The National Institute of Banking and Finance (NIBAF) Pakistan has successfully concluded a four-day certification program titled “Mastering Excel Dashboards & AI Data Modeling in Power BI,” held from August 5 to August 8, 2025, at its Karachi Campus. This hands-on training was aimed at strengthening the data analytics capabilities of professionals in the financial sector, enabling them to make faster and more informed business decisions.
The program was led by Mr. Irfan Bakaly, a recognized expert in data analytics and business intelligence solutions, who guided participants through practical applications of Excel dashboard creation, data modeling, and the integration of artificial intelligence tools within Microsoft Power BI. His sessions emphasized how financial and operational data can be transformed into actionable insights through advanced visualization techniques and predictive modeling.
Participants included officers from the Pakistan Security Printing Corporation (PSPC), commercial banks, and NIBAF itself. The mix of attendees ensured a cross-industry exchange of ideas, enhancing the program’s value as a collaborative learning experience. The training blended theoretical learning with real-world case studies, enabling participants to build complex, interactive dashboards that could serve as powerful decision-support tools in their respective institutions.
The curriculum covered a broad spectrum of topics, including data cleansing and transformation, relational data modeling, use of DAX (Data Analysis Expressions) for advanced calculations, and designing visually impactful dashboards for management reporting. Special focus was placed on AI-driven features in Power BI, such as automated insights, trend analysis, and predictive forecasting, which are increasingly being adopted in modern banking and finance environments.
NIBAF officials stated that the program aligns with the institute’s broader mission of promoting digital proficiency and data literacy within Pakistan’s financial ecosystem. With the banking sector undergoing rapid digital transformation, the ability to interpret large volumes of data efficiently has become a critical skill set for professionals across all levels.
The training also highlighted the role of data visualization in improving communication between technical teams and business decision-makers. By presenting complex datasets in an intuitive and interactive format, financial institutions can significantly improve strategic planning, operational efficiency, and customer service delivery.
Upon completion of the program, participants were awarded certification, signifying their readiness to apply advanced analytics and visualization tools in their professional roles. Many attendees expressed appreciation for the highly interactive nature of the sessions and the immediate applicability of the skills learned.
NIBAF’s continued focus on programs such as this underscores its commitment to fostering innovation, analytical thinking, and technology adoption within the banking and finance industry. As financial institutions increasingly turn to AI and business intelligence platforms, such initiatives are expected to play a key role in enhancing Pakistan’s competitiveness in the global financial landscape.