Pakistan’s leading digital microfinance bank, Mobilink Bank has signed a crucial partnership with HBL Zarai Services Limited to advance agricultural financing for underserved communities under the ‘Zarkhez-e’ Asaan Digital Zarai Qarza Scheme.

Under this partnership, Mobilink Bank will expand access to structured, in-kind agricultural financing for farmers across Pakistan. The Bank, in collaboration with HBL Zarai services, will link financing with essential agricultural inputs and services to help ensure that credit is utilized for productive purposes and contributes to improved farm-level outcomes. Moreover, it will strengthen the efficiency of the financing process through digital channels to enable more streamlined disbursements and transactions.

Whereas HBL Zarai, as an approved Agricultural Services Provider (ASP), will enable farmers to access high-quality agricultural inputs, ongoing agronomic advisory, mechanization services on a pay-per-use basis, and structured crop offtake solutions. This closed-loop model connects financing with input utilization and market access, enhancing transparency, minimizing inefficiencies, and strengthening farmers’ economic resilience.

Commenting on the occasion, Harris Mahmood Chaudhary, President and Chief Executive Officer, Mobilink Bank, said, “Mobilink Bank remains committed to expanding access to finance in a way that is both practical and meaningful. Through our collaboration with HBL Zarai, we are bringing a more integrated approach to agricultural financing by linking credit with inputs, advisory, and market access. This helps ensure that financing is used effectively, improves outcomes, and supports more sustainable and resilient livelihoods.”

Amer Aziz, Chief Executive Officer of HBL Zarai Services Limited, added, “This partnership with Mobilink Bank is a significant step toward strengthening the delivery of structured agricultural financing. By combining financial access with on ground agricultural services, we are ensuring that financing translates into real productivity, improved yields, and better market outcomes for farmers.”

Through this partnership, Mobilink Bank and HBL Zarai aim to enhance coordination, streamline service delivery, and scale in-kind agricultural financing across key agricultural regions. The initiative supports national priorities for sustainable agriculture, financial inclusion, and inclusive economic growth to help Pakistan’s agriculture sector reach its full potential.

ABHI Microfinance Bank Limited has entered into a strategic agreement with EFU Life Assurance Ltd. to offer life insurance solutions to its customer base, aiming to expand access to financial protection and long-term security across Pakistan.

The collaboration establishes a framework under which EFU Life’s insurance products will be distributed through ABHI Microfinance Bank’s platform, enabling customers to access insurance coverage alongside their existing financial services. The initiative is designed to support greater financial inclusion by integrating protection solutions into everyday banking.

Through this partnership, customers will be able to benefit from a range of life insurance offerings, helping them manage financial risks and plan for the future. The agreement also outlines mechanisms for product distribution, customer onboarding, and service delivery, ensuring that insurance solutions are accessible, transparent, and aligned with regulatory requirements.

Both organizations will work closely to ensure effective implementation, including staff training, customer awareness initiatives, and ongoing operational coordination. The collaboration also emphasizes adherence to regulatory standards, data protection protocols, and responsible sales practices to safeguard customer interests.

The agreement defines ABHI Microfinance Bank’s role as a distribution partner, while EFU Life will remain responsible for underwriting, policy servicing, and claims management. This structure allows each organization to contribute its respective expertise to deliver seamless customer experience.

The agreement was signed by Umer Rauf, Head of Transaction & Employee Banking at ABHI Microfinance Bank, and Muhammad Ali Ahmed, Chief Executive Officer at EFU Life Assurance Ltd., along with senior representatives from both organizations.

Through this partnership, ABHI Microfinance Bank and EFU Life aim to strengthen access to insurance solutions and promote financial resilience among individuals and families. By combining banking access with insurance offerings, the collaboration seeks to support customers in managing both their financial needs and long-term security.

Mobilink Bank, Pakistan’s leading digital microfinance bank in collaboration with JazzCash, Pakistan’s leading digital financial services platform, has inaugurated the Chaklala Scheme-III Cashless Bazaar in Rawalpindi, covering 900 shops & carts, accelerating the push towards realizing the Prime Minister’s vision of a cashless economy led by State Bank of Pakistan. This step extends digital financial infrastructure into everyday marketplaces, making transactions simpler while empowering communities.

