NIBAF Pakistan hosted an exclusive interactive session with State Bank of Pakistan Governor Jameel Ahmad for officers participating in the State Bank Officers Training Scheme SBOTS-28 and Cyber Risk Officers Scheme CROS-1. The session was held on August 6, 2026, at the NIBAF Pakistan Islamabad Campus and brought together senior leadership and officers preparing for roles within Pakistan’s central banking and financial sector.
Governor Jameel Ahmad attended the session alongside Lubna Farooq Malik, Chief Executive Officer of NIBAF Pakistan. The interactive engagement provided officers from both training schemes with an opportunity to hear directly from the leadership of the State Bank of Pakistan and gain insights into the responsibilities associated with modern central banking, financial sector governance and cyber risk management.
The participating groups included officers enrolled in the State Bank Officers Training Scheme SBOTS-28 and the Cyber Risk Officers Scheme CROS-1. While SBOTS-28 focuses on preparing officers for professional responsibilities within the central bank, CROS-1 is designed around the growing requirements associated with cyber risk and information technology governance in the financial sector.
During the session, Governor Jameel Ahmad highlighted the importance of continuous capacity building for professionals working in the financial sector. He stressed that developing technical and professional capabilities remains important as financial institutions face changing economic conditions, technological developments and emerging risks.
Ethical leadership was also identified as an important element for future professionals within the central banking system. The session placed emphasis on the responsibilities of officers who will contribute to the functioning and governance of the financial sector, with leadership principles forming an important part of their professional development.
Digital transformation was another key area discussed during the interaction. As financial services increasingly depend on digital systems and technology-enabled processes, the ability of financial sector professionals to understand and manage technological change has become increasingly important. The session provided the participating officers with strategic perspectives on the role of digital transformation within modern financial institutions and central banking.
Cyber risk resilience was also highlighted during the engagement, particularly in the context of protecting Pakistan’s financial sector. With financial institutions relying heavily on digital infrastructure, cyber risk management and resilient technology systems have become important components of financial sector stability. The participation of officers from the Cyber Risk Officers Scheme added a specific focus on these emerging challenges.
The Governor also shared insights on navigating emerging economic challenges and understanding central banking policies. The interaction was intended to give young officers a broader perspective on the issues they may encounter as they progress in their professional roles within the State Bank of Pakistan and the wider financial system.
Modern information technology governance was another area addressed during the session. The discussion connected the changing technology environment with the responsibilities of financial sector professionals, particularly those involved in cyber risk, digital systems and institutional governance.
NIBAF Pakistan’s hosting of the session reflects its role in developing professional capabilities among officers associated with the State Bank of Pakistan. By facilitating direct interaction between senior leadership and officers enrolled in specialized training schemes, the institution provides participants with exposure to strategic perspectives alongside their formal training.
The August 6 session at the Islamabad Campus brought together leadership, central banking trainees and cyber risk specialists around issues including capacity building, ethical leadership, digital transformation, cyber risk resilience, economic challenges, central banking policies and modern IT governance. The engagement offered the participating officers an opportunity to gain strategic insights as they prepare for future responsibilities within Pakistan’s financial sector.
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