HBL Chairman Sultan Ali Allana recently shared insights into the bank’s journey and transformative initiatives during a media meet-up attended by industry leaders and journalists. Highlighting HBL’s pivotal role in redefining banking in Pakistan, he emphasized the bank’s commitment to technology, inclusivity, and customer-centric innovation.
Reflecting on his professional journey, Allana expressed gratitude to his mentors, whom he referred to as “Ustaads,” for their guidance and influence on his leadership approach. He shared experiences from his visits to rural areas, aimed at understanding the challenges faced by underserved populations in accessing banking services. Allana noted that many people in rural regions struggle with complex banking processes and forms, which are often in English, making them inaccessible to a significant portion of the population.
To address these issues, HBL became the first Pakistani bank to introduce account-opening forms in Urdu, a step designed to ensure accessibility for non-English speakers. Allana stressed the importance of aligning banking processes with the needs of the population, stating, “We have to sync ourselves with the DNA of the people we serve; you can’t operate in a market without understanding its DNA.”
HBL’s transformation journey, which began in 2006, has been driven by a strong focus on customer satisfaction and technological innovation. Today, the bank operates over 1,600 branches nationwide, making banking services more accessible and streamlined for the masses. Allana highlighted HBL’s substantial investment in technology, stating, “We massively invest in technology because we believe in its power to shape the future.”
The Chairman also discussed HBL’s revolutionary app, Konnect, which facilitates seamless digital transactions. He revealed that the bank processes an average of four transactions per second through its technology platforms, demonstrating its commitment to digital innovation.
In the realm of microfinance, HBL has introduced expedited loan approvals, with loans being granted within eight hours of account opening. Remarkably, 30% of the beneficiaries are women, underscoring HBL’s dedication to gender equality and financial inclusion. The bank employs a significant number of women, with 22% of its workforce comprising female professionals. Allana highlighted the importance of empowering women in the workplace, stating, “If we don’t bring women into top positions, we can’t succeed.”
HBL’s contributions extend to agriculture, where the bank collaborates with over 300,000 farmers to enhance productivity. It provides farmers with access to machinery on a cost basis, aiding in modernizing agricultural practices. Allana proudly noted that HBL has played a leading role in Pakistan’s agricultural revolution and has worked closely with the government on policy-making initiatives.
The bank’s achievements have also garnered international recognition. Princeton University currently teaches three case studies on HBL’s innovative practices, showcasing its influence beyond Pakistan’s borders.
Concluding his remarks, Allana described HBL as more than just a bank, stating, “We are part of the fabric of Pakistan. Our initiatives go beyond borders and boundaries, setting us apart as a transformative force in the industry.”
HBL continues to lead with innovation, inclusivity, and technology, cementing its position as a driving force in Pakistan’s evolving banking sector.