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.

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.”