On June 18, 2025, the SBOTS-27 batch of the State Bank of Pakistan’s Officer Training Scheme participated in a focused and enriching evening session with Ms. Lubna Malik, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute of Banking and Finance (NIBAF) Pakistan. This event marked a pivotal point in the officers’ training calendar, offering them a unique opportunity to interact directly with one of the key leaders shaping professional training and institutional development in the financial sector.
Hosted under the flagship officer development program at NIBAF, this evening engagement was designed not merely as a lecture, but as an open dialogue where officers were encouraged to ask questions, engage in discourse, and understand the broader context of their roles within Pakistan’s evolving banking landscape. Ms. Lubna Malik, known for her strategic leadership in transforming financial training models in Pakistan, shared her perspective on the critical role of young officers in supporting the country’s financial infrastructure and policy implementation.
Throughout the session, Ms. Malik emphasized the necessity of adapting to fast-changing economic conditions and technological advancements. She encouraged officers to think beyond routine operational tasks and to position themselves as future leaders capable of managing complex financial systems. Drawing from her experience in both institutional management and training design, she underlined the importance of continuous learning, ethical leadership, and proactive engagement with innovation in the financial sector.
The officers of SBOTS-27, currently undergoing one of the most competitive training programs in the country, were notably engaged in the session. Many raised pertinent questions around digital transformation, regulatory adaptability, and the future of central banking in a data-driven world. Ms. Malik responded with real-world examples of how NIBAF has integrated digital tools into its training curriculum and how young officers can take advantage of such platforms to scale their expertise.
She also spoke about NIBAF’s evolving role as a national training center, not just for SBP but also for financial institutions across Pakistan. The organization’s vision to create high-impact, agile banking professionals is aligned with the SBP’s strategic direction, especially in light of Pakistan’s shifting economic priorities and the rise of fintech-driven financial ecosystems.
This evening session was more than a ceremonial address; it was an immersive learning moment that reflected NIBAF’s intent to produce well-informed, agile, and leadership-oriented officers. By connecting directly with the CEO, the officers were offered not only a high-level perspective but also practical advice that could influence their future decisions within the State Bank.
As the SBOTS-27 batch progresses through its training modules, sessions like these reaffirm the State Bank’s commitment to developing officers who are prepared not just for current institutional needs, but for future challenges as well. The conversation with Ms. Lubna Malik provided a timely reminder of the importance of vision, adaptability, and integrity in the public financial domain.