where we are faced with many difficulties, it
is comforting to see expansion in the financial sector, which is a manifestation of
confidence of foreign investors.3”
Development in the financial sector over the years has led to increased competition,
product offerings, and diversification of business activities which, in turn, not only
benefited local consumers but financial institutions as well. Although Pakistani banks
showed great resilience in face of global financial turmoil, there is still a lot to be done.
Banks should expand their outreach to serve vast un banked areas of the country, and
develop consumer friendly products that benefit the ultimate consumer as well as
corporate sector both.
3
Saleem Raza, Governer, SBP, April 15, 2009
INTERNSHIP ACTIVITIES
• Account Opening
• Remittances
• Credits
• Foreign Trade
Following is description of what I have learnt and observed in the general banking
procedures.
Borrowing funds from different sources has become an essential feature of today’s
business enterprises. But in the case of a bank borrowing funds from outside parties is all
more vital because the entire banking system is based on it. The borrowed capital of a
bank is much greater their own capital. Banks borrowing is mostly in the form of
deposits. These deposits are lent out to different parties. Such deposit creation is done
through opening an account in the bank.
TYPES OF ACCOUNTS
In ACBL, there are the following types of accounts:
Current Account.
PLS saving account.
Askari Special Deposit Account.
Askari Bachat Certificate.
Notice Deposit.
Term Deposit.
Asakri Faida account
Value plus saving account
Current account
It is mainly opened for business purpose for making/receiving day-to-day payments. It is
also called chequing account because cheques can be drawn on it to the extent of balance
in the account.
Open with a minimum amount of Rs. 5,000.
No minimum balance requirement.
No profit is given on this type of account.
Return on saving accounts is applied on the basis of minimum balances held every month
during the relevant half year.
Notice deposits
Notice deposits are kind of fixed deposits. The minimum balance requirement for
opening the account is Rs.5000/- and payment is drawn on maturity of the specific
period. Notice deposit is of the two kinds:
One for which a prior notice of 30 days and above is required from the
customer before with drawing deposited amount and for which rate of return
is 8%.
Second for which a prior notice of 30 days and above is required from the
customer before with drawing the deposited amount and for which rate of
return is 10%.
Term deposits
A term deposit is a deposit that is made for a certain periods of time. At the end of
the specific period, the customer is allowed to with draw the principle amount.
ACBL term deposits are of types clear in the deposit scheme in the Annexure.
One of them is “Askari” Advantage one month. The rate of return on this account is
12.0% for 4 years.
The term deposit account varies from one month to 5 years, and the minimum
balance requirement is Rs.5000/- for all other nine accounts.
There are various parts of an account number of different accounts these are as
follows: say an account number is 01000101100035-9 here 0100 is the Branch Code,
Then the next 01 shows the Pakistan Currency, Then 0110 is the account type this is
saving account, Then 035 is the account number, Then 9 last digit is computer
generated figure.
Account opening procedure
For the chequing accounts (C/A, ASDA, SAVING), there are different types of
account holders are required for all these types of account holders. The operation /
procedure requirement that is needed for “Individual Account” differ greatly from “Joint
Account” Proprietorship “Partnership”, “Limited Company” and “Club Society or
Association” as explained below.
INDIVIDUAL ACCOUNT
When a single man or woman opens an account in his/her own name and has the
right to operate it is called individual account.
Documentation
For literate person copy of National Identity Card is required as a primary
requirement. For illiterate person and Pardanashin Woman, along with the copy of
National Identity Card requirement he or she must come in person for opening the
account.
JOINT ACCOUNT
When two or more persons, neither partners, nor trustees, open an in their name is
called joint account. Joint account can be opened by husband and wife or two persons of
same sex.
Documentation
For joint account copy of N-I-C Card of all the persons is obtained other things
remaining same as in individuals account.
PROPRIETORSHIP ACCOUNT
When the owner of the firm operating singly, opens an account in his firm name
of when an owner of a firm operating singly, opens an account in his firm name, this
account is called a proprietorship account proper himself liable for all his acts.
Documentation
For this kind of account, an application for opening the account on the firm letter
– pad (having the firm name) is required along with the N-I-C Card of proprietor.
has in a firm has an implied authority bind his co. partners by drawing and enclosed
cheques.
OPERATION
All other requirement remain same except that the form is dully signed by all
partners cards are signed by all those partners who will act on behalf of the firm,
Documentation
Memorandum of associations.
Articles if the association.
Resolution of the Board of Directors.
Certificate of incorporation.
Certificate of commencement of business.
N.I.C.
OPERATION
The person authorized in the resolution of the Board of Directors put their
signature on SS Cards.
Next of Kin requirement is not need in case of a limited company.
