Lanka Rating Upgrades Stability Rating of

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JB Vantage Money Market Fund

16-Sep-25

01

Applicable Criteria

Methodology | Stability Rating | Jul-23

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Related Research

Sector Study | Mutual Funds | Stability | Feb-25


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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
(16-Sep-25)
Previous
(15-Jul-24)
Action Upgrade Initial
Rating A(f) A-(f)
Outlook Stable Stable
Rating Watch - -


JB Vantage Money Market Fund ("The Fund") is characterized by a low to medium risk profile and was launched in 2011. The primary objective of the Fund is to provide short-term returns to its investors by investing in money market securities with a maturity of no more than 397 days. The JB Vantage Money Market Fund invests in securities rated BBB- and higher.

As of August 2025, the Fund’s asset allocation consisted of placements in Non-Bank Financial Institutions (~40.7%), Commercial Papers (27.9%), Trust Certificates (16.0%), Repo Investments (~15.0%), and Placements in Bank Saving Accounts (~0.4%). The Fund’s performance is benchmarked against the NDBIB-CRISIL index. As of July 2025, the Fund’s WAM stood at ~138 days, a short-duration stance that enhances liquidity and lowers interest-rate sensitivity. This positioning was one of the drivers of the rating upgrade. The Fund outperformed its peer average return over the one-year period ended July 2025. The Fund delivered a cumulative return of ~9.9%, exceeding the peer average of ~8.9% by ~100bps. Elevated unitholder concentration increases the Fund’s redemption risk. The Fund holds a market share of ~7.7% in its category.

The Fund's adherence to its approved investment policy and parameter is critical. Any significant changes in the asset allocation resulting in material changes in credit risk, duration, or returns compared to the benchmark and peers will have an impact on the Fund's rating.
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About the Entity

JB Financial, licensed under the Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka Act, No. 19 of 2021, has been operational since 2011 as a Managing Company of Collective Investment Schemes (Unit Trust Funds). The Company operates three funds namely, JB Vantage Money Market Fund, JB Vantage Short Term Gilt Fund and the JB Vantage Value Equity Fund. As of July 2025, the total funds under management by the AMC were LKR ~34.4Bn, with the JB Vantage Money Market Fund having assets under management of LKR ~25.5Bn.

Mr. Murtaza Jafferjee, Director, has been a part of the Sri Lankan equity market since 1994 and is the Chair of Advocate, a policy think tank. He holds a master’s degree in financial economics and a bachelor’s degree in computer science and mechanical engineering. Ms. Christine Dias Bandaranaike is the CEO & Portfolio Manager. She has been involved in fund management since 1996, establishing JB Financials wealth management operation in 2011. She holds an MA and a BA (Hons) in Economics and has been a CFA charter holder since 1999.

Lanka Rating Agency Limited

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