The National Institute of Banking and Finance (NIBAF) Pakistan has taken a major step toward strengthening governance and audit capacity across the banking sector with the successful completion of its inaugural “Internal Audit Function” Certification Program. The three-day intensive training was held from September 17 to 19, 2025, at NIBAF’s Lahore campus and brought together professionals from both the public and private banking sectors.
The program, designed to enhance the technical and analytical capabilities of internal auditors, focused on global best practices and the integration of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics, robotic process automation (RPA), cybersecurity, and fintech-related risk management. This initiative marks a significant move toward modernizing audit practices in Pakistan’s financial institutions by aligning them with international standards.
A total of 35 participants took part in the certification program, including nine officers from the State Bank of Pakistan-Banking Services Corporation (SBP-BSC) and 26 professionals from various commercial banks. Participants received hands-on experience through lab-based exercises and simulations designed to demonstrate how modern tools like AI and data analytics can be leveraged to strengthen internal audit systems and detect potential financial anomalies more effectively.
The training featured a distinguished panel of instructors with specialized expertise in their respective fields. Mr. Faizan Irshad led sessions on AI, RPA, and data analytics, equipping participants with the skills to integrate automation and intelligence into audit workflows. Syed Mustafa Raza covered cybersecurity and IT audit frameworks, emphasizing the importance of technology-driven risk management in an increasingly digital financial environment. Mr. Waleed Khan guided participants through internal audit and risk management methodologies, focusing on strategic alignment between audit functions and institutional governance.
Participants lauded the initiative for its practical, forward-looking content and highly engaging sessions. Feedback highlighted the value of exposure to real-world case studies, hands-on simulations, and interactive discussions on evolving audit trends. Several attendees emphasized that the program’s focus on AI and automation filled a critical knowledge gap within the banking audit community, enabling professionals to transition from traditional methods to more data-driven, technology-enabled processes.
The program’s objective was to build the capacity of audit professionals to identify, evaluate, and mitigate risks associated with emerging technologies in the banking sector. As digital transformation accelerates, audit functions are evolving to address new vulnerabilities, including those related to cybersecurity threats, system automation errors, and fintech integration. By aligning with international auditing standards and technological trends, NIBAF aims to empower the next generation of auditors to strengthen financial transparency, operational resilience, and institutional integrity.
Following the successful pilot in Lahore, NIBAF announced that future editions of the Internal Audit Certification Program will be conducted in Karachi, Islamabad, and Lahore to ensure broader accessibility for professionals nationwide. These upcoming sessions will feature enhanced lab time and upgraded IT facilities to provide participants with deeper exposure to advanced auditing tools and techniques.
Through this initiative, NIBAF continues to position itself as a leader in financial sector capacity building, fostering a culture of innovation, compliance, and technological excellence. The program also underscores NIBAF’s mission to support Pakistan’s financial institutions in adapting to digital transformation while maintaining strong governance and accountability frameworks.
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