The inauguration ceremony was graced by Brigadier Syed Ali Anjum, Station Commander Rawalpindi, as the Chief Guest. The event was also attended by Rizwan Khaleel Shamsi, Joint Director at the State Bank of Pakistan, Atta ur Rehman, Chief Business Officer at Mobilink Bank, as well as senior leadership from JazzCash and Mobilink Bank, along with local merchants and community members.

A core component of this transformation is the deployment of Raast-enabled QR codes across the bazaar. This allows merchants to accept instant, secure payments directly from mobile wallets, significantly reducing the hassle of handling physical cash. For the customers, it offers a seamless checkout experience with real-time fund transfers, making everyday shopping faster and more secure. Mobilink Bank will open Business Plus accounts for participating retailers and offer a suite of solutions, including health and fire insurance, SME loans, and solar and EV financing.

Commenting on the initiative, President & CEO of Mobilink Bank, Haaris M. Chaudhary emphasised, “With our digital-first approach at Mobilink Bank, we believe a cashless economy must start where everyday commerce happens – in our local bazaars. This initiative will bring small merchants into a more secure, inclusive financial system. With on-ground enablement through fintech platforms like JazzCash, we are making transactions simpler and advancing digital financial inclusion at scale,”

Murtaza Ali, CEO of JazzCash, said, “The realization of the Prime Minister’s vision for a cashless economy depends on the effective digitization of high-frequency commerce. Bazaars represent the highest concentration of daily transactions in Pakistan, and JazzCash is at the center of this shift, supported by a nationwide network of over 1 million Raast-enabled QR merchants. By bringing seamless digital payments into these spaces, we are helping merchants transition into a formal, connected financial system. This evolution improves everyday lives by making financial services more accessible, reliable, and inclusive for millions of citizens.”

The Chaklala Scheme-III Cashless Bazaar serves as a scalable blueprint for how localized interventions can drive national transformation. By combining government vision with robust digital infrastructure and effective on-ground execution, JazzCash and Mobilink Bank are accelerating Pakistan’s journey toward a truly Cashless economy.

Mobilink Bank is setting a new benchmark for sustainable banking in Pakistan, rapidly advancing its ESG-led transformation to become the country’s most forward-looking, responsible, and future-ready financial institution. With more than one-third of its nationwide branch network now powered by renewable energy, the Bank is decisively leading the shift toward low-carbon, inclusive finance at scale.

During a recent visit to Mobilink Bank, Kaan Terzioglu, Chief Executive Officer and Board Member of VEON Group, reviewed the Bank’s digital-first operating model, customer-centric innovations, and sustainability initiatives. He engaged with customers and observed firsthand how Mobilink Bank is delivering secure, accessible, and future-ready financial services at scale.

Kaan Terzioglu, Chief Executive Officer of VEON, said, “Mobilink Bank’s progress in embedding sustainability into its operations is both timely and impactful. The scale at which the Bank is advancing green financing, alongside expanding digital financial access, highlights its commitment to responsible growth. This is a strong example of how financial institutions can support initiatives that are both good for the environment and drive both economic growth in emerging markets.”

Commenting on the Bank’s direction, Haaris Mahmood Chaudhary, President and CEO Mobilink Bank, said: “Sustainability is not a parallel agenda for Mobilink Bank; rather, it is the engine of our growth. We are building Pakistan’s leading bank for small businesses through a model that is digital-first, ESG-driven, and built for long-term impact. From green financing to renewable-powered operations, we are embedding responsibility into every layer of our business.”

Mobilink Bank’s ESG-led strategy spans green financing, responsible operations, and inclusive growth. The Bank has deployed PKR 2.9 billion in green financing to accelerate the adoption of clean energy and green mobility solutions, including solar systems and e-bike financing for underserved segments. At the same time, its transition to renewable energy across 35% of its branch network underscores a decisive shift toward low-carbon operations.

To further institutionalize its sustainability agenda, the Bank is building a data-driven decarbonization framework through an automated ESG platform, with baseline emissions measured at 4,489 metric tons of CO₂, laying the foundation for transparent tracking and long-term reduction targets.

Beyond environmental impact, Mobilink Bank continues to lead on social inclusion. The Bank has enabled over 31,000 women through targeted financial inclusion programs in 2025 and is supporting a PKR 50.30 billion gross loan portfolio to expand equitable access to finance for small businesses. Its commitment to community development is reflected in initiatives such as the solarization of a Digital Arts Lab at Khatoon-e-Pakistan Government Girls School, in partnership with Zindagi Trust, benefiting 310 students, and a clean water initiative improving access for over 1,000 students.