After completing all these formalities,customer signatures are admitted by
stamping “Admitted” near signatures and again signatures on SS card are admitted in the
same way. The same process of verification and admission of signature is repeated on the
form-A and signature on next of Kin area.
After completing each and every formalities, are signed by all those partners who
will act on behalf of the firm..
LETTER OF THANKS
At the start of the 2nd day, ACBL issues letter of thanks to “Account opener” for
the trust the have on ACBL.
STAMPING “POSTED”
After completing all this process, the forms are signed from manages of the
branch after which they forms are stamped across as “POSTED” on one corner of the
front side of the form. Then they are posted in the respective. “Account opening file”
very next day chequebook is issued to the customer.
Cheque-book issuing
Check books are issued only for chequing account such as current account, saving
account and ASDA account. They are not issued for other fixed and term deposits
because of their long term accounts “nature”.
When an account is opened, cheque-book is usually issued the next day, however
they too are issued on the same day of opening the account keeping in view the energy
requirements the account holder and after that cheque-books are issued whenever
customer need cheque-books.
Cheque-books leaves varies with the nature of the account. For example, 25
leaves and 50 leaves chequebook are issued for current and ASDA accounts. Where as 10
leaves and 25 leaves chequebook are for saving accounts.
In ACBL, the fact behind issuing current and ASDA and 50 leaves for and 10
leaves and 25 leaves for saving accounts is the SEP requirement which is of the view
that, because current and ASDA accounts are for business transactions purposes, there
fore they need more leaves cheque-book. Each leaf of cheque book costs 6 rupees.
Issuing procedure
Firstly, signatures on chequebook requisition are verified by matching with
signatures on SS Cards.
Secondly, cheque book leaves number, account number, account holders’ name
are mentioned in the cheque book.
Thirdly, the name of A/c holder and date of cheque book issuance is written on
cheque book requisition the account opening officer puts his initials on requisition leave.
Fourthly5, A/c number is stamped over the leaves of cheque book and finally
authorized person affix his signature over the debit voucher and he voucher is attached
from the cheque book and is handed over to the customer.
Account closing
Account is closed on the written request of the customer. The account holder
withdraws the amount by writing a cheque. But to surrender the chequebook yet if some
leaves are yet to be write to the bank as a necessary requirements for closing the account.
Everyday posting
At the end of each day, posting of cheque books is performed, the account
department OG3 or OG2 makes credit vouchers of excise duty and provincial tax on
cheque book leaves, and posts it in the company.
Online banking means that the customer of Askari Bank can deposit / withdraw funds in /
from other branches of Askari Bank. Askari bank provides online facility to all its
branches. Online Banking is normally a single person department where entries in online
system are made.
• Cash Withdrawals
The customer can withdraw any sum of amount, through any branch of Askari Bank
Limited, of any sum in its account of any branch.
• Deposit Cheque
Customers can deposit their cheques of in other branches of Askari Bank through online
banking facility.
RREMITTANCE DEPARTMENT
emittance department provides services to the customer of the bank. The main function of
this department is transfer of funds.
The instruments that are handled in the Remittance department are as follow:
Demand Draft.
Telegraphic transfer.
Mail transfer.
Pay order.
Pay slip.
OBC.
IBC.
DEMAND DRAFT
A demand draft is an instrument, which is drawn by one bank upon another bank
for a specific sum of money payable on demand. It is made by the bank and given to the
purchaser against cash or cheque. If two banks are involved, then one bank sends a DD to
anther bank. But in customer – Bank case the customer sends his DD to the receiver.
Issuance Procedure
A demand draft application to given to the customer, he fills in a relevant information
and signs it.
The officer in charge then checks the information form.
In case of cash deposit the cashiers counts his amounts and sign the DD application
and enters it in computer.
Then the officer of the bills and remittance department signs it and operation manager
counter signs it.
It is given to the customer.
Vouchers are passed.
The bank when receives DD after verifying signatures the bank pays the amount to the
receiver of DD after crediting the account.
Concept
A telegraphic transfer is a fastest and safest way to transfer money. The message
is fixed.
Issuance
The request for maintenance through T.T is taken on the standard printed from.
The customer fills it and signs it.
The Head and remittance department checks it, the charges such as commission, tax
and telex as per effective schedule and sign it .
Then a neat T.T is made on the white slip. There are 3 copies. The original faxed to
the branch, one to the Head Office and one are kept as record.
When commission bill is received, it is attached to the T.T office copy in the file.
Payments
When a T.T arrives, the test numbers are checked and the signatures are
verified.
If there is no account then the T.T receipt needs revenue stamps and then
the payment is made.
