DigiKhata Financial Services Ltd. has reached a major milestone in Pakistan’s fintech sector after securing a Non-Banking Finance Company (NBFC) lending license from the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP). The approval marks DigiKhata’s formal entry into the regulated credit space, positioning the company to play a pivotal role in bridging the financing gap faced by the country’s small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
DigiKhata has already established itself as one of Pakistan’s leading digital bookkeeping and payments facilitation platforms, with millions of businesses actively using its services. The new license expands the company’s capabilities beyond record-keeping and transaction support, enabling it to design and deliver digital lending products within a regulated framework. This development is expected to unlock fresh opportunities for entrepreneurs across the country, particularly those who have historically been underserved by conventional banks.
Access to formal credit has long been a pressing issue for Pakistan’s SMEs and MSMEs. Despite their significant contribution to the national economy, these businesses often struggle with limited financing options due to stringent collateral requirements, lengthy processes, and lack of credit histories. DigiKhata’s entry into regulated digital lending provides a pathway to address these barriers by leveraging technology, alternative data, and user-friendly digital interfaces to create faster and more inclusive financing solutions.
In a statement accompanying the announcement, DigiKhata highlighted that the license represents more than just regulatory approval; it signals a broader commitment to financial inclusion, entrepreneurial empowerment, and digital economic growth. By extending credit services to its existing user base, the company aims to equip business owners with the financial tools needed to expand operations, manage cash flows, and build resilience in an increasingly competitive market.
The SECP’s decision to grant DigiKhata the NBFC license also underscores the regulator’s efforts to foster an enabling environment for fintech innovation. In recent years, Pakistan’s financial regulators have introduced reforms designed to encourage responsible digital lending and broaden access to credit while maintaining oversight to protect consumers. DigiKhata’s licensing demonstrates the effectiveness of these initiatives in enabling new entrants to contribute to the financial ecosystem.
Industry analysts note that DigiKhata’s move into digital credit solutions could have a ripple effect across the sector. By combining its large customer base with a strong technological backbone, the company is well-positioned to scale lending operations quickly and set benchmarks for other fintech players. If executed effectively, its products could reduce reliance on informal credit channels, lower borrowing costs, and enhance transparency in business transactions.
This milestone also aligns with Pakistan’s broader goal of strengthening the digital economy. With SMEs forming the backbone of the national workforce and GDP, empowering them through regulated digital credit can significantly accelerate economic growth. By merging fintech innovation with regulatory oversight, DigiKhata’s expansion reflects the evolving maturity of Pakistan’s digital finance landscape.
As DigiKhata steps into this new chapter, it carries the responsibility of ensuring that its credit offerings remain responsible, sustainable, and impactful. The journey ahead will test its ability to balance growth with consumer protection and compliance, but the opportunities for long-term impact are vast.
Follow the PakBanker Whatsapp Channel for updated across Pakistan’s banking ecosystem.