As sustainability becomes a defining pillar of modern banking, Mobilink Bank’s integrated ESG approach positions it as a catalyst for systemic change, driving economic empowerment, environmental responsibility, and digital innovation to build a more inclusive and future-ready Pakistan.

Islamabad – March 03, 2026: Pakistan’s leading digital microfinance bank, Mobilink Bank, has entered into a five-year partnership with Sindh Enterprise Development Fund (SEDF), Government of Sindh, to expand access to structured financing for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across priority economic sectors in the province. The collaboration will unlock up to PKR 1 billion in financing by combining Mobilink Bank’s lending capabilities with SEDF’s markup subsidy support to reduce the cost of capital for entrepreneurs and stimulate sustainable economic activity province-wide.

The collaboration strengthens financing ecosystems for underserved and high-impact sectors, including agri value chains, livestock and dairy, poultry, fisheries, cold storage and logistics, renewable and alternative energy solutions, women-led enterprises, mining and mineral processing, and innovation-driven IT projects. Under the partnership, Mobilink Bank will extend short, medium, and long-term MSME financing, while SEDF will provide markup subsidy support of up to one-year KIBOR or 10 percent – whichever is lower – for an initial three-year period, extendable based on performance. Individual projects will be eligible for financing of up to PKR 5 million, with flexibility for expansion in innovative cases.

Commenting on the partnership, Haaris Mahmood Chaudhary, President & CEO, Mobilink Bank, said, “Small businesses are the backbone of Pakistan’s real economy. They drive employment, power local communities, and sustain regional value chains, yet many entrepreneurs continue to face structural barriers in accessing affordable finance. Through our partnership with SEDF, we are aligning financial innovation with policy support to expand access where it is needed most. We want to channel affordable capital directly to local entrepreneurs, enable bottom-up economic growth, and unlock sustainable livelihoods across the province. This collaboration is about strengthening small businesses today to build a more resilient and inclusive economy for tomorrow.”

Zubair Ahmed Channa, Secretary, Investment Department, Government of Sindh, underscored the Government’s commitment to strengthening institutional financing ecosystems that support productive sectors across the province. He stated that structured collaborations such as this agreement reinforce policy alignment between the public and private sectors while creating scalable financial pathways for SMEs operating in Sindh’s value-added industries.

The partnership reflects Mobilink Bank’s commitment to combine public policy support with private sector efficiency to drive inclusive growth, sustainability, and entrepreneurship in Pakistan’s emerging economic regions. The collaboration will enable MSMEs, particularly those in rural areas and women-led businesses, to invest in productivity, adopt green technologies, and scale their operations at lower borrowing costs and improved access to formal credit.

The Mobilink Bank-SEDF partnership will integrate concessional support with commercial financing to spur long-term economic resilience in Sindh, a viable model that can be well replicated in other provinces.

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.

Pakistan’s leading digital microfinance bank, Mobilink Bank has announced its financial results for the year ended December 31, 2025. The bank delivered strong growth across key financial and operational indicators while reinforcing its leadership position in Pakistan’s microfinance banking sector.

Mobilink Bank delivered a strong financial turnaround in 2025, with Profit Before Tax reaching PKR 3.62 billion, reflecting a 217% YoY growth, while total revenue rose 33% to PKR 89.5 billion. Deposits grew 38% to PKR 214 billion, the highest in the microfinance industry, highlighting strong customer confidence. The Gross Loan Portfolio expanded to PKR 103 billion, up 38%. The Bank also maintained a healthy Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) of 19.53% at the year end, underscoring its solid capital position and prudent risk management.

In line with its sustainability priorities, the Bank recorded a 55.5% YoY incremental increase in green financing, supporting individuals, households and small businesses in adopting sustainable products/resources. It also continued to advance financial inclusion, with women representing 24.6% of the loan portfolio base, supported through targeted loan offerings and greater digital access.

A major highlight of 2025 was the launch of Islamic Banking, which marked a strategic milestone in the Bank’s evolution to be able to cater to diverse social segments. By introducing Shariah-compliant financial solutions, Mobilink Bank broadened access to faith-aligned banking products while reinforcing its position as a responsible and forward-looking microfinance institution.

