The National Institute of Banking and Finance (NIBAF) Pakistan has concluded a specialized two-day training program aimed at strengthening the capabilities of professionals in detecting, investigating, and preventing fraud in financial and corporate environments. The Certified Anti-Fraud Specialist course, held from August 12 to 13, 2025, took place at NIBAF’s Lahore campus and brought together 22 participants from a range of institutions.
The program was led by Muhammad Waqas Saeed, Deputy Director at the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), who delivered in-depth sessions combining practical investigative techniques with the latest strategies for combating evolving fraud risks. His expertise provided participants with actionable insights into both traditional financial crimes and emerging threats in the digital space.
Over the course of the training, attendees examined a variety of fraud typologies, from embezzlement and corporate misappropriation to cyber-enabled financial crimes. Special focus was given to detecting fraudulent activity within digital banking platforms, electronic payment systems, and cross-border transactions. Participants were also trained in digital forensics, allowing them to analyze data trails and uncover concealed evidence that could prove critical in fraud investigations.
The program integrated real-world case studies, enabling participants to learn from actual incidents and understand the practical challenges faced by investigators in both public and private sector contexts. These discussions covered investigative planning, evidence collection, interview techniques, and the integration of legal and regulatory considerations into the investigative process.
A significant portion of the training addressed preventive measures, helping participants develop frameworks for implementing strong internal controls within their respective organizations. This included policy-level strategies for fraud risk assessment, employee awareness programs, and the integration of monitoring tools capable of identifying suspicious transactions in real time.
As fraud schemes become increasingly complex due to advancements in technology, the need for specialized training in this field has grown substantially. NIBAF’s initiative reflects the pressing demand for financial institutions, corporations, and regulatory bodies to strengthen their defenses against both domestic and international financial crime networks.
The program also underscored the importance of cross-institutional collaboration. Participants from various sectors had the opportunity to share insights, compare operational challenges, and identify best practices that could be applied across different organizational contexts.
NIBAF continues to position itself as a leading provider of professional development for Pakistan’s financial sector. By delivering targeted and expert-led training programs, the institute is playing a vital role in enhancing the integrity and resilience of the country’s banking and financial systems.
With fraud risks expected to evolve alongside innovations in financial technology, the skills and knowledge imparted through initiatives like the Certified Anti-Fraud Specialist course will remain critical for safeguarding institutional assets and public trust.