On June 17, 2025, the National Institute of Banking and Finance (NIBAF) Pakistan delivered an intensive training session titled “Predictive Analytics Using Excel” at its Karachi Campus. The session took place in the institute’s IT Lab and was led by Ms. Sumaira Ghouri, a trainer known for her expertise in applied analytics and financial modeling.
This one-day workshop was tailored for officers from the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) as well as several commercial banks, focusing on enhancing their capacity to apply data-driven techniques in everyday banking operations. With digital transformation and data-centric decision-making becoming critical in financial services, the training aimed to bridge skill gaps by equipping participants with practical tools to perform predictive analysis using one of the most widely available platforms—Microsoft Excel.
Predictive analytics, a vital tool in today’s banking and financial environment, allows institutions to anticipate trends, forecast outcomes, and proactively manage risk. By introducing officers to Excel-based modeling techniques, the session emphasized the importance of accessible and actionable data practices without requiring complex software systems.
Ms. Sumaira Ghouri, with her practical approach and instructional clarity, guided participants through core concepts such as trend analysis, regression modeling, time series forecasting, and scenario planning using Excel’s built-in functionalities. Her facilitation also included demonstrations of how to transform raw data into predictive insights and visual dashboards that support strategic decision-making in banking environments.
Participants had the opportunity to work on hands-on exercises throughout the training, enabling them to apply theoretical concepts directly to practical datasets. The session also allowed for interactive discussions, where officers from both SBP and commercial banks shared their current challenges in adopting analytics within their respective institutions.
The training forms part of NIBAF’s broader initiative to promote digital literacy and analytical thinking across the banking workforce. With banking increasingly driven by data and customer behavior modeling, upskilling professionals in predictive analytics is no longer optional but essential for operational efficiency and risk management.
By using Excel as the training platform, NIBAF ensured accessibility and ease of implementation for institutions regardless of their technological infrastructure. Participants noted that the session delivered immediate value, offering ready-to-use techniques applicable to credit analysis, customer segmentation, fraud detection, and financial forecasting.
This initiative also reflects the State Bank of Pakistan’s ongoing push toward building technical capacity within the central and commercial banking system. With technology reshaping how financial services operate, programs like this represent crucial steps in strengthening the analytics capabilities of Pakistan’s financial institutions.
As financial institutions navigate a landscape of rapid data growth and evolving consumer expectations, the importance of scalable and practical analytical training will only increase. NIBAF’s commitment to future-focused professional development ensures that the sector remains resilient, informed, and ready to innovate.