The National Institute of Banking and Finance (NIBAF) Pakistan recently organized a three-day training program focused on International Trade and Trade-Based Money Laundering (TBML), aimed at strengthening compliance knowledge and operational capabilities within Pakistan’s banking sector. The sessions were held from December 2–4, 2025, at NIBAF’s Karachi campus, in a face-to-face (F2F) format. Participants included officers from commercial banks across the country, who engaged in interactive discussions and scenario-based exercises to enhance their understanding of global trade and associated financial crime risks.
The program, led by a panel of experienced trainers with expertise in international trade finance and anti-money laundering practices, covered key aspects of global trade operations, risk assessment frameworks, and detection methodologies for TBML. Participants were introduced to real-world case studies, regulatory requirements, and the operational red flags that often indicate trade-based financial crime, enabling them to apply practical knowledge within their organizations.
Emphasis was placed on identifying TBML risk indicators, understanding regulatory compliance expectations, and implementing effective monitoring strategies to prevent financial crimes. Participants learned about common methods used to disguise illicit flows of funds through trade transactions, including over- and under-invoicing, multiple invoicing, misrepresentation of goods, and other fraudulent practices. The training also highlighted the role of banks in supporting transparency and safeguarding the integrity of the financial system while facilitating legitimate trade.
The sessions further addressed the importance of regulatory alignment with both local and international standards, including guidelines issued by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and international bodies. Participants were guided on applying these compliance frameworks to enhance due diligence, transaction monitoring, and reporting protocols. Practical exercises allowed officers to simulate risk detection, strengthen investigative skills, and devise mitigation measures tailored to their banking operations.
NIBAF Pakistan highlighted that the training program aligns with ongoing initiatives to build capacity and resilience within the financial sector, ensuring that banking professionals are equipped to manage emerging risks in a complex global trade environment. By focusing on TBML, the program contributes to Pakistan’s broader efforts to prevent financial crime, promote trade integrity, and protect the domestic financial system from misuse.
Feedback from participants emphasized the program’s practical value, noting that the interactive learning approach and real-life examples helped bridge theory and application. Officers appreciated the detailed exploration of risk scenarios and regulatory requirements, which enhanced their confidence in identifying and mitigating trade-based money laundering within their respective institutions.
Overall, NIBAF Pakistan’s training initiative reinforced the institution’s commitment to professional development, regulatory compliance, and risk management. It underscored the importance of equipping commercial bank officers with the necessary tools to detect, prevent, and manage trade-based financial crime risks, ensuring a more secure and transparent banking and trade environment in Pakistan.
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