HBL has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first commercial bank in Pakistan to form a strategic partnership with the National Clearing Company of Pakistan Limited (NCCPL). The collaboration was formalized through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), aiming to redefine the role of banks in the country’s capital markets by leveraging digital solutions and capital market infrastructure.
This landmark agreement marks the beginning of a new chapter for both institutions, aligning with Pakistan’s broader agenda to deepen capital markets and strengthen financial sector participation. Through this partnership, HBL is set to explore multiple areas of opportunity, including Margin Trading, acting as a custodian clearing member, and utilizing NCCPL’s Capital Gains Tax (CGT) computation and reporting services. These initiatives are expected to enable greater operational efficiency and investor facilitation while encouraging more diversified participation in capital market activities.
Speaking at the MoU signing ceremony, Muhammad Nassir Salim, President & CEO of HBL, emphasized the transformative impact of this partnership. “This collaboration will allow us to offer improved services to our clients. In a landscape where digitization and value creation are essential, our alignment with NCCPL is a vital step forward in enhancing client experience, expanding our product suite, and achieving our topline growth ambitions,” said Salim.
The MoU not only demonstrates HBL’s commitment to innovation but also underscores the bank’s active role in modernizing Pakistan’s financial landscape. By connecting traditional banking with the evolving needs of capital market participants, HBL aims to establish new benchmarks in service delivery and market integration.
Naveed Qazi, CEO of NCCPL, also shared his vision for the collaboration, highlighting the growing need for synergy between banks and capital market institutions. “This MoU reflects NCCPL’s ongoing efforts to bridge the gap between financial institutions and capital markets. We see this partnership as a stepping stone toward greater market efficiency, improved transparency, and broader investor engagement,” he stated.
The integration of commercial banks into Pakistan’s capital market infrastructure is a long-anticipated move. With this development, HBL sets a precedent for other banks to follow, signaling a strategic shift toward a more interconnected financial ecosystem. The partnership serves as a key milestone in supporting the country’s financial market reforms, promoting investor trust, and enhancing transparency across financial operations.
As the landscape of finance continues to evolve with digital transformation at its core, initiatives like this one play a crucial role in aligning institutional strengths. The collaboration between HBL and NCCPL signifies more than just a formal agreement—it represents a unified vision to expand market access, deliver enhanced financial services, and drive long-term capital market development in Pakistan.