Karachi – Egyptian fintech Halan Microfinance Bank has officially entered the Pakistani market by acquiring Advance Microfinance Bank. The company aims to invest $10 million while building a $500 million loan portfolio over the next five years.
Halan is set to launch a digital banking app this year and plans to expand its physical presence with 100 new branches. The fintech firm is also awaiting a national banking license, which will enable it to scale operations further.
The bank will offer a range of financial services, including microfinance, SME lending, and digital financial solutions. A key focus will be on empowering women entrepreneurs, supporting agriculture, and facilitating vehicle financing.
Pakistan’s microfinance sector has seen substantial growth, with active borrowers reaching 10.78 million. The gross loan portfolio has increased significantly from Rs275 billion in 2018 to Rs565.8 billion in 2024. Halan aims to play a crucial role in expanding financial access for small businesses and individuals across the country.
Currently, Halan serves 50,000 customers in Pakistan and plans to double this number in the near future. On a global scale, the company has disbursed $11 billion across Turkey, Egypt, the UAE, and now Pakistan.
Additionally, Halan is developing Shariah-compliant financial products and partnering with local firms to offer embedded financing solutions such as advance salaries and installment payments. The acquisition of Advance Microfinance Bank has provided Halan with a swift market entry through an existing license, positioning it for rapid expansion and innovation in Pakistan’s financial landscape.