ABHI Microfinance Bank Limited has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with TouchPoint (Private) Limited to explore the expansion and modernization of its banking access infrastructure, including ATMs, Cash Deposit Machines (CDMs), card printing systems, and other essential self-service technologies.

The collaboration establishes a structured framework for both organizations to evaluate how modern banking hardware and service capabilities can better support customer convenience and operational efficiency. As financial services continue to evolve, reliable and well-managed physical access points remain a critical bridge between digital banking and on-ground customer needs.

Over the next twelve months, the two organizations will engage in good-faith discussions to assess requirements, explore practical deployment models, and determine how these systems can be scaled to meet growing demand. The MoU is non-binding in nature, allowing both parties the flexibility to evaluate opportunities carefully before entering into any definitive commercial arrangements. Pricing and detailed service terms will be agreed separately if a formal agreement is executed.

This initiative reflects a shared commitment to strengthening banking accessibility and ensuring that customers have dependable, convenient channels to carry out everyday transactions. By combining ABHI’s banking expertise with TouchPoint’s technology and infrastructure capabilities, the partnership aims to support smoother service delivery and improved customer experiences across locations.

The MoU also outlines key principles related to confidentiality, intellectual property protection, and governance. Both organizations have agreed to maintain strict confidentiality regarding shared information, and each party retains ownership of its pre-existing intellectual property. The understanding is governed under the laws of Pakistan, with Islamabad as the designated jurisdiction, and includes structured dispute resolution provisions.

The agreement was signed by Mariam Pervaiz, Chief Commercial Officer at ABHI Microfinance Bank, and Tabish Sabah, Chief Executive Officer at TouchPoint (Private) Limited. The signing ceremony was also attended by Kabeer Naqvi, Entrepreneur in Residence at ABHI, along with senior representatives from both organizations.

Through this collaboration, both organizations signal a continued focus on building a resilient and accessible banking environment — where strong technology infrastructure supports both digital progress and everyday customer needs across communities.

In a move aimed at widening access to small-ticket digital financing in Pakistan, ABHI Microfinance Bank has entered into a strategic partnership with Zanda Financial Services (Pvt.) Ltd., a technology-enabled non-banking finance company, to deliver digital lending solutions through integrated digital platforms.

The collaboration combines ABHI Microfinance Bank’s regulated banking infrastructure with Zanda’s digital customer interface, creating a model that allows eligible users to apply for and access loans through a seamless mobile experience. Loan disbursement, wallet operations, and repayment channels will be supported through ABHI’s banking systems, ensuring the process operates within a secure and compliant financial framework.

Industry observers see such partnerships as a growing trend in Pakistan’s financial sector, where banks and fintechs are increasingly working together to bridge the gap between formal finance and digitally active but underserved populations. By embedding credit into digital ecosystems, the initiative is expected to offer an alternative to informal borrowing channels that many low- and middle-income individuals rely on for short-term liquidity needs.

The model focuses on short-tenure, small-value loans designed to support everyday financial requirements — from emergency expenses to short-term cash flow gaps. With customer verification, risk assessment, and system integrations forming a core part of the structure, both institutions aim to ensure responsible lending practices remain central to the offering.

Beyond individual access to credit, the partnership signals a broader shift in how financial services are being delivered in Pakistan. Rather than relying solely on physical branch networks, banks are increasingly using technology partnerships to extend their reach into digital channels where customers already transact and engage. This approach is seen as key to accelerating financial inclusion while maintaining regulatory safeguards.

For ABHI Microfinance Bank, the agreement aligns with its strategy of building ecosystem-based financial solutions that combine banking stability with fintech innovation. For Zanda, the partnership provides the regulated financial backbone required to scale digital lending in a structured environment. Together, the institutions are positioning themselves within Pakistan’s fast-evolving digital finance landscape, where demand for quick, accessible, and formal credit continues to rise.

The agreement was formally signed by Mariam Pervaiz, Chief Commercial Officer, ABHI Microfinance Bank, and Saif Ul Islam, Chief Executive Officer, Zanda Financial Services. Also present at the ceremony was Kabeer Naqvi, Entrepreneur in Residence at ABHI Financials, along with representatives from both organizations.

Mariam Pervaiz, CCO, ABHI Microfinance Bank, said the partnership reflects the Bank’s continued focus on inclusive, technology-led finance.

“Digital access to formal credit is becoming essential for financial resilience. By partnering with Zanda, we are extending responsible lending through digital ecosystems where customers already operate, while ensuring the strength, compliance, and security of a regulated banking environment remain at the core of the experience.”

Saif Ul Islam, CEO, Zanda Financial Services, noted that collaboration with a regulated bank is key to scaling sustainable digital lending.

“Our platform is designed to make financing seamless and accessible. Working with ABHI Microfinance Bank allows us to combine innovation with financial discipline, enabling us to serve customers more efficiently while maintaining the trust and safeguards required in today’s financial landscape.”