Abu Dhabi, UAE — Abhi Fintech Limited UAE has announced the appointment of a new Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR) to support its strategic vision of financial inclusion and empowerment across Pakistan. The newly appointed EIR will serve as an advisor to the board and management team, offering strategic guidance to further Abhi’s mission of transforming access to finance in underserved markets.
This appointment comes on the heels of a significant milestone in the company’s expansion journey — the successful acquisition and rebranding of FINCA Microfinance Bank into Abhi Microfinance Bank. The transaction was led by the new EIR, who served as the principal advisor on the deal, navigating its complexities and helping shape the strategic transformation of the struggling financial institution into a forward-looking, tech-enabled platform for financial empowerment.
This move signals the deepening of the EIR’s involvement with Abhi Fintech, following an 18-month period that has been described as “transformational” both personally and professionally. The new role will see the EIR working closely with the holding company to guide its operations in Pakistan, while also acting as a representative of shareholders on the board of Abhi Microfinance Bank.
In addition to these responsibilities, the EIR will play an instrumental role as a coach and mentor to the management team — with a focus on driving strategic clarity, operational excellence, and scalable impact. The appointment aligns with Abhi Fintech’s broader goals of leveraging financial technology to accelerate access, inclusion, and empowerment for underbanked communities in Pakistan and beyond.
Reflecting on the journey so far, the newly appointed EIR shared, “The past 18 months have been nothing short of transformational. I’ve let go of comfort zones, embraced discomfort, and stepped into arenas I never imagined myself in. I’ve reset old relationships, built new ones, and discovered a deeper sense of purpose in the world of fintech and entrepreneurship.”
The acquisition of FINCA, which was once a struggling microfinance bank, and its subsequent transformation into Abhi Microfinance Bank has been hailed as a landmark transaction. It also marks a pivot point in the career of the EIR, transitioning from a purely advisory role to one deeply embedded in the execution and leadership of fintech-driven initiatives.
Abhi Fintech and its board expressed their appreciation for the EIR’s contributions and leadership during the acquisition process. “To the incredible founders and board of Abhi — thank you for your trust and confidence throughout this journey. Your collective belief in this mission, and in me, has been both humbling and energizing,” the EIR shared.
A note of gratitude was also extended to the State Bank of Pakistan for its proactive role in creating an enabling regulatory environment, which has paved the way for new investments in the microfinance sector. The central bank’s support has been instrumental in attracting both local and foreign capital to the financial services space, accelerating efforts to achieve financial and social inclusion.
This appointment reaffirms Abhi Fintech’s commitment to bold ideas, brave leadership, and building impact at scale. With new leadership now embedded in both strategic and operational roles, the company is poised to take its financial inclusion agenda to the next level.