Lanka Rating Upgrades Stability Rating of

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Ceybank Gilt Edged Fund (A Series)

24-Apr-25

01

Applicable Criteria

Assessment Framework | Stability Rating Criteria | Jun-24

02

Related Research

Sector Study | Mutual Funds | Stability | Feb-25


03

Analyst

Imran Iqbal | imran@lra.com.lk
+94 114 500099 | www.lra.com.lk

PRESS
RELEASE


DISCLAIMER

This press release is being transmitted for the sole purpose of dissemination through print/electronic media. The press release may be used in full or in part without changing the meaning or context thereof with due credit to LRA

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Rating Type Stability
Current
(24-Apr-25)
Previous
(25-Mar-24)
Action Upgrade Initial
Rating AA(f) AA-(f)
Outlook Stable Stable
Rating Watch - -


The Ceybank Gilt Edged Fund (A Series) ("The Fund") is characterized by its very low-risk profile. The objective of the Fund is to maximize short-term current income while ensuring very strong liquidity. Launched in January 2016, the Fund invests exclusively in Government Securities with maturities of less than 397 days.
As of February 2025, the asset allocation of the Fund predominantly comprises placement in Treasury Bills, Treasury Bonds, and Reverse Repos against Government Securities (~96.70%), with minor allocation as Current account balances in AA-rated Bank (3.30%), and Others (0.02%). The upgrade reflects the Fund's improvement in its WAM and Duration which has reduced to 58 days and 72 days, respectively, as of January 2025. The Fund intends to keep its exposure limited to interest rate risk and credit risk by investing in securities of short tenor. The Fund's underlying commitment to high credit quality is evident from ~96.7% allocation of its assets in Government Securities that are liquid. During 2024, the Fund's returns have been at par with the peers. The top 10 investor concentration remains high at ~50.9%, exposing the Fund to redemption risk. Going forward, the Fund expects to adhere to its approved investment policy while making investment decisions based on prevailing market conditions.
It is imperative that the Fund investment allocations remain in line with its stated objective of very low credit risk. Any deterioration in the credit quality or liquidity profile of the Fund would have a negative rating connotation. Similarly, keeping WAM and/or duration low is critical.
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About the Entity

The Ceybank Gilt Edged Fund (A Series) (the Fund) is managed by Ceybank Asset Management Limited, a company established in 1991 and jointly owned by reputable institutions. Its ownership structure comprises 44% held by the Bank of Ceylon, 26% by Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation, 17.5% by the Unit Trust of India, and 12.5% by Carson Cumberbatch PLC. Ceybank Asset Management Limited is licensed under the Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka Act No. 19 of 2021 (as amended) to function as a Managing Company for Collective Investment Schemes (Unit Trust Funds). As of January 2025, it manages six Funds with total assets under management amounting to approximately LKR 24,407.86 million. The company’s core business activities include managing Unit Trust Funds, overseeing institutional client portfolios, and offering advisory services to both local and foreign high-net-worth individuals and institutional investors.

The Board of Directors comprises seven professionals with extensive industry expertise. Mr. Ian Ferdinands serves as the Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director, bringing over 36 years of experience in money and capital markets, covering areas such as fund management, primary dealer operations, and foreign exchange brokering. His previous roles include serving at National Asset Management Limited and as a foreign exchange broker at Forbes Money Brokers. Mr. Ferdinands is a member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM UK), a Certified e-Marketing Associate (USA), and holds an MBA in Finance from the University of Southern Queensland, Australia.

Ms. K. Kanchana Probodanie is the Senior Fund Manager at Ceybank Asset Management Limited, responsible for executing trades and implementing investment strategies across Unit Trust Funds and client portfolios. She brings over 16 years of experience in investment research and fund management and previously worked at Union Assurance PLC’s investment division.

Lanka Rating Agency Limited

No. 145,
Kynsey Road, Colombo 00800, Sri Lanka

Tel: +94 11 450 0099