PAY ORDER
A pay order is written authorization to the person named for receiving payment from the
issuing bank. It is normally issued for payment in the same city. It is referred as banker's
cheque. The following are some of the steps involved in issuing a pay order.
PAY SLIP
The bank for settlement of it own payment issue pay slip.
• No excise duty
• No commission
Concept
The bills, which are sent to, their city banks for the local clearing in that city are
called outward bills for collection.
Procedure
On clearance the respective banks send back the OBCS along with IBCA. Inter
branch credit advice.
Charges i.e. commission charges and postage charges are deducted from the A/C.
Vouchers are made.
Concept
The bills, received from other banks out of city for the local clearing, are called
inward bill for collection.
Procedure
The OBC of the other branches will be IBC’s of this branch. So an OBC forwarding
schedule is received by mail.
The cheques are lodged for clearing.
After realization, an IBCA is prepared and mailed to the branch.
At the end of the day two contra vouchers are made and posted.
CCASH DEPARTMENT
ash department is very sensitive and risky part of the bank. Very cautious and competent
personnel, are needed for the job. ACBL has really such a diligent staff with appreciable
competencies and will to do work. All physical movement of cash in the bank is made
through the cash department. Normally cash department performs following functions
Receipt
Payments
Act according to any standing instructions
Transfer of funds from one account to another
Handling of ATM
Verification of signatures
Posting
Handling of prize bond
1. The customer fills the pay -in slip. There are two types of pay-in slips. The
red slip is Filled if he is a current holder. The cashier receives the pay -in slip and
cash.
2. He counts the cash and makes the detail of the notes at the bank of the
pay-in-slip.
3. Then he compares the detail with amount written on the pay-in slip.
4. Signs the pay-in Slip.
5. Writes the entries in the Receiving cashier's book, i.e. serial No, account
type, Account Number, Cheque No and amount.
6. Puts the stamp of the Cash Received on the pay-in slip of writes the serial
number from the receiving cash book.
7. The first portion i.e. the Receipt is taken and given to the customer. While
the latter portion is handed over to the person for the entry in order to update the
data.
Process of payment
is made
Two signatures on
Posting is made
back of the cheque by
customer
The official time for receiving deposits and payments is till 1:35. However some
important customer are accommodated afterwards.
The cash in hand is counted. It contains the cash at the counter and the cash in the
strong room.
Then opening balance is taken, i.e., the ending balance of the previous day.
The receipts are added.
The payments are deducted.
This daily cash position is written down on the daily cash position book.
CASH MANAGEMENT
Cash management is a technique of managing cash according to the requirements
of the bank on daily basis. The operation manager manages this aspect of cash. Every
Branch has an accountant at the State bank Of Pakistan . A 5% of the total deposits has to
be maintains so there are two main sources of the cash.
State Bank of Pakistan.
head Oftice.
If Branches borrows cash from Head Office it has to pay an interest of 13%. On the
other hand. If the cash is remitted to head Office, The branch gets a profit at 12.75%.
CLEARING DEPARTMENT
T
he word clearing has been derived from the word “Clear” and is defined as a system by
which banks exchange cheques and other negotiable instruments drawn on each other
within a specific area and thereby, secure payment for their clients through the Clearing
House (NIFT) at specified time in an efficient way. Clearing does not involve any cash
and the entire transaction take place through entries in the bank’s system. Since no cash is
involved as such the risk of robbery, embezzlements and pilferage is totally eliminated.
In this way through clearing arrangement a lot of time, cost and labor are saved. These
days an institution named National Institutional Facilitation Technologies (NIFT)
facilitate banks in performing clearing operations. Finally the banks then adjust their
claims against one another through State Bank of Pakistan.
There is no legal obligation on a banker to collect cheques drawn upon other banks for a
customer. However it is function of almost every modern bank of the collection of
cheques and bills on behalf of the customer.
Transfer cheques are those cheques which are collected and paid by two different
branches of the same bank situated in the same city.
⇒ Clearing Cheques:
Clearing Cheques are those cheques which are drawn on the branches of some other bank
of the same city or of the same area which covers a particular clearing house.
⇒ Collection Cheques:
Collection Cheques are those cheques which are drawn on the branches of either the same
bank or of another bank, but branches are not in the same city or they are not the
members of clearing house.
The courier of NIFT visits the bank 3 times a day. First, at 9:30 am when inward clearing
is received. Second, at 11:30 am when he takes cheques returned. Third, at 2:30pm when
he takes the outward clearing and brings the cheques returned.
Each bank is required to ensure that all cheques and other negotiable instruments are
properly stamped
Inward Clearing:
The cheques which are received by the banks through NIFT which their customers have
issued are referred to as inward clearing. Cheques drawn on Askari Bank and presented
to other banks are inward clearing for Askari Bank Limited. The bank after receiving
these cheques debits the customer’s account. So inward clearing results in outflow of
funds to collecting banks, reducing the balance in the clearing account.
