National Institute of Banking & Finance Pakistan conducted a one-day customized professional training program on Trade-Based Money Laundering (TBML) on December 06, 2025, at the BAFL Learning Center in Karachi, aimed at strengthening institutional understanding of trade-related financial crime risks and enhancing operational compliance within the banking sector.
The session was designed specifically for professionals from Bank Alfalah, with 45 participants attending the program as part of the bank’s ongoing capacity-building and regulatory compliance framework. The training focused on practical, risk-based approaches to identifying, assessing, and mitigating vulnerabilities associated with TBML, which remains one of the most complex and challenging areas of financial crime.
The program was facilitated by Mr. Saleem Sheikh, Joint Director, Enforcement and Prudential Department (EPD) at the State Bank of Pakistan, who delivered an in-depth overview of evolving typologies, emerging red flags, and regulatory expectations linked to trade-related money laundering. Participants were guided through real-world case scenarios, risk indicators in trade documentation, and common manipulation techniques such as over-invoicing, under-invoicing, and false trade descriptions.
During the interactive session, emphasis was placed on the importance of strong internal controls, enhanced customer due diligence, and closer coordination between trade operations and compliance teams. The training also covered preventive measures, including automated monitoring tools, periodic risk assessments, and the integration of trade finance data into broader anti-money laundering (AML) frameworks.
The initiative reflects the broader efforts by National Institute of Banking & Finance Pakistan to support Pakistan’s financial sector in aligning with international AML and counter-terrorist financing standards, while equipping frontline banking professionals with the technical skills required to detect and prevent sophisticated financial crime.
Participants noted that the session significantly improved their understanding of trade-based financial crime risks and practical compliance strategies, supporting stronger institutional safeguards and reinforcing the sector’s commitment to regulatory adherence and financial system integrity.
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