NIBAF Pakistan hosted an exclusive interactive session with Dr. Inayat Hussain, Executive Director and former Deputy Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan, for officers participating in the State Bank Officers Training Scheme (SBOTS-28) and Cyber Risk Officers Scheme (CROS-1) at its Islamabad Campus.
The session was held on August 6, 2026, and brought together emerging banking professionals and senior central banking leadership for a discussion covering macroeconomic stability, financial sector governance, monetary operations and the responsibilities associated with working within a central banking institution.
Dr. Inayat Hussain participated in the session alongside Ms. Lubna Farooq Malik, Chief Executive Officer of NIBAF Pakistan. Drawing on his extensive experience in central banking, economic policy and monetary operations, Dr. Hussain shared perspectives on the functioning of central banks and the decision-making processes that influence the wider financial system.
The interactive format allowed officers from SBOTS-28 and CROS-1 to engage with experienced financial sector leadership and gain a deeper understanding of issues relevant to their professional development. Discussions focused on macroeconomic stability and financial sector governance, while also highlighting the importance of institutional standards and effective decision-making in an evolving financial environment.
Dr. Hussain also emphasized the role of young officers in maintaining institutional excellence. As new professionals enter Pakistan’s central banking and financial sector institutions, their understanding of economic policy, regulatory responsibilities and operational processes remains important for maintaining the effectiveness of financial institutions.
The session provided participants with an opportunity to connect theoretical knowledge with practical insights from a senior central banking professional. Dr. Hussain’s experience in monetary operations and economic policy offered the participating officers a perspective on the responsibilities involved in supporting monetary and financial sector objectives.
Two training programmes participated in the session. The State Bank Officers Training Scheme, Batch 28, brought together officers preparing for careers within the central banking environment, while the Cyber Risk Officers Scheme, Batch 1, focused on officers working in an area that has become increasingly important to the financial sector as digital systems and technology become more deeply integrated into banking operations.
The participation of officers from both programmes also reflected the expanding range of skills required within modern financial institutions. While traditional central banking expertise remains important, financial sector institutions increasingly require professionals who understand technology, risk management, governance and the operational systems supporting financial services.
NIBAF Pakistan said the session forms part of its efforts to connect experienced regulatory leadership with emerging central banking talent. Such engagements provide trainees with access to senior professionals and create opportunities for knowledge sharing beyond formal classroom-based training.
The event also reinforced the importance of strategic thinking and operational discipline among officers entering Pakistan’s financial sector. Discussions around macroeconomic stability, financial governance and central bank operations provided participants with a broader perspective on the institutional responsibilities associated with their roles.
The session was held at NIBAF Pakistan’s Islamabad Campus, with Dr. Inayat Hussain and Ms. Lubna Farooq Malik representing the distinguished leadership participating in the engagement.
NIBAF Pakistan continues to focus on capacity building and professional development within the banking and financial sector. By facilitating direct interaction between experienced financial sector leaders and officers at the early stages of their careers, the institution aims to strengthen knowledge, strategic understanding and operational capabilities among emerging banking professionals.
The engagement with SBOTS-28 and CROS-1 participants highlights the role of professional training and leadership interaction in preparing officers for an evolving financial landscape, while providing a platform for experienced central banking leadership to share practical knowledge with the next generation of financial sector professionals.
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