The National Institute of Banking and Finance (NIBAF), Pakistan’s premier institution for financial sector training and education, successfully conducted a specialized training program on 12th and 13th June 2025. The training was organized as part of the State Bank Officers Training Scheme (SBOTS), specifically designed for the 27th batch of new officers inducted into the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).
This focused two-day session addressed Lending Operations, a critical area within banking and financial services that forms the backbone of commercial banking functions. The session was led by Mr. Abbas Ali Qizalbash, a highly regarded expert in the banking industry known for his extensive experience and contributions in the field of credit and lending.
The objective of the training was to enhance the technical knowledge and applied skills of the newly inducted SBP officers. By introducing real-world case studies, modern lending frameworks, and regulatory contexts, the training aimed to prepare officers to better understand credit operations, risk assessment, and loan portfolio management—functions central to the operations of both commercial banks and regulatory institutions like the SBP.
Mr. Qizalbash’s session provided deep insights into credit approval processes, types of lending instruments, and risk mitigation strategies that are crucial in today’s rapidly evolving banking ecosystem. The training also covered lending practices in both retail and corporate segments, bridging theoretical knowledge with practical execution. Participants engaged in discussions and exercises that simulated actual decision-making scenarios, enabling them to critically assess credit proposals and identify operational risk factors.
The SBOTS program is one of the State Bank of Pakistan’s flagship initiatives for building a strong pipeline of professionals equipped to take on leadership roles in Pakistan’s central banking system. Conducted regularly through NIBAF, this structured training offers a blend of policy-level insights, operational exposure, and specialized modules like the recent session on lending operations. It plays a significant role in professional development and institutional capacity building.
This initiative also highlights the growing emphasis placed by Pakistan’s central banking authorities on capacity development, talent grooming, and operational excellence in financial oversight. By investing in focused technical trainings, the SBP ensures that its officers are equipped with a nuanced understanding of modern financial tools, frameworks, and challenges that define banking operations today.
As the financial industry continues to evolve with new regulations, digital disruptions, and shifting economic demands, such structured training programs are not only timely but necessary. They help foster a more responsive and informed banking workforce capable of steering the economy with precision and insight. Through its continued commitment to education and skill-building, NIBAF remains a cornerstone institution in shaping the future of Pakistan’s financial governance and policy implementation.