The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), has taken a major step toward advancing gender-inclusive finance by organizing an Industry Familiarization Session on the We-Finance Code. The event, held recently in Karachi, brought together representatives from the non-banking lending sector, insurance companies, and the asset management industry to deliberate on how the code can reshape the country’s financial ecosystem.
The We-Finance Code is a pioneering initiative aimed at institutionalizing gender-sensitive financial practices across Pakistan’s financial sector. By providing a structured framework, the code encourages banks, non-banking financial companies, and insurers to develop products tailored to the unique needs of women. This includes designing financial solutions that go beyond credit, extending into insurance, savings, and investment services that address the challenges faced by women in accessing finance.
Commissioner of the Specialized Companies Division at SECP, Mr. Zeeshan Rehman Khattak, stressed the transformative importance of the initiative in his keynote address. “The We-Finance Code is not just a set of guidelines; it is a call to action for the financial sector to break down the barriers to women’s participation in the economy,” he noted. He added that by integrating gender-sensitive financial services into institutional practices, Pakistan could empower women, stimulate economic growth, and confront long-standing issues of exclusion.
The session provided participants with an in-depth review of the We-Finance Code, highlighting its objectives, requirements, and operational mechanisms. Attendees were briefed on how financial institutions can incorporate the code into existing products while developing new solutions specifically targeted at improving women’s participation in financial markets. The discussions underscored how the code’s adoption could serve as a catalyst for strengthening economic resilience at both household and national levels.
A dedicated panel discussion explored the role of public-private partnerships in accelerating the adoption of gender-inclusive financial services. Panelists emphasized the urgency of ensuring access to women who have been disproportionately impacted by natural disasters, including the recent floods that disrupted livelihoods across many communities. By targeting such vulnerable groups, the code’s implementation could extend beyond theory to create tangible improvements in women’s lives.
A senior representative from the Asian Development Bank highlighted the need for integrated solutions that blend insurance, savings, and lending products. The representative argued that such models not only offer women financial protection but also provide avenues for building long-term assets and resilience. According to the ADB official, these efforts would not only empower women but also reinforce the stability of Pakistan’s broader financial system by diversifying its customer base and addressing structural imbalances.
The SECP reaffirmed its commitment to supporting financial inclusion as a policy priority. By promoting initiatives like the We-Finance Code, the regulator aims to guide institutions toward creating equitable opportunities in financial markets. The session was seen as a significant milestone in building awareness, fostering dialogue, and laying the groundwork for sustainable implementation of gender-sensitive practices in Pakistan’s financial services sector.
With women remaining underserved by traditional banking and investment channels, initiatives like the We-Finance Code offer a structured approach to bridging the gap. Industry leaders believe its widespread adoption could reshape financial services, drive inclusive growth, and set Pakistan on a path toward a more balanced and resilient economy.
Follow the PakBanker Whatsapp Channel for updated across Pakistan’s banking ecosystem.