The Roshan Digital Account (RDA) initiative, a landmark program by the State Bank of Pakistan, has fundamentally altered how overseas Pakistanis engage with their home country’s financial landscape. This digital gateway allows for seamless banking and investment without the need to be physically present. Among the participating financial institutions, Bank AL Habib has distinguished itself by creating a particularly robust and multifaceted RDA offering, positioning itself as a premier choice for the Pakistani diaspora.
The bank’s platform isn’t merely a transactional account; it’s an integrated financial ecosystem designed with the specific needs of non-resident Pakistanis (NRPs) in mind. This comprehensive suite of services provides solutions that span from essential family support to long-term wealth creation. Two of the most practical features are the Roshan Apna Ghar and Roshan Apni Car schemes, which address fundamental needs for housing and transportation for families back home.
The Roshan Apna Ghar facility is a versatile housing finance solution. It caters to a variety of needs, including the purchase of a ready home, construction on an existing plot, or even acquiring a plot with the intent to build. It also uniquely covers home renovation projects. The financing is structured with competitive mark-up rates and offers a long tenure of up to 25 years, making homeownership more accessible. Recognizing the collaborative nature of family finances, it allows for co-applicants, and provides flexibility through free partial prepayments after the first year, with a minimal early termination charge.
Similarly, the Roshan Apni Car program empowers RDA holders to finance a vehicle for their family members in Pakistan. This service addresses a significant logistical challenge for many overseas Pakistanis, enabling them to provide reliable transport for their parents, spouse, or children. The program covers new, used, and imported vehicles, offering a wide spectrum of choice to fit different budgets and preferences.
Beyond these tangible assets, Bank AL Habib’s RDA opens up sophisticated investment avenues. The Roshan Equity Investments portal provides a direct conduit to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX). Through its Gateway to Equity Market (GEM) platform, it offers a streamlined, single-window system for NRPs to participate in the country’s capital markets. This automated, user-friendly portal includes features like profit calculation on idle funds, easy account top-ups, and secure custodial services, demystifying stock market investment for those living abroad.
For individuals with a more conservative risk appetite, the Roshan Mutual Funds service presents a viable alternative. This allows account holders to invest in a diverse portfolio of funds managed by the affiliated AL Habib Asset Management Company. This option provides access to professional fund managers who handle the complexities of market analysis and portfolio balancing. The investments are fully repatriable, ensuring that NRPs have complete control over their funds, backed by 24/7 customer support.
Addressing long-term financial security, the Roshan Pension Plan is another critical component of the offering. This voluntary pension scheme encourages systematic savings for retirement. Account holders can define their contribution levels, which are then invested by professionals in high-yielding assets to optimize growth over time. The plan offers flexibility at retirement, with options for either regular monthly payouts or a lump-sum withdrawal. The combination of these varied and well-structured services makes Bank AL Habib’s Roshan Digital Account a powerful and effective financial tool for overseas Pakistanis seeking to invest in their future and support their families from afar.