NIBAF Pakistan, in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Trade & Supply Chain Finance Program (TSCFP), ICC Pakistan, and the Financial Monitoring Unit (FMU), Government of Pakistan, successfully conducted a two-day workshop on combating trade-based money laundering and trade fraud from December 8 to 9, 2025, at the Karachi Marriott Hotel. The event aimed to strengthen Pakistan’s trade integrity ecosystem by promoting transparency, resilience, and adherence to global standards in trade finance.
The workshop brought together distinguished leaders, international experts, and institutional representatives to share insights, strategies, and best practices. Key participants included Ms. Lubna Farooq Malik, CEO of NIBAF Pakistan; Mr. Nathan Lynch, International Financial Crime Expert; Ms. Catherine Daza-Estrada and Mr. Carlo Antonio Garcia from ADB; Mr. Asad Aleem, Deputy Country Director, ADB Pakistan; Mr. Ahsan Aziz, Chair of ICC Pakistan’s Banking Commission; Mr. Vincent O’Brien, Director of ICC UAE; and senior officials from FMU, including Director General Muhammad Javaid Ismail and Director Sumera Baloch. Ms. Khawlah Usman, Director of Marketing, Communication & Strategic Alliances at NIBAF Pakistan, also played a key role in facilitating the event.
Participants engaged in interactive sessions, case studies, and panel discussions addressing key issues related to trade-based money laundering (TBML) and trade fraud, highlighting both local challenges and international trends. The workshop focused on enhancing detection and mitigation strategies, strengthening institutional capacities, and encouraging collaboration between public and private sector stakeholders.
The initiative reflects Pakistan’s commitment to aligning trade finance practices with global anti-money laundering and anti-fraud standards. By bringing together regulators, financial institutions, and international experts, the workshop provided a platform for knowledge exchange and capacity building. It emphasized the importance of robust regulatory frameworks, enhanced due diligence, and coordinated efforts to safeguard the integrity of Pakistan’s trade ecosystem.
Speakers underscored the critical role of technology, data analytics, and cross-border cooperation in identifying and preventing fraudulent trade practices. Emphasis was also placed on continuous training, awareness programs, and the development of actionable policies to counter emerging threats in trade finance.
The collaboration between NIBAF Pakistan, ADB, ICC Pakistan, and FMU demonstrates a holistic approach to addressing complex financial crimes and highlights the country’s proactive stance in building a secure and transparent trade environment. The workshop concluded with a reaffirmation of shared commitments to strengthen regulatory compliance, foster institutional accountability, and advance Pakistan’s standing in international trade finance.
Through initiatives like this, Pakistan aims to bolster investor confidence, protect the financial system, and create a resilient framework capable of mitigating risks associated with trade-based money laundering and trade fraud.
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