Ahson Bin Saeed has formally assumed charge as the Chief Executive Officer of Raast Payments Pakistan (Pvt) Ltd, effective January 12, 2026. The appointment was communicated through an official notice issued by the State Bank of Pakistan to commercial banks, development finance institutions, and microfinance banks operating across the country. The leadership change marks a significant development in the governance and operational direction of Pakistan’s national instant payment infrastructure.
Raast Payments Pakistan is a wholly owned subsidiary of the State Bank of Pakistan and has been established to operate, manage, and scale Raast, the country’s flagship instant digital payment system. The entity plays a central role in ensuring that Raast functions as a reliable, secure, and interoperable platform for digital transactions across the financial ecosystem. As Pakistan accelerates its shift toward digital financial services, the subsidiary’s mandate has become increasingly critical for system-wide stability and innovation.
Raast has emerged as a cornerstone of Pakistan’s digital payments and financial inclusion strategy. The system enables instant and low-cost transfers between individuals, businesses, and government entities, offering an interoperable alternative to cash-based and informal payment channels. Since its launch, Raast has supported person-to-person payments, merchant transactions, and government disbursements, helping reduce transaction friction while expanding access to formal financial services for underserved segments of the population.
Ahson Bin Saeed brings nearly two decades of experience in digital payments, banking technology, and financial services to his new role. Prior to joining Raast Payments Pakistan, he served as Managing Director at Keenu, a licensed Electronic Money Institution with a significant footprint in Pakistan’s digital payments market. During his tenure, he was involved in expanding electronic payment acceptance and strengthening digital transaction capabilities for merchants and consumers.
In addition to his work at Keenu, Saeed has professional experience with global payment technology firms, including TPS Worldwide. His work there focused on payment systems, sustainability initiatives, and digital transformation programs across multiple markets. This exposure has positioned him with a broad understanding of both domestic and international payment infrastructures, as well as the operational and regulatory challenges associated with large-scale financial platforms.
Saeed has also served as a strategic advisor and board director for fintech companies, contributing to the development of digital finance strategies and market expansion initiatives. His background reflects a blend of operational leadership and strategic planning, which is expected to support Raast’s next phase of growth and adoption across Pakistan’s financial sector.
Under the oversight of the State Bank of Pakistan, Raast Payments Pakistan is expected to prioritize operational resilience, system reliability, and innovation. The organization will also focus on driving wider adoption of Raast among financial institutions, merchants, and government entities, while maintaining strong governance frameworks, cybersecurity protocols, and regulatory compliance standards. These priorities are viewed as essential to maintaining public trust and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the national payment system.
The appointment of Ahson Bin Saeed comes at a time when digital payments are playing an increasingly important role in Pakistan’s economic activity. With continued policy support from the central bank and growing participation from financial institutions, Raast is positioned to further reduce reliance on cash and enhance transparency and efficiency across the payments landscape.
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