Ahmed Naazer Minhaj Appointed President & CEO of ASA Microfinance Bank

Karachi, September 2025 – ASA Microfinance Bank has announced the appointment of Ahmed Naazer Minhaj as its new President and Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Saeed Uddin Khan. Minhaj’s appointment signals a strategic move for the bank as it looks to expand its role in promoting financial inclusion, empowering low-income families, and supporting micro-entrepreneurs across Pakistan.

With more than 25 years of diverse leadership experience across both multinational and local institutions, Minhaj brings with him a wealth of expertise in banking, agriculture financing, and financial strategy. His most recent role as Head of Agriculture Banking at Habib Bank Limited saw him leading initiatives designed to strengthen Pakistan’s agriculture sector, a critical part of the national economy that supports millions of livelihoods. His transition to ASA Microfinance Bank positions him to leverage this experience in serving communities that remain largely excluded from traditional financial services.

Founded in 2023 as a subsidiary of ASA International Group plc.—one of the world’s largest microfinance institutions—ASA Microfinance Bank has quickly built a reputation for providing affordable and accessible financial solutions. Its mission revolves around supporting vulnerable households and empowering micro-entrepreneurs to pursue sustainable livelihoods through small-scale business ventures. With Minhaj at the helm, the bank is expected to further expand its reach and develop innovative products that address the evolving needs of underserved communities.

Industry observers note that the leadership change comes at a critical time for Pakistan’s microfinance sector. With inflationary pressures and economic uncertainty impacting low-income households, the role of microfinance institutions has become even more vital. By offering credit and financial services tailored to small businesses, self-employed workers, and rural communities, banks like ASA Microfinance are playing an essential role in stabilizing livelihoods and fostering entrepreneurship. Minhaj’s leadership is anticipated to build on this foundation, strengthening operational efficiency while ensuring that social impact remains at the core of the bank’s vision.

His appointment also reflects ASA International Group’s commitment to placing seasoned professionals in leadership roles to ensure sustainable growth. The Group operates in multiple countries and has been recognized for its model of financial inclusion that blends global expertise with local adaptation. By appointing a leader with deep experience in Pakistan’s banking sector, the institution is reinforcing its confidence in the local market and its potential for expansion.

In his new role, Minhaj will be responsible for guiding the bank’s strategic direction, enhancing its product offerings, and fostering partnerships that can scale its impact. Stakeholders anticipate that his leadership will also bring a renewed focus on technology-driven solutions, enabling the bank to reach wider segments of the population efficiently and transparently.

The transition marks a new chapter for ASA Microfinance Bank as it continues its journey of empowering communities through financial inclusion. With Ahmed Naazer Minhaj as President and CEO, the institution is expected to strengthen its role as a catalyst for social and economic transformation in Pakistan.

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