Excess of outward clearing over inward clearing results in a net increase in the clearing
account balance. Excess of inward clearing over outward clearing produces a net
decrease in the clearing account balance. The first case is referred to as favorable clearing
& the second case as unfavorable clearing.
The name of the branch appears on its face where it is drawn on.
It should not be stale or post dated or without date.
Amount in words and figures does not differ.
Signature of the drawer appears on the face of the instrument.
Instrument is not mutilated.
The amount of the instrument is same as mentioned on the paying-in-slip and
counterfoil.
The title of the account on the paying-in-slip is that of payee or endorsee (with
the exception of bearer cheque).
A stamp of clearing with the next day is impressed on the cheque as well as on the pay in
slip. Then a stamp naming “Payees Account Only & Proceeds will be impressed on
Realization”.
4. Then the instruments are put in a bag along with a clearing bundle cover on which
no of instruments, total amount, date, signatures and name of sending branch is
written
5. Then the bag is given to NIFT employer.
The next day employer of NIFT returns those cheques which are not valid. The entry of
the instrument returned unpaid is made in Cheques returned Register. If the instrument is
not to be presented again in clearing then a covering memo is prepared. The covering
memo along with returned instrument and objection memo is sent to the customer who
sent the same to his account.
ACCOUNTS DEPARTMENT
A
ccounts department is a department, which deals and checks all the activity of
all the department. The main functions of the accounts department of Askari
Bank are as follows:
Voucher System
The following points are of importance explaining voucher system:
Voucher is a written authorization issued in approving a transaction for recording
and payment.
Voucher is a system, which is generally designed to provide strong internal
control over the transaction, which takes place during the business hours.
Whenever a transaction takes place in any department of the bank a voucher is
prepared which serves as a record of that transaction.
One debit and one credit voucher is prepared. At the start of the day, all the
vouchers of the previous day are collected and sent to the accounts department.
Accounts department sorts and arranges these vouchers. The vouchers are then
tallied with the reports generated by the system. This process id called as ticking
and the whole process is called as activity. The purpose of all this activity is to
compare the system generated reports with the actual evidence of the transaction.
Debit Vouchers
Debit vouchers are used in three cases:
When ever any expense is incurred.
When a depositor withdraws some amount from his account.
When the account of the customer is debited with the amount, a debit voucher is
prepared.
Credit Vouchers
There are two types of transaction in which credit vouchers are used.
When a depositor deposits any amount in his account because the liability of bank
is created.
Any income received by the bank e.g. commission, various charges etc. Askari
Bank uses different types of credit vouchers for different types of transactions.
Expense Vouchers
All the expense vouchers passed by each department are routed through accounts
department. These expenses include:
• Salaries of the staff
• Wages
• Rent
• Lease installments
• Insurance - vehicle
• Insurance - cash
• Utility Bills
• Medical allowances (reimbursed)
• Cash carrying charges etc.
Preparation of statements
Payment of Salaries
Payment of salaries is also a function of the accounts department. Head Office
provides the salary schedules to each branch. According to the schedule Salary
statements are prepared.
It is a tradition of an Askari Commercial Banks that the pay is dispatched on the
26th of each month all over Pakistan. The maintenance and record keeping of allowance is
done the Accounts Department
Depreciation calculation
The depreciation of assets is calculated through “straight line method”. The
depreciation is calculated both manually and on the computer.
All the accounting functions are organized by the incharge of Account
Department calculated the manually checks it with computer data.
T
he FOREX department works effectively with an extensive correspondent network and
deals with the following :
Import
Export
Foreign currency accounts
Foreign Remittances
Submission of monthly statements to SBP
IMPORT SECTION
In case of import, first a L/C is opened in the bank on behalf of importer. Importer
submits a request for opening a L/C and prepares an application form. The importer
seeking to open a L/C, must be registered with Export Promotion Bureau, it is the basic
requirement.
Work can be divided Foreign Trade Department into three portions, one is the
foreign currency, second Import and third is the Export portion. In foreign currency
portion bank deals in foreign currency business. In Import it deals with Letter of Credit
issuance matters and in Export portion the bank deals in export financing.
Letter of Credit
International trade involves numerous factors such as payment for imports in the
exporter’s country; shipment of goods within the limitations prescribed and difficulties of
enforcing legal rights in the foreign country etc. Therefore, to overcome these
impediments a system has been enforced, this system is represented by ‘Letter of Credit”.
