The National Institute of Banking and Finance (NIBAF) organized a one-day specialized training session on September 5, 2025, at its Karachi campus, focusing on the integration of advanced Excel techniques with artificial intelligence-powered analytics. The program was designed to help officers from the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), NIBAF, and commercial banks develop stronger analytical capabilities to support smarter decision-making in the financial sector.
The session was conducted by Ms. Sumaira Ghouri, an expert trainer recognized for her knowledge of digital tools and applied data analytics. Her training covered advanced Excel functionalities and demonstrated how the combination of traditional spreadsheet expertise with AI-driven solutions can reshape the way professionals handle, interpret, and leverage financial data.
As the banking industry undergoes rapid digital transformation, data analytics has emerged as a cornerstone for informed decision-making, risk management, and operational efficiency. This training offered participants a practical pathway to adapt to the evolving digital landscape by equipping them with the skills necessary to analyze complex datasets, automate repetitive processes, and apply predictive insights. By strengthening their technical toolkit, officers are better prepared to respond to the growing demands of a data-driven financial ecosystem.
The program emphasized the importance of next-level Excel features, such as advanced formulas, data modeling, and pivot functions, while also introducing AI-enabled techniques like pattern recognition, forecasting models, and decision support systems. This combination of skills not only streamlines reporting but also enhances accuracy and speed, allowing banking professionals to allocate more time toward strategy and innovation.
Participants from SBP, NIBAF, and commercial banks engaged in interactive exercises and case-based discussions that demonstrated the real-world impact of advanced analytics. The training fostered a collaborative learning environment, encouraging officers to explore new methods of integrating technology into their workflows. By practicing hands-on applications, participants were able to directly connect theoretical knowledge with the practical challenges they encounter in their respective institutions.
For NIBAF, this initiative is part of a broader commitment to equipping financial professionals with the digital skills necessary for the future of banking. The institute has consistently emphasized the importance of training programs that address the intersection of finance and technology, preparing officers to adapt to emerging tools and methodologies that are reshaping global banking practices.
The training session also reflected a growing recognition within Pakistan’s financial sector of the role artificial intelligence is beginning to play in enhancing operational efficiency, compliance, and strategic decision-making. As the sector continues to embrace digital finance and data-driven operations, the ability to merge traditional expertise with AI-powered tools will be a decisive factor in maintaining competitiveness and resilience.
By hosting this program, NIBAF reaffirmed its role as a leader in professional development, ensuring that officers across central and commercial banking institutions are equipped to thrive in an era where data analytics and artificial intelligence are central to progress.
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