HABIBMETRO has entered into a landmark partnership with SwiftX, a subsidiary of SaturnX Holdings Ltd., to transform Pakistan’s cross-border remittance landscape through next-generation digital payment technology. The agreement will allow HABIBMETRO to utilize SwiftX’s advanced payment platform and global connectivity to streamline international money transfers, particularly for overseas Pakistanis and the millions of families that depend on remittance flows.
The collaboration aims to address longstanding challenges in remittances, such as high transaction costs, delays, and limited transparency. By leveraging SwiftX’s blockchain-based infrastructure, HABIBMETRO plans to optimize payment flows into key regions including the Middle East, South Asia, Southeast Asia, Africa, and beyond. The initiative also focuses on integrating stablecoins as part of settlement processes, ensuring both efficiency and cost-effectiveness while maintaining regulatory compliance.
According to the bank, the new platform will serve as an API-first solution, allowing businesses and financial institutions to connect seamlessly and facilitate payments at scale. This digital-first approach reflects a growing trend in the financial sector, where blockchain and stablecoin technologies are being positioned as key enablers of faster, more secure, and more transparent cross-border transactions.
Speaking on the occasion, Syed Ather Ahmed, Group Executive – Commercial South, FI & Remittances at HABIBMETRO, emphasized the significance of the partnership. He stated, “HABIBMETRO is committed to building world-class digital solutions for our customers. Our collaboration with SwiftX is a major step towards delivering innovative next-generation cross-border payments solutions that will bring great convenience to overseas Pakistanis, while strengthening formal remittance inflows into Pakistan.”
With remittances playing a vital role in Pakistan’s economy, accounting for billions of dollars annually, this collaboration is expected to have a significant economic impact. By channeling more inflows through formal banking channels, Pakistan could see improved financial inclusion, reduced dependency on informal networks, and a stronger foreign exchange position.
From SwiftX’s perspective, the partnership marks an important milestone in scaling its payment infrastructure in emerging markets. Faizan Asdar Ahmad, Head of Growth & Partnerships at SwiftX, expressed optimism about the agreement. He noted, “We are delighted to partner with HABIBMETRO in reshaping the global remittance landscape and enabling significant flows of value into Pakistan. HABIBMETRO’s strong banking roots, combined with SwiftX’s technology infrastructure, will allow us to work closely with the Bank’s stakeholders and regulatory authorities to create more efficient international payment solutions for the country, helping ensure that more value reaches families, businesses, and communities across Pakistan.”
This collaboration also highlights the increasing role of technology-driven financial solutions in driving innovation across Pakistan’s banking sector. By integrating global blockchain infrastructure with traditional banking systems, the partnership between HABIBMETRO and SwiftX reflects a shift toward hybrid models that balance regulatory oversight with cutting-edge digital capabilities.
For Pakistan’s remittance-dependent economy, initiatives like this could lay the groundwork for more sustainable and efficient financial systems. It also signals to global fintech players that Pakistan’s banking ecosystem is opening up to advanced technological integrations that benefit both individuals and institutions.
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