In a significant step toward aligning Pakistan’s banking sector with international financial standards, the National Institute of Banking and Finance (NIBAF) organized a focused training session on August 22, 2025, at its Islamabad campus. The session was designed to enhance the expertise of officers from commercial banks in reporting Chart of Account Returns, with a particular emphasis on developments under IFRS-9.
The training was led by Mr. Hassam ul Haque, Deputy Director at the Financial Stability Department (FSD) of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). With extensive experience in financial regulation and reporting, Mr. Haque guided participants through the technical and practical aspects of implementing IFRS-9 in the context of banking returns. His insights were aimed at strengthening the participants’ understanding of risk recognition, classification of assets, and enhanced reporting accuracy, all of which have become critical in the wake of the global adoption of IFRS-9 standards.
The event attracted officers from multiple commercial banks, reflecting the sector’s growing awareness of the importance of compliance with international reporting frameworks. IFRS-9, which introduces forward-looking approaches to credit loss recognition and financial asset classification, has been reshaping banking practices worldwide. For Pakistani banks, aligning with this standard not only ensures regulatory compliance but also contributes to greater transparency and resilience in financial reporting.
During the session, participants were exposed to practical case studies, interactive discussions, and technical guidance on reporting requirements. The training particularly emphasized how accurate reporting of Chart of Account Returns supports both regulatory oversight and internal risk management systems within banks. The agenda also highlighted the significance of embedding IFRS-9 principles into everyday banking operations to meet both domestic regulatory expectations and global financial norms.
NIBAF, as the premier training arm of the State Bank of Pakistan, has consistently played a central role in building the capacity of financial professionals across the country. By offering specialized programs such as this one, the institute continues to bridge knowledge gaps and equip banking officers with the skills required to navigate an increasingly complex financial environment. The choice of topic reflects the sector’s current priorities, where risk-sensitive reporting and financial resilience have gained heightened importance in ensuring systemic stability.
This initiative comes at a time when Pakistan’s banking ecosystem is under increasing pressure to enhance risk management practices in line with global financial developments. The focused training on IFRS-9 not only strengthens the technical competencies of individual officers but also contributes to the collective advancement of the banking industry in the country.
As regulatory frameworks evolve and reporting requirements become more sophisticated, such capacity-building sessions will remain vital for the long-term stability and credibility of Pakistan’s financial system. NIBAF’s role in fostering this transformation highlights its commitment to preparing the country’s banking professionals for both present and future challenges.
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