The National Institute of Banking & Finance (NIBAF), Pakistan, successfully conducted a face-to-face professional training session titled “Emotional Intelligence at the Workplace” at its Islamabad campus, reinforcing its commitment to developing human capital within the country’s financial sector. The session was designed to enhance interpersonal effectiveness, leadership capacity, and professional resilience among banking professionals operating in an increasingly complex and demanding work environment.
Held on December 26, 2025, the training brought together officers from the State Bank of Pakistan – Banking Services Corporation (SBP-BSC), offering them an opportunity to engage in structured learning focused on emotional intelligence as a core professional competency. The program was delivered in a physical classroom setting, enabling direct interaction, discussion, and experiential learning among participants.
The session was facilitated by Mr. Zain Goplani, an experienced trainer known for his work in leadership development and behavioral skills. Through a combination of interactive discussions, practical examples, and reflective exercises, the trainer guided participants in understanding the role of emotional intelligence in personal effectiveness and organizational performance. The training emphasized that technical expertise alone is no longer sufficient in today’s workplace, particularly within the banking and financial services sector, where collaboration, adaptability, and sound judgment are equally critical.
A central focus of the training was self-awareness, helping participants recognize their own emotional patterns and understand how these influence decision-making, behavior, and professional relationships. Officers were encouraged to reflect on their responses to workplace pressures and to identify strategies for managing emotions in a constructive manner. This aspect of the session was aimed at strengthening emotional regulation, particularly in high-stress situations common in central banking and financial operations.
Empathy and effective communication were also key themes throughout the training. Participants explored how understanding the perspectives and emotions of colleagues and stakeholders can improve teamwork, reduce conflict, and enhance overall workplace harmony. The session highlighted the importance of active listening, clear expression, and emotional sensitivity in building trust and credibility within teams and across departments.
Leadership development formed another important pillar of the training. The discussion focused on how emotionally intelligent leaders are better equipped to motivate teams, handle change, and maintain morale during periods of uncertainty. Participants examined real-world scenarios relevant to the banking sector, allowing them to connect emotional intelligence concepts with practical leadership challenges they face in their roles at SBP-BSC.
In addition to leadership and communication, the training addressed professional resilience, underscoring the need for individuals to manage stress, maintain balance, and sustain performance over the long term. Participants were introduced to practical tools and techniques for coping with pressure, managing workload demands, and fostering a positive mindset in the workplace. These skills were positioned as essential for maintaining both individual well-being and institutional effectiveness.
NIBAF emphasized that such training initiatives align with its broader mandate to support capacity building and continuous professional development within Pakistan’s financial system. By focusing on behavioral and interpersonal skills alongside technical training, the institute aims to prepare banking professionals to meet the evolving demands of the sector with confidence and competence.
The successful conduct of the Emotional Intelligence at the Workplace session reflects growing recognition within Pakistan’s banking industry of the value of soft skills in enhancing productivity, leadership quality, and organizational culture. For SBP-BSC officers, the training provided a structured platform to strengthen capabilities that contribute not only to personal growth but also to more effective public service delivery within the central banking framework.
Overall, the session marked another step in NIBAF’s ongoing efforts to promote well-rounded professional development, ensuring that banking professionals are equipped with the emotional and leadership skills required to perform effectively in today’s dynamic and challenging work environment.
Follow the PakBanker Whatsapp Channel for updates across Pakistan’s banking ecosystem.