

SBP Designates 1LINK as Official Payment System Operator
The State Bank of Pakistan has designated 1LINK as an official payment system operator, reinforcing its role as a core player in Pakistan’s digital finance infrastructure. The move strengthens oversight and promotes secure, efficient, and inclusive financial services.

Allied Bank Reports 25% Profit Decline in First Half of 2025 Amid Rate Cuts and Rising Costs
Allied Bank Limited posted a 25% decline in net profit for the first half of 2025, as interest margins narrowed due to SBP’s monetary easing and costs continued to rise. Despite the dip, the Bank announced a Rs4 per share interim dividend, highlighting its focus on shareholder returns and income diversification.

NIBAF Concludes Islamic Banking Certificate Course to Strengthen Shariah-Compliant Finance
NIBAF Pakistan concluded the six-day Islamic Banking Certificate Course – IBCC-73 in Karachi, training SBP and commercial bank officers in Shariah-compliant financial practices to strengthen skills and support the growth of Islamic banking.

Askari Bank and HBL Zarai Services Sign MoU to Boost Agricultural Finance and Inclusion
Askari Bank and HBL Zarai Services have signed an MoU to empower Pakistan’s agricultural sector through improved financial access, digital tools, and expert advisory, targeting rural growth and inclusive banking.

Standard Chartered Pakistan to Temporarily Suspend Credit Card Services for Scheduled Maintenance
Standard Chartered Pakistan will temporarily disable credit card services nationwide from 7:00 pm on 26 July to 5:00 am on 27 July 2025 for system maintenance.

NIBAF Advances Islamic Banking Expertise with IFPOP-2 Program in Lahore
NIBAF conducted Day 3 of the Islamic Banking Program IFPOP-2 in Lahore, led by Mufti Uzair Usmani, to strengthen the expertise of regional and general managers in Shariah-compliant banking practices.

Celebrating Innovation: Winners of Pakistan Digital Awards 2025 Set New Benchmarks in Digital Banking
The Pakistan Digital Awards 2025 highlighted the country’s digital transformation in the banking sector, honoring top banks like HBL, Allied Bank, BankIslami, and others for outstanding innovation and customer-centric technology leadership.

NIBAF Conducts Performance Management Program for SBP Officers at Karachi Campus
NIBAF successfully hosted a two-day Performance Management Program at its Karachi Campus for State Bank of Pakistan officers. The training, held on May 29–30, 2025, was led by expert facilitator Sohail Rizvi, focusing on professional growth and performance strategies within the central banking context.

State Bank of Pakistan Hosts Financial Intermediation Training for SBOTS 27th Batch
The National Institute of Banking and Finance (NIBAF), under the State Bank of Pakistan, conducted a comprehensive training session on financial intermediation for the SBOTS 27th Batch, led by finance expert Khurram Shehzad, on May 31, 2025.