In a move to further empower the financial sector with practical technology skills, the National Institute of Banking and Finance (NIBAF) Pakistan recently concluded a hands-on training session titled “AI Chatbot for Excel No-Code Automation Masterclass.” The two-day workshop, held from June 19 to 20, 2025, at NIBAF’s Karachi Campus, attracted participation from officers of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) as well as various commercial banks.
The session was led by Ms. Sumaira Ghouri, a seasoned expert and prominent trainer in artificial intelligence and workflow automation. With a focus on applied learning, the training aimed to provide participants with practical knowledge and tools to streamline data handling, reporting, and routine task execution using AI chatbots integrated with Excel—without the need for programming expertise.
This masterclass was designed in response to the increasing demand within Pakistan’s banking and finance sectors for efficient, low-code solutions that can reduce operational workloads and support digital transformation goals. As institutions move toward data-driven decision-making and real-time process management, the use of AI-enabled tools is becoming not only valuable but essential.
Ms. Ghouri introduced participants to a series of no-code platforms and AI chatbot frameworks that can interact with Microsoft Excel for automated reporting, task management, and data analytics. The training also covered use cases relevant to finance operations, such as automating compliance reporting, financial forecasting, and internal audit tracking using AI-driven modules.
Participants engaged in interactive sessions and hands-on practice to simulate real-world banking scenarios where AI chatbots could support employees in minimizing manual data entry, eliminating redundancies, and improving turnaround time for routine workflows. By the end of the training, attendees were able to prototype and deploy their own AI-based Excel automation tasks using simple drag-and-drop interfaces.
NIBAF emphasized that such initiatives are a part of its broader strategy to align the financial industry workforce with the future of digital operations. This training reflects an ongoing effort to equip professionals with forward-looking skillsets necessary to meet emerging challenges in banking efficiency and customer experience.
The presence of officers from the State Bank of Pakistan, alongside commercial bank representatives, highlighted the growing institutional recognition of AI’s potential in operational excellence and regulatory adaptability.
The event also showcased NIBAF’s commitment to providing industry-relevant learning experiences, positioning itself as a key player in preparing Pakistan’s banking professionals for a tech-integrated financial future. With automation and AI becoming increasingly integral to global banking standards, such educational initiatives are crucial for national competitiveness in financial innovation.