The National Institute of Banking and Finance (NIBAF) held a dedicated training session on Emotional Intelligence for the participants of the 27th State Bank Officers Training Scheme (SBOTS-27) on July 22, 2025. The session, which took place at NIBAF’s Islamabad campus, was conducted by Mr. Mehtab Hameed and focused on the growing importance of emotional awareness and self-regulation for professionals navigating leadership roles in today’s financial sector.
As the banking and financial services landscape becomes increasingly complex, technical skills alone no longer suffice for effective leadership. Recognizing this shift, NIBAF continues to emphasize the human element of professional excellence through soft skills development. This session was designed to help young central bankers from the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) understand the critical role emotional intelligence plays in managing teams, making strategic decisions, and maintaining resilience under pressure.
Mr. Mehtab Hameed, known for his expertise in leadership training and emotional intelligence, led participants through a structured journey into the core components of emotional intelligence — self-awareness, self-management, empathy, social awareness, and relationship management. Using real-world examples, reflective exercises, and interactive discussions, the session aimed to equip the officers with tools to better understand and manage their own emotions, while fostering effective interpersonal relationships within their professional environments.
The training helped participants uncover the impact of emotional cues on decision-making and communication, especially in high-stakes and fast-paced financial institutions. Emphasis was placed on empathy as a core leadership attribute, essential for building trust, motivating teams, and handling conflict in constructive ways. These skills are increasingly recognized as vital in a modern banking ecosystem, where collaboration, adaptability, and employee well-being are crucial for institutional success.
NIBAF’s commitment to building well-rounded financial professionals is reflected in its growing portfolio of soft skill and leadership-oriented trainings. By incorporating emotional intelligence into the development pathway for SBP’s officer cadre, the institute is reinforcing the idea that effective governance and impactful leadership begin with emotional mastery.
Held in the capital city at NIBAF’s Islamabad campus, the session also provided an opportunity for peer learning and dialogue among the participants, creating a space where young officers could share experiences and broaden their perspectives on leadership in the banking sector.
Through initiatives like this, NIBAF continues to shape the next generation of financial leaders—professionals who are not only technically competent but also emotionally resilient, socially aware, and equipped to lead in the dynamic and ever-evolving landscape of banking and finance.