The Bank’s performance reflects its firm commitment to responsible lending, ensuring that all credit decisions are grounded in prudent affordability assessments, transparent pricing, fair collection practices, and full compliance with applicable SBP regulations. It continues to strengthen internal controls to prevent customer over-indebtedness and support sustainable financial inclusion. The Bank’s growth trajectory has been further strengthened by continued shareholder confidence, reinforcing its capital position and supporting its long-term expansion and digital transformation strategy.

Commenting on the financials, Haaris Mahmood Chaudhary, President & CEO Mobilink Bank said, “Behind these numbers is a deeper purpose of expanding access to finance for the underserved. As the country’s largest microfinance bank, we are grateful to our customers, regulators, shareholders, and teams whose trust and dedication continue to drive our progress. Our growth reflects the confidence of millions who rely on us to support their livelihoods. We remain focused on empowering small businesses and entrepreneurs through responsible, faith-aligned digital banking that creates lasting opportunity and inclusion across Pakistan.”

Commenting on the financials, Adil Ali Abbasi, Chief Financial Officer Mobilink Bank said, “Our 2025 performance reflects a strong focus on financial discipline, improved asset quality, and efficient balance sheet management. The growth in profitability, deposits, and portfolio scale highlights the strength of our core business and our ability to build momentum while maintaining prudent risk and capital positions. As we move forward, we will continue to strengthen our financial foundations, drive operational efficiency, and support the Bank’s long-term growth through sustained investment in digital transformation and innovation.”

Moving into 2026, Mobilink Bank remains committed to becoming the number one bank for small businesses powered by digital Islamic Banking solutions.

Islamabad: In a significant step toward strengthening small business financing in Pakistan, ABHI Microfinance Bank has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with DigiKhata, a leading digital ledger platform used by small and medium enterprises (SMEs), to enable structured financing solutions for businesses operating on DigiKhata’s platform.

The partnership is designed to connect digitally active SMEs with formal financial services, allowing eligible merchants and businesses on DigiKhata to access financing through ABHI Microfinance Bank. By combining DigiKhata’s digital business ecosystem with ABHI’s regulated banking infrastructure, the collaboration aims to help SMEs unlock working capital and accelerate business growth.

DigiKhata’s platform, widely used by small retailers and traders to manage sales, credit, and inventory records, generates digital transaction trails that can support more informed credit assessment. Through this integration, ABHI Microfinance Bank will be able to extend financing solutions to SMEs based on structured evaluation processes, bringing more businesses into the formal credit landscape.

Industry experts note that access to timely working capital remains one of the biggest barriers to SME growth in Pakistan. By embedding financial services within digital platforms already used by businesses, such partnerships are helping bridge the gap between informal trade and formal banking channels.

The initiative is expected to support business expansion, inventory management, and cash flow stability for small merchants, enabling them to scale operations with greater financial confidence. The move also aligns with broader efforts to promote financial inclusion by bringing underserved business segments into the documented economy.

The MoU was formally signed by Mariam Pervaiz, Chief Communications Officer, ABHI Microfinance Bank, and Adnan Aslam, Chief Executive Officer, DigiKhata. Also present at the ceremony was Kabeer Naqvi, Entrepreneur in Residence at ABHI Financials, along with representatives from both organisations.

Mariam Pervaiz, CCO, ABHI Microfinance Bank, said the collaboration reflects the Bank’s focus on empowering small businesses through technology-driven finance. She said, “SMEs are the backbone of Pakistan’s economy, yet many remain outside the formal financial system. By partnering with DigiKhata, we are meeting businesses where they already operate digitally and enabling access to responsible financing that can help them grow, stabilise cash flows, and scale sustainably.”

Adnan Aslam, CEO, DigiKhata, highlighted the importance of linking digital record-keeping with access to capital. Aslam said, “Small businesses today are generating valuable financial data through digital tools, but access to formal credit has often remained out of reach. This partnership with ABHI Microfinance Bank creates a pathway for merchants on DigiKhata to turn their digital activity into financial opportunity, supporting the next phase of their growth.”

The partnership signals a broader shift in Pakistan’s financial landscape, where digital platforms and banks are increasingly working together to build inclusive financial ecosystems that support entrepreneurship, economic resilience, and business formalization.

United Bank Limited (UBL) has successfully completed a large-scale core banking data migration with AUTON8 in six months, transitioning data from Ex-Silkbank’s Temenos T24 core banking system to UBL’s Symbols platform.

The program encompassed customer accounts records across 105 branches and was executed with zero critical data loss within six months, ensuring complete accuracy, reconciliation, and uninterrupted operational continuity.

