The National Institute of Banking and Finance (NIBAF) Pakistan conducted a focused Deposit Mobilization Training session for U Microfinance Bank Limited, aimed at enhancing institutional capacity in deposit growth, customer acquisition, and relationship management. The two-day in-person training was held from February 7 to February 8, 2026, at the Grand Shalimar Hotel in Multan and brought together banking professionals responsible for frontline customer engagement and deposit strategy execution.
The training was designed in response to increasing competition within Pakistan’s banking and microfinance sector, where institutions are under pressure to diversify funding sources and reduce reliance on high-cost borrowing. Deposit mobilization has emerged as a strategic priority, particularly for microfinance banks seeking stable and sustainable funding to support lending activities and financial inclusion objectives. The session focused on equipping participants with market-oriented approaches that align with evolving customer behavior and regulatory expectations.
The program was led by Mr. Khawajah Muneer Ahmed, who provided participants with practical insights into deposit mobilization frameworks and contemporary banking practices. The discussions covered a range of topics, including customer segmentation, value-based product positioning, and effective communication strategies. Emphasis was placed on understanding customer needs and preferences in order to design tailored deposit solutions that encourage long-term relationships rather than transactional engagement.
A significant component of the training addressed customer acquisition in a competitive environment. Participants explored strategies to expand the depositor base by leveraging existing customer relationships, improving service delivery, and enhancing trust through transparency and consistency. The session highlighted how frontline staff play a critical role in shaping customer perceptions of the bank and influencing deposit decisions, particularly in microfinance segments where personal interaction remains central.
Relationship management was another key theme of the training, with discussions focusing on retaining depositors through proactive engagement and service quality. Participants were introduced to techniques for identifying cross-selling opportunities, managing customer feedback, and resolving service issues efficiently. The training emphasized that effective relationship management not only supports deposit growth but also strengthens customer loyalty and reduces attrition over time.
The session also examined broader market dynamics affecting deposit mobilization, including interest rate movements, competition from digital financial services, and changing consumer expectations. While digital channels are expanding, the training underscored the continued relevance of branch-level engagement and personalized service, particularly in regions where trust and familiarity remain decisive factors in banking relationships.
Throughout the two days, the training adopted an interactive approach, combining real-world examples with participant discussions to bridge the gap between theory and practice. This method allowed attendees to reflect on their own market experiences and identify actionable strategies that could be implemented within their respective roles at U Microfinance Bank.
NIBAF’s role in delivering this program aligns with its broader mandate to support capacity building across Pakistan’s banking sector. By focusing on deposit mobilization and customer-centric strategies, the institute is addressing a critical area that directly impacts financial stability, liquidity management, and sustainable growth for microfinance institutions.
For U Microfinance Bank, the training represents an investment in strengthening frontline capabilities at a time when customer acquisition and retention are increasingly shaped by both service quality and competitive positioning. The insights gained from the session are expected to contribute to improved deposit growth, enhanced customer engagement, and a more resilient funding structure in an evolving banking landscape.
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