“A bank’s written undertaking given to the exporter for payment of a certain sum of
money on behalf of the importer provided the exporter tenders to the bank, or its overseas
agents, the specified documents within a specified period in accordance with the terms of
the undertaking”.
There are two main types of an L/C that are being practiced in Askari Bank.
Sight L/C
In this form of credit the exporter draws a sight or demand draft payable at the
counters of the advising bank or the bank specified in the letter of credit. The draft (bill of
exchange) is paid on presentation provided that all the other terms of the credit have been
complied with.
Usance L/C
“When a credit stipulates payment to the beneficiary upon the maturity of a bill of
exchange drawn under the terms of the credit, it is an ‘acceptance credit’, ‘terms credit’
or Usance credit”.
In this form of credit the beneficiary draws a draft for a particular Usance (e.g. 30,
60 or 90 days etc.), payable upon either the correspondent bank or the issuing bank.
• Description of the goods, detail of quantity, unit price, total price and currency of
credit
• Instructions about the advice of credit, whether it should be sent by airmail, by
courier or telecommunicated
• Form of credit: whether revocable or irrevocable, confirmed or unconfirmed. Due
to permission of irrevocable credit only, it is prescribed on form
• The name and address of the beneficiary
• Type of credit: whether sight, Usance etc.
• Validity period of credit and last dates for shipment and negotiation
• Port of shipment and port of destination and whether trans-shipment and/or part-
shipment are allowed
• Types and number of sets of documents required to be submitted by the exporter
• Shipping terms in the contract of sale, e.g., FOB, C&F or CIF etc.
• The application form is a formal contract between the issuing bank and the
applicant; therefore, it is signed by the customer, who by doing so undertakes to
abide by the terms and conditions of L/C, mentioned in the application form
For getting an L/C issued, the importer needs to submit the following documents along
with the application form.
• Performa Invoice
• Insurance Policy
• Promissory Note
• Form I
L/C Margin
L/C Commission
Commission is also charged from the importer for the issuance of L/C. After
getting L/C Margin, L/C Commission and other mailing charges, the Letter of Credit is
issued to the importer.
Communication of L/C
LC messages are communicated through SWIFT system, where every message has a pre
defined format and code. For example:
• MT 740: authorization to reimburse
• MT 747: amendment to MT 740
• MT 799: Free message of Letter of Credit
Export Operations
Like an importer, there are certain conditions that a person must fulfill to become an
exporter.
• No one can export any commodity until and unless he/she is a Pakistani and has a
valid export registration with the EPB
• The person must process a valid membership certificate of Trade Organization,
licensed and recognized by Federal Government like a Chamber of Commerce
(e.g. Lahore Chamber of Commerce)
• The person must possess a valid NTN (National Tax No.) certificate.\
• A person cannot export any good unless he files a Form E (E stands for exports)
with his application to the bank. The form E must be filled in writing and all
specifications stipulated on the form, must be met.
• The person must have the Sales Tax Registration Certificate
The process of export starts with the receipt of the letter of credit (or contract) by
the bank. The issuing bank sends the L/C to the bank. Road through the advising bank.
Upon receipt of L/C, an intimation letter is prepared and is sent to the beneficiary of the
L/C, advising him that his reached ACBL and he should collect it immediately.
As mentioned earlier, an E-form is necessary for exports out of the country. It is a part of
exchange control mechanism of the State Bank of Pakistan. When an exporter receives an
L/C, the next job is to get an E-form from the bank. The E-form is a quadruplicate and
contains the following information.
• The Commodity
• The quantity
• The price
• The port of shipment
• The port of destination
• Terms of shipment
• Export registration number
After filling in the complete information about the goods to be exported, the exporter
brings the E-form to the bank for verification. The bank verifies the contents in
accordance with the documents and not by physical checking.
After getting the E-form verified from bank, the exporter starts preparing for his
shipment. As the banks only deal in documents, so in order to receive the payment for his
good to be exported, the exporter has to send certain documents to the L/C issuing bank
via negotiating bank.
A very important step in the export process is to scrutinize the documents, before
sending them to the issuing bank. It requires utmost care and attention of the bank officer.
When the documents are presented in the bank, they are always scrutinized and they must
be in accordance with the requirements stipulated on the L/C. Any deviation could result
in rejecting the documents by the importer, hence causing loss to the exporter or even to
the bank if the documents are to be negotiated.
Collection / Negotiation
When the exporter comes to the bank with the documents, he has two options:
• Send them for collection
• Get them negotiated
Collection
The bank sends the documents on behalf of the exporter to the issuing bank and
payment against them is received after a specific period. In collection, the exporter is paid
only when the bank obtains reimbursement from reimbursing bank. The payment is made
to the exporter in PKR (Pak Rupees) and the exchange rate is the buying rate of the day
normally called T.T Buying Rate.
