NIBAF Pakistan has announced an executive masterclass titled “Digital Literacy and AI Readiness for Finance Professionals,” scheduled for November 24, 2026, at its Karachi campus. The full-day training programme will run from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and is designed for professionals working across finance, accounting, auditing, risk management, compliance and senior leadership. The participation fee is Rs18,000 plus applicable taxes per person, with nominations closing on November 23. The programme focuses on the growing importance of digital capabilities and artificial intelligence awareness in financial roles, where technology is increasingly influencing reporting, analysis, operational processes and organisational decision-making.
The masterclass will be facilitated by Muhammad Shehzad Dhedhi, founder of CFO Club Pakistan, chief executive officer of ESGHexa and a Fellow Chartered Accountant. According to NIBAF Pakistan’s announcement, Dhedhi is an executive leader and former corporate banker with more than 24 years of global experience in financial strategy, corporate governance and institutional leadership. His professional background includes strategic roles at major institutions such as Habib Bank Limited (HBL), Credit Suisse and Bank Alfalah. The programme will draw on his experience in finance and leadership to address the capabilities professionals need as financial organisations adapt to changing business practices and technology-driven working environments.
The target audience includes finance managers and officers, accountants, financial analysts, internal auditors, risk management professionals, fraud risk and forensic specialists, compliance officers, senior management and finance leaders. These roles rely on accurate information, sound judgement and effective controls, making digital literacy increasingly relevant to day-to-day responsibilities. Finance teams are often required to work with large datasets, prepare reports, monitor financial performance and support decisions that affect organisational resources. Greater familiarity with digital tools can help professionals understand how information is collected, processed and presented, while awareness of artificial intelligence can help them assess where emerging technologies may support their work and where human review remains essential.
Artificial intelligence is becoming relevant to several finance-related activities, including document processing, data analysis, reporting support and the identification of unusual patterns. Used appropriately, these tools may help reduce repetitive tasks and give professionals more time to focus on analysis and decision-making. However, their application also raises questions about data confidentiality, accuracy, accountability and the reliability of automated outputs. Finance professionals must be able to evaluate the information generated by digital systems rather than relying on technology without verification. Digital literacy therefore involves more than knowing how to use software; it also includes understanding the limitations of digital tools and applying suitable judgement, governance and controls when using them in professional settings.
The programme’s focus on AI readiness also connects with wider changes in corporate finance and financial services. As institutions adopt new technologies, managers must consider how digital processes fit into existing systems, reporting requirements and internal control frameworks. Accountants and financial analysts may need to assess information produced through automated tools, while auditors and risk specialists must understand how technology affects evidence, monitoring and the identification of potential irregularities. Compliance professionals also need to consider whether digital practices align with relevant policies and regulatory requirements. For senior management, these issues extend to implementation planning, employee development and decisions about how technology can support institutional objectives without compromising oversight.
Dhedhi’s background in financial strategy and corporate governance provides a leadership perspective for a programme aimed at professionals across different levels of responsibility. NIBAF Pakistan’s announcement describes his approach as combining operational discipline with strategic growth frameworks to help technical managers develop into high-performing leaders. This reflects the wider challenge facing finance departments as digital transformation changes the skills required of employees. Technical knowledge remains important, but professionals also need to communicate findings clearly, assess risks and connect financial information with broader organisational priorities. A structured executive learning programme can provide an opportunity to examine these responsibilities alongside the emerging role of artificial intelligence.
Nominations and registrations for the masterclass will remain open until November 23, 2026, one day before the event. Interested participants can contact NIBAF Pakistan through registration@nibaf.gov.pk or marketing@nibaf.org.pk. Additional information is available by telephone at 021-35277511 and 051-9269850, or through WhatsApp at 0303-0652963. The session will take place at NIBAF Pakistan’s Karachi campus, with the announced participation fee set at Rs18,000 plus tax per person.
The planned masterclass offers finance and banking professionals an opportunity to build their understanding of digital literacy and AI readiness within a financial management context. Its audience spans technical specialists, control functions and senior decision-makers, reflecting the broad relevance of technology across financial operations. As organisations continue to assess how artificial intelligence and digital tools can support their work, professionals will need to balance the benefits of automation with sound judgement, data protection and effective governance. The November 24 programme is intended to address these evolving professional requirements through a full-day executive learning session.
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