NIBAF Pakistan has announced a specialised online executive training programme titled Risk Management in SME Financing for November 6, 2026. The session is designed for banking professionals involved in small and medium enterprise (SME) lending, credit assessment and financial risk management. Scheduled from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm, the interactive and practical training aims to strengthen participants’ understanding of the risks associated with financing smaller businesses and the methods financial institutions can use to manage those risks.
The programme is intended for professionals working in credit and SME financing, including branch managers, operations managers, compliance professionals, risk management specialists and relationship managers. These roles contribute to different stages of the lending process, from assessing financing applications and maintaining customer relationships to monitoring facilities and ensuring that transactions follow institutional policies. A stronger understanding of risk management can help banking teams evaluate SME borrowers more effectively and make financing decisions that balance business opportunities with appropriate safeguards.
The training will be facilitated by Atif Ikram, Wing Head of SME at National Bank of Pakistan. Ikram has more than 23 years of banking experience across credit, relationship management, conventional banking and Islamic banking. According to NIBAF’s announcement, he has contributed to SME credit policy reforms, the development of financing solutions and efforts to expand access to financial services. His experience in SME banking is intended to provide participants with practical insight into the challenges that arise when financial institutions lend to small and medium-sized businesses.
Ikram has also served on the Small and Medium Enterprise Committee of the Pakistan Banks’ Association and regularly conducts certification courses for the Institute of Bankers Pakistan and NIBAF. He holds a Master of Business Administration in Finance and a Master of Arts in Economics. His professional background combines banking operations, credit policy and training, which are relevant to a programme focused on managing financing risks in the SME sector.
SMEs are an important part of economic activity because they support employment, entrepreneurship, local production and supply chains. However, smaller businesses may face challenges such as limited financial records, irregular cash flows, restricted collateral and greater exposure to changes in market conditions. These factors can make it more difficult for banks to assess repayment capacity using the same methods applied to larger corporate borrowers. Effective SME risk management therefore requires lenders to understand a business’s operating model, revenue sources, financial position and ability to meet repayment obligations.
Credit assessment is only one part of managing SME financing risks. Financial institutions also need to monitor existing loans, identify early signs of repayment difficulties and maintain suitable internal controls. Relationship managers can contribute by maintaining regular communication with borrowers and understanding changes in their businesses, while operations and compliance teams help ensure that financing processes meet institutional and regulatory requirements. Risk management professionals play a further role in identifying vulnerabilities and supporting policies that limit excessive exposure to individual borrowers or sectors.
The training is intended to help professionals across these functions strengthen their knowledge of risk management in SME financing. Its online format allows participants to attend an interactive session without travelling to a physical venue. NIBAF has set the training fee at Rs10,000 plus applicable tax per participant. The last date for nominations is November 5, 2026, one day before the scheduled programme.
Interested banking professionals and institutions can submit nominations or seek registration information through registration@nibaf.gov.pk and marketing@nibaf.org.pk. NIBAF has also provided telephone contacts at 021-35277511 and 051-9269850, along with WhatsApp number 0303-0652963 for registration-related queries.
The programme comes amid continued attention to SME financing as banks and policymakers seek to improve access to credit for smaller businesses. Expanding lending to this segment requires not only suitable financing products but also sound assessment procedures, effective monitoring and trained personnel. Through the executive training, NIBAF Pakistan is offering banking professionals an opportunity to develop their understanding of the risks involved in SME lending and the practices used to support more informed financing decisions.
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