Negotiation
CREDIT DEPARTMENT
T
Credit department is the one of most important department in bank
sector. Normally credit department consider as backbone of the bank.
Because the major portion of the bank profit is earned from the credit
department in the shape of mark-up which is recovered from the customers. Dealing in
advances is main function of credit department. Timely recovery of mark up and
principal amount, build good relation with customers and correspondences with
customers also included in the functions of the credit department. In the credit
department, loans are issued on the commercial basis and for agricultural purposes also,
means the loans are given to companies, partnerships and the sole proprietorships &
farmers. The loans are issued against some securities and on a markup specified by the
policies of State Bank of Pakistan.
Types of Financing
• Consumer financing
• SME financing
Bank provides different credit facilities to its customers, in form of short-term and
long-term credit. Following are the credit facilities that the customers usually avail to
meet their requirements.
Running Finance
This acts as a line of credit into which unlimited credits and debits can be made and
markup is charged on outstanding amount only.
Security: In cases of R.F Clean, the promissory note acts as security for the extension of
credit.
Cash Finance
Term Finance
These are loans repayable with a fixed repayment program. These may be clean
but they are generally secured and are further classified into clean and secured.
This is term finance provided under the Ask car Scheme of the bank for purchase
of car and is repayable in monthly installments.
Overdraft
This is the most common form of bank lending. In overdraft facility, a customer is
allowed to withdraw on his account in excess of the balance that the borrowing customer
has in credit. So, when a customer withdraws in excess of his balance, an overdraft
occurs (balance becomes in debit). Overdraft facility can be availed for a certain limit
called OD limit and is used to meet the seasonal requirements of cash.
Staff finance
Facilities allowed to Staff members under different schemes of the bank and
categorized accordingly.
No doubt, the advancing of credit involves a great risk for the bank. Therefore, to
cover this risk, the bank keeps different tangible and non-tangible securities, before
sanctioning the credit facility to a customer. The bankers prefer such securities that carry
less risk of depreciation due to market fluctuations and are easily saleable, even under
changing market conditions.
Common Securities
• Pledge of Goods
• Hypothecation of Goods
• Stock of Shares
• Floating Charge
• Debentures
• Personal Guarantees
• Guarantees
• Negotiable Instruments
Whatever money the banker holds is that of his customers who have entrusted the
bank only because they have full confidence in the expert handling of money by their
banker. Therefore, the banker must be very careful and ensure that his depositors’ money
is advanced to safe hands where the risk of loss does not exist. So, when a customer
requests his banker to facilitate him with different credit facilities. The banker, first,
assess the credibility of customer and the market conditions. The elements of character,
capacity, capital and market conditions help a banker in arriving at a conclusion
regarding the safety of advances.
After being satisfied with the credibility and integrity of the applicant, the
processing of loan application starts with the preparation of Credit Line Proposal (CLP).
According to my observation, it has been the vital and most important task assigned to
the credit officers in ACBL.
In a CLP, all information regarding the client and his business is stipulated as:
• Total existing facilities (limit), their outstanding value and the securities that were
provided against these facilities
• Total proposed limit of credit and the securities provided against it. The credit
officer does the analysis and verification of these securities
• Purpose of facility and the terms and conditions regarding the credit
• Nature of his business and what are the market conditions & opportunities for the
business
• Financial Analysis of the business of the customer constitutes the vital most
important part of a proposal. Banker makes an analysis on liquidity, leverage and
profitability of his business
For having the complete information regarding the client, his business and the
securities offered for advances (that already have been discussed), different documents
are prepared by the credit officers. All these documents are attached with the proposal to
get approval. These documents are as follows:
On the basis of nature of business and the client’s relationship with the bank (and
other banks also), grades are assigned to client. For this assessment, the bank prepares
Grade Approval Sheet.
Basic Fact Sheet stipulates the information of the client and his businesses like;
address, NTN, import registration No., corporate status, directors & management etc.
For the proper valuation of securities offered against credit facilities, bank renders
the services of valuators (Nishat Mills Ltd.). These companies after conducting a proper
survey prepare Valuation Survey Report. Both the resale and forced sale values of
securities are mentioned on the report, in detail.
Credit officers conduct a proper visit of the property. After having a thorough
visit of property, Property Visit Report is prepared. It elaborately describes the nature of
property and associated threats. It can be prepared in tabular or essay form, depending
upon the nature of property.
In Security Analysis Sheet, it is assessed that how much security have been
offered in form of cash, marketable securities and other illiquid securities, and after
meeting the margin requirements, how much facility can be sanctioned.
