The National Institute of Banking and Finance (NIBAF) Pakistan has successfully launched the first iteration of its Certification Training Program on Internal Audit Function. The three-day program was held from 17 to 19 September 2025 at the NIBAF Pakistan – Lahore Campus and marked an important step in strengthening internal audit practices within the country’s banking and financial institutions.
The program was led by three trainers: Mr. Waleed Khan, Mr. Syed Mustafa Raza, and Mr. Faizan Irshad, who collectively brought extensive expertise in internal audit, compliance, and risk management. Their combined experience provided participants with both theoretical grounding and practical insights, making the sessions highly interactive and application-focused.
A total of 35 participants from different institutions attended the training. The course was specifically designed to equip professionals with advanced knowledge and practical tools required to enhance internal audit systems, ensure stronger compliance mechanisms, and build resilience against organizational risks. The training went beyond conventional auditing approaches, highlighting the role of internal audit as a strategic function that adds value to corporate governance and risk mitigation.
One of the major themes of the program was the evolving role of internal audit in today’s dynamic financial environment. With regulatory frameworks becoming increasingly stringent and financial institutions facing complex risks, internal auditors are no longer limited to checking financial statements. Instead, they are expected to identify operational vulnerabilities, evaluate risk exposures, and advise management on strengthening internal controls. The sessions addressed these shifts in responsibilities and trained participants on how to adapt their practices accordingly.
The program also explored the intersection of internal audit and compliance. In the financial sector, regulatory compliance is directly tied to institutional credibility and stability. Participants learned how to integrate compliance checks into their auditing processes, ensuring that financial institutions remain aligned with both domestic and international regulatory standards. Trainers emphasized that proactive auditing can help institutions avoid costly penalties and reputational damage.
Risk management was another key pillar of the certification training. Attendees were introduced to frameworks for assessing risks across multiple dimensions, from operational inefficiencies to cyber threats. Practical case studies demonstrated how internal auditors can proactively identify emerging risks and support management in designing effective mitigation strategies. This risk-oriented approach positions internal audit as a forward-looking function, rather than one that merely identifies past errors.
By launching the first iteration of this certification program, NIBAF Pakistan has set a foundation for continuous professional development in the field of internal audit. The training reflects the institute’s broader mission of providing cutting-edge programs that address the evolving needs of the banking and financial sector.
Feedback from participants highlighted the program’s relevance and depth. Many appreciated the hands-on orientation of the training, noting that the skills learned would be directly applicable to their organizational roles. For many institutions represented at the program, building a stronger internal audit function is not just about compliance but also about creating a culture of accountability, transparency, and operational excellence.
NIBAF Pakistan continues to demonstrate its commitment to professional excellence by designing and delivering specialized certification programs. As internal audit functions gain greater significance in the financial industry, initiatives like this will help ensure that Pakistan’s institutions are better equipped to maintain sound governance, meet compliance requirements, and manage risks effectively.
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