An Appraisal of Portfolio Performance and Investment Strategies: A Case Study on the Investment Corporation of Bangladesh (ICB).

Abstract

The Investment Corporation of Bangladesh (ICB) is a state-owned financial institution established in 1976 with the primary objective of promoting capital market development and encouraging investment in Bangladesh. Operating under the Ministry of Finance, ICB plays a vital role in mobilizing savings, channeling funds into productive investments, and supporting sustainable economic growth. Since its inception, ICB has been instrumental in strengthening the country’s capital market by acting as an institutional investor, portfolio manager, and market stabilizer. ICB performs a wide range of financial and investment-related functions, including underwriting securities, managing portfolios, providing margin loans, and operating mutual funds. Through its subsidiaries—such as ICB Capital Management Limited, ICB Asset Management Company Limited, and ICB Securities Trading Company Limited—ICB has expanded its activities and enhanced efficiency in investment management and brokerage services. These subsidiaries contribute significantly to improving investor confidence and market liquidity. One of the key mandates of ICB is to protect the interests of small and individual investors by offering professional investment management services and ensuring market stability during periods of volatility. The corporation also supports industrialization by financing industrial enterprises and participating in public offerings of shares and debentures. Overall, ICB serves as a cornerstone of Bangladesh’s financial system. By fostering a stable, transparent, and efficient capital market, the corporation contributes to economic development, employment generation, and long-term financial sustainability. Its continued efforts remain essential for deepening the capital market and promoting inclusive growth in Bangladesh.