Karachi, Pakistan — Telenor Microfinance Bank (TMB), the operator of Pakistan’s leading digital financial services platform, easypaisa, has received an equity investment of $10 million from its shareholders, Telenor Group and Ant Group. The investment comes as easypaisa gears up to launch its digital retail banking operations, subject to regulatory approvals, marking a major milestone […]
Saudi-based Merak Capital launches Exel By Merak worth SAR 306 million to empower Gaming Startups as Global Leaders
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – Merak Capital, a prominent technology-focused investment firm, has unveiled its SAR 306 million gaming fund and accelerator, Exel by Merak, to drive the growth of gaming startups and position Saudi Arabia as a global hub for gaming innovation. The launch event, held on November 17, 2024, at the VOV Gaming Centre in Riyadh, […]
HBL and The Bank of Punjab Introduce Monthly Fees on High-Value Accounts
In a notable development, Habib Bank Limited (HBL) and The Bank of Punjab (BoP) have announced new monthly charges on high-value accounts, effective December 20, 2024. The revisions are part of the updated Schedule of Charges for July-December 2024. HBL’s New Fee Structure HBL has introduced a 6 percent monthly fee on checking accounts with […]
Saudi-based Bubbl App Raises $350,000 in Pre-Seed Funding
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – Bubbl, the fast-growing social networking platform, has secured $350,000 in a Pre-Seed funding round led by prominent angel investor Abdullah Al-Dosari. The app, founded by Aya Al-Hammoud and launched in March 2024, has quickly become a sensation, amassing over 60,000 daily active users within months of its debut. Rising Through the Ranks […]
SBP Suspends Authorization of Islamabad Exchange Company
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has suspended the authorization of Islamabad Exchange Company (Pvt.) Limited with immediate effect due to violations of SBP’s rules and regulations. In a statement issued by the central bank, it was confirmed that the company, including its head office and all authorized branches, has been barred from conducting any […]
Saudi Banks Credit Card Loans Surge 14% reach a record high of $8.07 Billion in Q3 2024
Riyadh — Credit card loans by Saudi banks hit a record high of SR30.27 billion ($8.07 billion) in the third quarter of 2024, marking a significant 14.24 percent increase compared to the same period last year, according to data released by the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA). The surge in credit card borrowing reflects evolving consumer preferences driven […]
NBP Launches Co-Badged NBP PayPak Mastercard Debit Card Project
Karachi, Pakistan — National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) has taken a pioneering step as the first conventional bank to introduce a co-badged debit card, blending the features and benefits of both PayPak and Mastercard networks. The official signing ceremony for the NBP PayPak Mastercard Debit Card Project was held recently, presided over by Mr. Rehmat […]
Bank Alfalah Secures Central Bank Approval for Potential Sale of Bangladesh Operations to Hatton National Bank
Islamabad: November 15, 2024 Bank Alfalah Limited (BAFL) has received in-principle approval from the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and the Bangladesh Bank to allow Hatton National Bank PLC (HNB) of Sri Lanka to conduct due diligence on its operations in Bangladesh. This update was announced by BAFL in a notice to the Pakistan Stock […]
UAE-based Popcorn AI secures $500,000 pre-seed funding to Transform Conversational Commerce in the Middle East
Dubai, UAE – Popcorn AI, a leading innovator in conversational commerce, has raised $500,000 in a pre-seed funding round led by Spring Studios fund, with backing from Salica Investments, Al Waha Fund of Funds, and prominent angel investors from Saudi Arabia. This funding round marks a pivotal milestone in Popcorn AI’s journey to reshape how businesses connect, engage, and […]
Bank Alfalah Withdraws Offer to Buy Majority Stake in Samba Bank
In a recent development, Bank Alfalah Limited (BAFL), one of Pakistan’s leading commercial banks, has officially withdrawn its public announcement of intention (PAI) to acquire a majority stake in Samba Bank Limited. The decision follows the Saudi National Bank’s (SNB) termination of its plans to divest its approximately 84.51% stake in Samba Pakistan. BAFL had […]