The National Institute of Banking and Finance (NIBAF) Pakistan successfully conducted the Central Banking Program for Lateral Entrants, Batch 2, from May 19 to May 24, 2025. Held at NIBAF’s Karachi campus, the intensive training initiative marked another step in capacity building within the financial and regulatory landscape of Pakistan. The program was specifically tailored to meet the developmental needs of lateral entrants into the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), reinforcing their understanding of central banking operations and regulatory frameworks.
The week-long training program brought together a carefully curated panel of experienced trainers who played a pivotal role in facilitating the learning sessions. These sessions covered a broad spectrum of topics relevant to central banking, with an emphasis on institutional policy, economic oversight, regulatory compliance, and macroeconomic management. The program is part of a broader initiative by NIBAF to enhance institutional capability by equipping new officers with both theoretical understanding and practical exposure to modern banking and financial systems.
Stakeholders for the training included officers from the State Bank of Pakistan, who have recently joined through lateral entry pathways. Lateral entrants, typically professionals with prior experience in various industries, are integrated into SBP to infuse fresh perspectives and technical expertise into the institution. This batch, being the second of its kind, signifies the growing commitment of SBP and NIBAF to build a skilled and well-informed workforce capable of responding to the evolving demands of Pakistan’s financial ecosystem.
The training was held at NIBAF’s Karachi campus, which serves as a hub for financial learning and professional development. The selection of Karachi, Pakistan’s financial capital, for this program reflects the strategic importance of placing trainees at the heart of the country’s banking and economic activity. Participants had the opportunity to engage with experts who shared knowledge grounded in current economic challenges and institutional priorities.
Over the six days, the sessions combined technical modules, case studies, and group discussions to ensure that the participants not only understood theoretical principles but also grasped their real-world applications. Trainers emphasized key aspects of central banking such as monetary policy formulation, financial market infrastructure, risk management, and banking supervision.
The panel of trainers included individuals with extensive central banking experience, ensuring that participants received guidance that aligns with both national and international best practices. Their insights helped trainees contextualize their roles within SBP and underscored the importance of strategic thinking and innovation in regulatory processes.
Programs such as these are instrumental in shaping the future of central banking in Pakistan. As the financial sector continues to embrace digital transformation and global economic integration, initiatives like NIBAF’s Central Banking Program for Lateral Entrants help bridge the knowledge gap and prepare officers to operate effectively in complex and dynamic environments.
NIBAF remains committed to building the human capital of Pakistan’s financial institutions through structured learning and professional development. With this successful conclusion of Batch 2, the institute reinforces its role as a key enabler of financial excellence and regulatory resilience in the country.