The National Institute of Banking and Finance (NIBAF) Pakistan has successfully conducted a specialized two-day training session focusing on the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Business Intelligence (BI) in data modeling and strategic decision-making. The training, held on August 28–29, 2025, at NIBAF’s Karachi Campus, brought together officers from the State Bank of Pakistan Banking Services Corporation (SBP-BSC) to explore how emerging technologies can be leveraged to strengthen data-driven practices in the financial sector.
The session was led by Mr. Irfan Bakaly, an experienced trainer recognized for his expertise in AI and BI applications within financial ecosystems. His training emphasized the transformative potential of digital tools in reshaping how institutions handle data, identify patterns, and forecast outcomes. By introducing SBP-BSC officers to practical frameworks and advanced analytical tools, the program aimed to enhance institutional readiness for a technology-driven future.
Over the course of the training, participants examined how AI can automate complex data modeling processes, making it possible to generate insights faster and with greater accuracy. Business Intelligence tools, on the other hand, were presented as essential for transforming raw financial and operational data into actionable insights through dashboards, visualization techniques, and interactive reports. Together, AI and BI provide organizations with the ability to not only process vast amounts of data but also to apply predictive models that anticipate risks, opportunities, and future trends.
NIBAF’s initiative comes at a time when Pakistan’s banking sector is increasingly leaning toward digital adoption. With initiatives like Raast, Roshan Digital Accounts, and digital bank frameworks already driving innovation, the ability to harness AI and BI is becoming a strategic necessity rather than an optional skill. The training reflected this urgency, highlighting case studies where financial institutions globally have successfully used these technologies to detect fraud, optimize credit scoring, and improve customer experience.
Participants also gained exposure to the role of data ethics, governance, and security when deploying AI and BI solutions. As decision-making becomes more reliant on algorithms and automated insights, financial regulators and institutions face the dual challenge of ensuring transparency while maintaining the integrity of digital systems. Mr. Bakaly emphasized that responsible adoption of AI and BI requires a balance between innovation and regulatory compliance, particularly in highly sensitive sectors such as banking.
The training not only equipped SBP-BSC officers with hands-on knowledge but also served as a platform for discussing the broader implications of data-driven banking. Officers were encouraged to think beyond traditional reporting frameworks and adopt a mindset of continuous learning and innovation. By integrating these tools into their day-to-day operations, institutions like SBP-BSC can unlock efficiencies that enhance service delivery, improve monitoring mechanisms, and support more resilient financial oversight.
This program further reinforces NIBAF’s role as a premier training institute driving professional development across Pakistan’s banking and financial ecosystem. By curating programs that focus on cutting-edge technologies, NIBAF continues to align its mission with the evolving needs of the digital economy. The emphasis on AI and BI reflects a global shift where data is no longer seen as a byproduct but as a critical asset in shaping institutional strategy and competitive advantage.
As Pakistan accelerates its digital finance journey, trainings like this serve as crucial stepping stones, preparing human capital to adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing environment. The event marks another milestone in bridging the gap between technology and banking, ensuring that institutions remain agile and future-ready.
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