The National Institute of Banking and Finance (NIBAF) Pakistan successfully conducted a two-day specialized training program titled “Ensuring SBP Regulatory Compliance in Branch Banking Operations – Managing Risk & Internal Controls” from July 17 to 18, 2025, at its Lahore campus. The program was part of NIBAF’s ongoing efforts to support compliance excellence and operational risk management in Pakistan’s banking sector.
Delivered by Mr. M. Junaid Younas Ghori, a recognized authority in banking compliance and risk governance, the training brought together professionals from various commercial banks. Participants included operational managers, compliance officers, and internal auditors responsible for ensuring that branch-level practices align with the State Bank of Pakistan’s (SBP) regulatory requirements.
The primary objective of the program was to reinforce understanding of SBP’s branch banking compliance framework and to provide practical insights into developing robust internal control mechanisms. With the financial sector facing increasing scrutiny from regulators and customers alike, banks must ensure that their branch operations are not only efficient but also compliant with evolving policy directives.
Mr. Ghori focused on translating regulatory expectations into actionable strategies, covering areas such as customer due diligence, transaction monitoring, cash handling, record-keeping protocols, and the role of internal audit in identifying and mitigating operational risks. The sessions also emphasized the significance of cultivating a risk-aware culture within branch environments to prevent procedural lapses, fraud, and regulatory penalties.
Interactive case studies and scenario analysis allowed participants to apply core concepts to real-world situations, thereby enhancing their ability to manage on-ground challenges in compliance enforcement. The training also included discussions on common gaps observed during SBP inspections and how institutions can proactively address them through enhanced documentation, staff training, and technology integration.
As financial institutions adopt more complex operating models and digital services, maintaining regulatory discipline at the branch level becomes even more crucial. This program helped banking professionals revisit the foundational elements of risk management while highlighting the evolving expectations from branch operations in a tech-integrated banking landscape.
The participation and engagement seen during the training reflected a strong institutional appetite for compliance learning. In an environment where regulatory changes are frequent and risk profiles are dynamic, NIBAF’s initiative acts as a crucial enabler for consistent governance and sustainable operations in Pakistan’s banking ecosystem.
The Lahore campus of NIBAF provided a collaborative setting for knowledge-sharing, where attendees not only gained from expert instruction but also learned from peers across different institutions. With programs like this, NIBAF continues to position itself at the center of financial sector learning and development in Pakistan, empowering banks to build risk-resilient, compliant, and trustworthy operations across their nationwide networks.