Relationship Profitability
Statement of Accounts
Account of a customer constitutes the basis of his relationship with bank. So,
account statement of a customer reflects the nature of the relationship between the bank
and costumer. If required, the accounts statements of other banks of customer are also
obtained.
Financial Statements
Along with other documents, financial statements of the business concern are also
attached.
Approval of Credit
When the credit officers are fully satisfied with the proposal of credit, then they
recommend it for approval by the BCC (Branch Credit Committee) or Head Office. BCC
has an authority to approve the credit proposal upto a certain limit. However they have to
send the case to ROCC (Regional Office Credit Committee) for Post-Fact Review. The
case is send to branch and HOCC (Head Office Credit Committee) also for record. But,
beyond that limit, it has to be approved be the ROCC. The ROCC also has a limit and
above that limit proposals are send to HOCC. ROCC or HOCC if not satisfied they
usually send queries. And after getting complete facts make a decision.
Credit Monitoring
Periodic Inspections
When a credit limit is approved for a customer and credit is sanctioned, then CLP
will converted into CSA (Credit Sanction Advice), the major task of credit officers is to
conduct periodic inspections (monthly, quarterly etc.) of securities that have been offered.
Banker must see that whether all the margin requirements and other terms & conditions
are being fulfilled by the customer or not.
A
utomated Teller Machine is a hi-teq. Invention in the field of the banking, it
facilitate that a depositor can withdraw money at any time without the need of
banking personnel. We can also deposit money with the help of this machine.
But it is not so much practiced here because of some drawbacks.
Lockers
Askari bank offers facility of lockers of different sizes to its customers. Lockers can be
obtained in the following ways:
Security Deposit
This amount is fixated at the bank for a year. It differs from the size of lockers.
On Rent
If a customer doest feel comfortable for blocking his money in the shape of Security
Deposit, he can pay the rent of locker which is according to the following schedule:
Rent Schedule
Small 1200
• Late payment charges are Rs. 125 per month for all sizes.
• This form is accompanied with his two photographs and NIC copies
• A copy of the form is retained by the banker and used for further verification
whenever the customer comes for operating the locker
• After all formalities are complete, the customer is informed of the Locker Number
and the key is handed over to him
• Whenever the customer comes to operate the locker, he has to record his name,
time of arrival and signature in the Locker Attendance Register.
ATM Card
Askari Debit Card is a very useful product as it gives the following facilities:
• It takes 10-15 days for the card to be made and delivered to the concerned branch
• The pin and card are mailed separately to different officers for the purpose of
security
• The customer collects his card and pin, and signs the register
• Due diligence is required by the staff before handing over the card and its pin.
SWOT ANALYSIS
During six weeks of my stay at Askari Commercial Bank, Johar town Lahore, I have
come across the following SWOT analysis of the bank.
Strengths
Over the years, Askari Bank has provided its strengths as a leading bank in the banking
industry. The main strengths are as follows:
Askari bank is one of the leading private sector banks in Pakistan.
First bank to offer on-line real time banking on a country wide basis.
The bank has one of the largest nationwide ATM network.
First bank to introduce mobile ATM facility.
The operations performed by the bank are highly automated that result in assurance for
the customers that their transactions are completed reliably, efficiently and securely.
The management of the bank believes in customer oriented banking. So the products and
services are specifically tailored according to the individual needs of customers.
The priority banking centers of the bank are unmatched where the customer receives
privileged services in a highly elegant environment.
The revolution in the banking in the form of electronic banking operations have opened
avenues of excellent, efficient and quick services saving the time and costs of the
customers and Askari Bank is the first to offer internet banking services to its customers.
Askari Bank has the most comprehensive training and development system among all
banks in Pakistan.
Weaknesses
As for all other institutions, Askari Bank also has few weaknesses which can be
overcome by finding solutions for them:
The accounting system used by the bank i.e. UNI BANK is not as much effective
as some advanced systems used by other banks.
It appears that the employees have a lower level of job satisfaction. Askari Bank
must focus on this critical issue of lower job satisfaction.
There is a high degree of centralization in the bank. The decision making is in the
hands of upper management. Centralization is effective up to a certain level afterwards it
becomes a problem in speedy working. I observed that many a time delay occurred in
operations of the employees only due to the fact that they had not got any instructions
from the head office.
ACBL has lesser no. of branches as compared to many other banks. Due to this
problem, many army officers can not avail the benefits of their own bank.
The human resource department is not performing the function of selection and
recruitment very effectively. selection process is not on merit due to which competent
persons cannot be selected.
Bank is weak in its credit management. Bank should lend to very sound parties
and increase its payment rate
OPPORTUNITIES
Apart from the ones discussed in External Factors Evaluation Matrix, the bank is facing
the following threats and opportunities currently:
These are positive external environmental factors effecting the organization.