The initiative addressed significant technical challenges, including high-volume data processing within restricted banking windows, complex mapping across account structures, branch codes, customer identifiers, and GL/symbol hierarchies, as well as the remediation of legacy data quality issues. To accelerate repeatable conversion cycles and reduce cutover risk, AUTON8 utilised MORPH to configure governed transformation logic between source and target structures, enabling the rapid refinement of mapping rules across dry runs with consistent outcomes carried into the final migration.

Sohail Aziz, Chief Information and Digital Officer at UBL, said: “Executing a migration of this scale required precision, strong governance, and absolute confidence in data integrity. The program was delivered through disciplined planning, multiple validation cycles, and minimal operational disruption. This successful outcome strengthens our core banking foundation and supports UBL’s long-term objectives around stability, scalability, and digital modernization.”

Farasat Ali Naqvi, EVP Core Banking at UBL, added: “The successful completion of this migration within 6 months represents a significant milestone for UBL. AUTON8 MORPH proved to be a game-changer for us — with its no-code, governed and traceable transformation approach made it possible to deliver this outcome at speed. AUTON8’s structured execution ensured data integrity, minimized operational risk and enabled a smooth post-migration transition.”

 Ali Raza, Chief Operating Officer at AUTON8, said:  “This project reflects AUTON8’s strength in delivering mission-critical banking transformations under tight timelines. Migrating customer records across 105 branches between two entirely different core banking systems, while ensuring zero critical data loss, demonstrates our automation-led execution and deep banking domain expertise. AUTON8 MORPH—our no-code transformation platform—enabled governed, fully traceable mapping and conversion at scale, which is how we delivered within such a compressed timeframe.”

The successful delivery of this project reinforces AUTON8’s position as a trusted transformation partner for large-scale banking data migrations, enabling financial institutions to modernize core platforms while safeguarding accuracy, resilience, and customer continuity.

It is pertinent to mention here the merger of the United Bank Limited and Silk Bank took place last year under the supervision of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).

ABHI Microfinance Bank Limited (“ABHI Bank”) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Pathfinder Group to establish a strategic collaboration centered on agent interoperability, enabling wider access to formal financial services for underserved and frontline segments across Pakistan.

The partnership places Agent Interoperability at the core of the arrangement, allowing ABHI Bank to integrate with VRG’s interoperable agent platform. Through this collaboration, ABHI Bank customers will be able to access permissible banking and financial services via VRG’s agent interoperable network, in line with State Bank of Pakistan regulations extending banking reach beyond branches and smartphones.

ABHI has evolved from a fintech platform into a licensed microfinance bank with a clear focus: making finance accessible at the point where people live and work. This partnership reflects that direction, building shared infrastructure that allows financial services to travel through trusted agent networks and reach workers who remain outside traditional digital channels.

Alongside agent interoperability, ABHI Bank will provide its Earned Wage Access (EWA) services to eligible employees across Pathfinder Group and its portfolio of operating companies spanning security services, facilities management, manpower, and allied businesses. The service will allow employees to access a portion of their earned wages before payday, helping them manage routine expenses without financial stress.

ABHI Bank will also support Pathfinder Group through digital salary processing and bulk salary disbursement services, improving efficiency, transparency, and timeliness of salary payments for operational and frontline staff.

To further strengthen inclusion, the collaboration will leverage interoperable USSD rails, enabling ABHI’s EWA and salary customers, particularly feature-phone users to access basic financial services such as balance inquiries, transaction confirmations, and earned wage access, subject to regulatory and technical approvals.

Speaking on the partnership, Mariam Pervaiz, (CCO) ABHI Microfinance Bank, said: “Agent interoperability is a critical building block for financial inclusion in Pakistan. This collaboration allows us to extend banking access through shared infrastructure, while also delivering earned wage access and salary services to workers who need flexibility, not complexity.”

Muhammad Salman Ali, (CEO) Virtual Remittance Gateway, added: “Our agent Interoperability platform is built on modular, cloud-native middleware technology architecture, providing end-to-end secure transaction processing. Partnering with ABHI Bank enables us to combine Interoperable USSD with Agent Interoperable Network with practical financial solutions and services for our workforce and the wider ecosystem.”

Also present at the ceremony were Chairman Pathfinder Group Mr. Ikram Saigol and Entrepreneur in Residence Abhi Mr. Kabeer Naqvi alongside their teams.