The National Institute of Banking and Finance (NIBAF), Islamabad, has concluded a comprehensive three-week training program tailored specifically for the newly inducted Compliance Officers of Askari Bank. Held from June 16 to July 4, 2025, the initiative underlines a significant step toward strengthening Pakistan’s financial regulatory ecosystem and enhancing institutional compliance standards.
Designed to address the evolving challenges faced by compliance professionals, the program covered an extensive range of critical areas, including anti-money laundering (AML), countering the financing of terrorism (CFT), regulatory compliance frameworks, risk management strategies, and emerging global compliance trends. This structured approach ensured that participants not only understood local regulatory expectations but also gained insights into international standards shaping compliance functions worldwide.
A distinguished group of trainers and subject matter experts led the sessions, reflecting a strong multi-institutional collaboration. The faculty included representatives from the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), NIBAF itself, the Financial Monitoring Unit (FMU), the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA), the FATF Secretariat, along with seasoned practitioners from the financial industry. This combination of regulatory bodies and market experts provided participants with both theoretical perspectives and practical approaches essential for effective compliance management.
At the closing ceremony in Islamabad, Madam Lubna Farooq Malik, Co-CEO of NIBAF, addressed the participants, highlighting the critical importance of compliance roles in today’s banking landscape. She emphasized that with global regulatory environments becoming more stringent and complex, financial institutions must invest in robust compliance infrastructures, supported by well-trained professionals who can navigate these demands efficiently. Her remarks underscored how capacity building through specialized programs like this is no longer optional but a necessity for sustainable banking operations.
The Chief Compliance Officer of Askari Bank also spoke at the ceremony, expressing his satisfaction with the program’s quality, relevance, and the depth it provided to the bank’s compliance teams. He noted that initiatives of this nature directly contribute to building stronger safeguards within financial institutions, ultimately supporting Pakistan’s broader commitment to international financial integrity standards.
Mr. Syed Sajid Ali, Director Learning & Development at NIBAF, concluded the event with a vote of thanks, acknowledging the collective efforts of trainers, organizers, and participants. He highlighted the strategic importance of such partnerships between regulatory training bodies and commercial banks in fostering a more resilient and compliant financial sector.
This program represents more than just another training milestone. It reflects a broader commitment by NIBAF and partner institutions to prepare banking professionals for the complexities of AML, CFT, and regulatory compliance. As financial crimes grow more sophisticated and global oversight intensifies, equipping compliance officers with updated knowledge and practical tools becomes essential for maintaining the trust and stability of Pakistan’s banking sector.
Through focused initiatives like these, Pakistan continues to reinforce its position within the global financial ecosystem, ensuring its banks operate not only efficiently but also with a clear adherence to both local and international regulatory expectations.