KARACHI: Samar Hasnain, Executive Director of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), underscored the transformative potential of Islamic economics and finance as a comprehensive framework for ethical, sustainable, and socially responsible economic development. He was speaking at the 13th Islamic Banking & Finance Conference, organized by The Professionals Network, with the theme “From Practice to […]
Bank Alfalah Withdraws 5% Monthly Fee on High-Value Accounts
In a significant development, Bank Alfalah Limited (BAFL) has decided to unilaterally withdraw its 5 percent monthly fee on month-end balances exceeding Rs. 5 billion, effective immediately. The decision comes following customer feedback and recent reviews of its fee structure. Previously, BAFL had amended its Schedule of Charges on November 12, 2024, to introduce this […]
SBP Sets Minimum Profit Benchmark for Islamic Bank Savings Accounts
Karachi: The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has introduced a new directive requiring Islamic Banking Institutions (IBIs) to offer a minimum profit rate on PKR saving deposits, effective January 1, 2025. This regulation, designed to ensure fair returns for depositors, mandates IBIs to pay at least 75% of the weighted average gross yield of all […]
SBP Revises Guidelines for Appointment of Shariah Scholars in Islamic Banking
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has updated the terms and conditions for appointing Shariah scholars in Islamic banks and Islamic banking divisions. This revision aligns with the expanding Islamic banking sector and aims to facilitate the transformation of the conventional banking system into an Islamic banking model by 2028. Key Highlights of the Revised […]
SBP Seals NBP Branch Due to Presence of Fake Currency Notes
Hafizabad, Pakistan – The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has sealed the Hafizabad branch of the National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) after uncovering counterfeit currency notes worth Rs. 2 million. The discovery has prompted immediate action, highlighting critical gaps in banking oversight. In addition to the branch closure, the SBP has imposed a substantial fine […]
Smog Crisis: BoP Ensures Safety for Employees and Customers
Lahore: In a groundbreaking initiative to combat the harmful effects of smog, the Bank of Punjab (BoP) has announced the installation of air purifiers across its branches in 18 smog-affected districts of Punjab. This proactive measure aims to ensure a healthier and safer environment for employees and customers alike, as part of the Government of […]
Transforming Pakistan Financial Ecosystem: PBA, Finance Ministry, and SBP Discuss Actionable Steps
The Pakistan Banks’ Association (PBA), under the leadership of its Chairman Zafar Masud, has announced a series of strategic projects aimed at fostering a more inclusive and sustainable financial ecosystem in Pakistan. These initiatives were presented during a high-level meeting convened by Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, and attended by Jameel […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]