Threats
As discussed above, the job satisfaction level of the employees is very low
resulting in high turnover, which is not in favor of any organization, as there are
monetary and non-monetary costs involved in fresh recruitments.
Increasing competition is the biggest threat. As the competitors are coming up
with new and innovative products, it will be necessary for the bank to keep on working to
meet the changing and expanding demands of the customers.
Commercial banks face considerable competition in attracting deposits from
individuals or small investors. In contrast, the Govt. of Pakistan national saving scheme
offers attractive rates of return (approx. 16 to 18 percent annually) on 10-15 year fixed
accounts, which banks find difficult to match.
Owing to huge turnover of the employees, the number of experienced and well
trained staff is very low. Majority of the staff working in the bank branches is quite
young and inexperienced. If the bank failed to bring down its high employees turnover,
then it would be lacking the most important resources of any organization i.e. the
experienced staff.
Askari Bank is no doubt one of the leading private sector banks in Pakistan but as with
any other bank in Pakistan it is currently facing some dilemmas, which I observed during
internship. These are as follows:
Askari Bank is facing some technical problems with their ATM machines and
their system. Part of this results from repeated breakdowns of electricity. No doubt bank
is using high quality generators but still the transfer of power supply from generator
creates problems.
The bank is using accounting system named UNI BANK. This system does not
facilitate DD or PO issued. Therefore for DD and PO bank is using another accounting
system. Entering of data in two different systems is a problem for officer in remittances
department.
Sometimes online system of certain branches fails to work due to which
customers have to return and they can not avail benefits of online banking.
Lower job satisfaction of employees and high employee turnover are other
dilemmas currently faced by Askari Bank.
Recommendations
After spending six weeks in different departments of the bank, interacting with the
employees and customers, getting their views, observing the organizational structure and
design, I have come up with the following recommendations that in my opinion, will
contribute towards improvement of some weaknesses and dilemmas faced by the bank:
The bank must identify the causes of low job satisfaction of their employees. The
bank should compare its salary structure with other banks as well to identify if the salary
structure needs revision. The bank should also adopt flexible policies in promotions of
the employees and progressive incentives related with the length of service should be
provided otherwise the high turnover observed in the bank will continue to create
problems for the bank now and in the future.
In order to make a break through in attracting customers from SME sector the
bank should make its charges competitive as compared to other banks.
The bank must give due attention to ensure the proper working of ATM machines.
Bank must also consider adopting some modern accounting system in order to
overcome the drawbacks of the current system.
The mobile ATM facility should be provided in those backward areas where
facility of ATM is not available, so that people can draw money from mobile ATM van.
Too much dependence on manual record should be discontinued. This creates
useless burden on the concerned employees.
Branches must be given authority of decision making. Credit approval limit of
certain branches needs to be increased.
Conclusion
It was a good experience to learn practical banking with Askari Bank Limited. It
provided the opportunity to implement the theoretical knowledge in dealing with
practical issues. It also provided a chance to study interpersonal behavior, interaction
with customer and matters related with management of human resource. It has provided
necessary know-how and confidence in dealing with a bank as a customer and in
resolving complicated banking issues arising in business dealings. The internship was
helpful in the grooming up of personality as well.
This internship will be definitely beneficial whether or not banking is adopted as a career.
If banking is adopted as a career, the internship will provide a sound background to begin
such a career. Otherwise too, it will be very helpful in practical and normal day to day
dealing with the banks.
Traditionally the banking operation cycle starts from account opening department. And as
discussed in the report other major departments include accounts, foreign trade, credits,
clearing, remittances and cash. There are some other support departments such as ATM,
Consumer Banking Services Group (CBSG) and Locker. At the level of regional office
and head office audit and human resources departments are also important.
I tried to spend maximum time in studying the working of these departments but as the
allowed time was limited, only a brief orientation was possible. But the major functions,
systems and procedures of these departments have been understood.
This internship provides the confidence that having found an opportunity to work for a
bank, it can be a good start with some back ground knowledge. Even while working for
any commercial / business organization the knowledge will be useful as a customer.
Apparently training in banking seems to be a simple matter. But it is not so. Modern
banking is a complex subject and in itself a science requiring in depth and thorough
knowledge. In this perspective, the allocated time of six weeks was not sufficient.
However I tried my best with the best cooperation of the bank offices to cover as much
areas as possible.
In short, six weeks stay at Askari Bank Limited has been beneficial in many aspects. The
outcome of this study project is this internship report which contains the information that
has been gathered during the course of internship.
References
Askari Bank website www.askaribank.com.pk
Askari Bank Annual Report 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008