NIBAF Launches Mid-Career Management Development Program to Strengthen Leadership in Pakistan’s Banking Sector

The National Institute of Banking and Finance (NIBAF) Pakistan has commenced its Mid-Career Management Development Program (MMDP), a comprehensive three-week training designed to strengthen the leadership, strategic thinking, and managerial capabilities of mid-career officers. The program, being held from September 1 to 20, 2025, at NIBAF’s Karachi campus, brings together officers from the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and SBP Banking Services Corporation (SBP-BSC).

The MMDP initiative reflects NIBAF’s ongoing commitment to developing professional capacity within the banking sector. By targeting officers at the mid-career stage, the program aims to equip participants with advanced management tools, preparing them to take on more complex leadership responsibilities in the financial system. The training emphasizes strategic decision-making, problem-solving, and people management, all of which are vital for navigating the evolving challenges of Pakistan’s economic and financial landscape.

The program is being led by seasoned trainer Mr. S. M. Khalil Naqvi of SJD Finance, a professional with extensive expertise in financial management and leadership training. His experience in guiding financial sector professionals provides participants with practical insights that bridge theory and real-world application. Through case studies, interactive sessions, and scenario-based learning, Mr. Naqvi will help participants refine their leadership styles while aligning their management practices with institutional goals.

For the participating officers, the program is not only about professional development but also about networking and peer learning. Officers from SBP and SBP-BSC will engage in collaborative exercises, enabling them to share perspectives and learn from diverse experiences within the central banking and operational banking domains. Such exchanges foster a culture of continuous learning, which is increasingly important in a financial sector marked by rapid technological changes, regulatory evolution, and shifting market dynamics.

NIBAF’s training programs have historically played a pivotal role in strengthening Pakistan’s financial sector by developing human capital that can respond effectively to both domestic and global challenges. With the banking sector under pressure to modernize processes, adopt digital solutions, and ensure resilience in an uncertain economic environment, initiatives like the MMDP prepare officers to balance innovation with prudence.

By investing in the growth of mid-career professionals, SBP and SBP-BSC are ensuring that the next generation of banking leaders are equipped to handle policy execution, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance. This program comes at a critical juncture, as Pakistan’s economy seeks stability while also pursuing greater financial inclusion and digital transformation.

The MMDP’s structure, combining leadership theory with practical exercises, is designed to leave participants with actionable strategies they can apply in their respective roles immediately. From managing teams and making informed decisions to navigating uncertainty with confidence, the training will prepare officers for higher responsibilities in the coming years.

NIBAF’s role as the training arm of the State Bank of Pakistan has been central to the development of a skilled and forward-looking banking workforce. With the launch of the 2025 Mid-Career Management Development Program, the institute reinforces its mission of nurturing leadership talent that can contribute to a stronger and more resilient financial system. Follow the PakBanker Whatsapp Channel for updated across Pakistan’s banking ecosystem.