NIBAF Pakistan has announced an online executive training programme focused on risk management in small and medium enterprise (SME) financing, scheduled for November 6, 2026. The four-hour session will run from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm and will use an interactive, practical format for banking professionals involved in SME lending and credit-related functions. The programme aims to help participants strengthen their understanding of the risks associated with financing smaller businesses and the practices financial institutions use to assess borrowers, manage credit exposure and support responsible lending decisions.
The training is intended for professionals working in credit and SME financing, including branch managers, operations managers, compliance professionals, risk management specialists and relationship managers. These roles are involved in different stages of the financing process, from evaluating applications and establishing customer relationships to processing facilities, monitoring repayment performance and ensuring compliance with internal policies. By bringing these professional groups together, the programme is positioned to address risk management from the perspectives of credit assessment, operational procedures and ongoing portfolio oversight.
Atif Ikram, Wing Head of SME at National Bank of Pakistan (NBP), will facilitate the session. He has more than 23 years of experience across credit, relationship management, conventional banking and Islamic banking. According to the announcement, his professional work has included contributions to SME credit policy reforms, the development of financing solutions and efforts to expand access to financial services. His experience in the banking sector is expected to provide participants with practical perspectives on the challenges financial institutions encounter when evaluating and financing small and medium-sized businesses.
Ikram has also served on the SME Committee of the Pakistan Banks’ Association and regularly conducts certification courses for the Institute of Bankers Pakistan and NIBAF. His academic qualifications include a Master of Business Administration in Finance and a Master of Arts in Economics. His background combines credit operations, SME banking and professional training, making the subject relevant to employees seeking to strengthen their knowledge of financing risks and lending practices.
SMEs play an important role in economic activity by supporting employment, entrepreneurship, local production and supply chains. Access to appropriate financing can help these businesses purchase equipment, maintain working capital, expand operations and respond to market demand. However, lending to smaller enterprises can present challenges for banks, particularly when borrowers have limited financial records, irregular cash flows, insufficient collateral or a short credit history. These factors can make it more difficult to assess repayment capacity and determine the appropriate structure and terms of a financing facility.
Risk management is therefore an important part of SME lending. Banks need to examine a borrower’s financial position, business model, income sources, existing obligations and ability to repay financing. They must also consider industry conditions and other factors that could affect the performance of a business during the financing period. A sound assessment process helps lenders identify potential weaknesses before approving facilities and establish suitable safeguards based on the borrower’s circumstances.
Managing risk does not end when financing is approved. Regular monitoring can help banks identify early signs of financial difficulty, including changes in cash flow, delayed repayments or weakening business performance. Relationship managers can contribute by maintaining communication with customers and understanding developments affecting their businesses. Operations and compliance teams support the process by ensuring that documentation, procedures and controls remain consistent with institutional requirements, while risk management professionals help identify exposures and strengthen internal policies.
NIBAF Pakistan’s training is designed for professionals whose responsibilities intersect with these activities. The online format will allow participants to attend without travelling to a physical training venue. The programme fee is Rs10,000 plus applicable tax per participant, and the deadline for submitting nominations is November 5, 2026, one day before the scheduled session.
Professionals and institutions interested in registering can contact NIBAF through registration@nibaf.gov.pk or marketing@nibaf.org.pk. Additional information is available through the telephone numbers 021-35277511 and 051-9269850. Participants can also make registration-related inquiries through WhatsApp at 0303-0652963.
The announcement highlights the role of specialised professional development in strengthening banking capabilities in the SME sector. As financial institutions work to extend financing to smaller businesses, effective credit assessment, ongoing monitoring and suitable risk controls remain important to maintaining portfolio quality. Training programmes focused on these areas can help banking professionals improve their understanding of SME financing challenges and contribute to more informed lending decisions.
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