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.”

Islamabad, May 15, 2025: Pakistan’s largest digital microfinance institution, Mobilink Bank and Fatima Fertilizer, a leading player in Pakistan’s agricultural sector, have entered into a strategic partnership to digitally empower Pakistan’s underserved farming communities through enhanced access to finance and financial technology. The collaboration aims to uplift the country’s agri-community by digitizing the agricultural supply chain and providing targeted financial solutions through the integration of Mobilink Bank’s ‘Dost App’ and Fatima Fertilizer’s ‘Sarsabz Pakistan’ platform.

This partnership brings together two leaders in their respective sectors, with a shared commitment to transforming rural livelihoods. The alliance will unlock new opportunities for the farming community, and agri-based small and medium enterprises (SMEs) by combining Mobilink Bank’s inclusive financial products with Fatima Fertilizer’s strong grassroots presence in order to drive social mobility.

As part of this collaboration, farmers will be able to access a wide range of Mobilink Bank’s financial products and services, including agri tubewell financing, input lending, passbook financing, as well as digital banking through the seamless integration of the Dost App with the Sarsabz Pakistan platform.

In addition, the partnership will also focus on equipping farmers with essential financial literacy skills to help them make informed financial decisions. These offerings will be delivered not only through digital channels but also via on-ground engagements, including joint farmer community gatherings with Mobilink bank and Fatima Fertilizer designed to raise awareness, generate leads, and encourage the adoption of financial tools.

“Agriculture is the backbone of Pakistan’s economy, and its progress is vital to our national prosperity,” said Haaris Mahmood Chaudhary, President and CEO of Mobilink Bank. “This strategic integration of our Dost App with the Sarsabz Pakistan App by Fatima Fertilizer is a leap toward building a future-ready, digitally inclusive agri-ecosystem. By simplifying access to finance for agri-inputs, we’re not just digitizing lending; we’re empowering farmers, strengthening rural economies, and paving the way for sustainable growth.”

Also sharing his thoughts, Asad Murad, Chief Operating Officer, Fatima Fertilizer Company Limited, added, “At Fatima Fertilizer, we are deeply committed to enhancing the lives of farmers through innovation, accessibility, and collaboration. Our partnership with Mobilink Bank reflects a shared vision to drive financial inclusion and strengthen the agricultural ecosystem. By integrating digital finance with our Sarsabz Pakistan platform, we are not only bridging critical gaps in agri-input financing but also enabling long-term socio-economic growth in rural communities.”

Mobilink Bank and Fatima Fertilizer’s joint efforts will extend beyond service delivery, contributing to broader financial inclusion goals through farmer education, digital access, and rural entrepreneurship development. The collaboration will not only empower the farmer community in the agri sector but also contribute to the Pakistan’s agri economy.

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