SBP Governor Affirms Commitment to Further Increase Financial Inclusion

SBP Governor Affirms Commitment to Further Increase Financial Inclusion

KARACHI, Pakistan: State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Governor Jameel Ahmad has reiterated the central bank’s unwavering commitment to advancing financial inclusion through robust collaboration with global and domestic stakeholders.

The governor made these remarks during a bilateral meeting with Dr. Alfred Hannig, Chief Executive Officer of the Alliance for Financial Inclusion (AFI), held during Dr. Hannig’s visit to Pakistan.

Governor Ahmad highlighted the SBP’s recently launched third edition of the National Financial Inclusion Strategy (NFIS) 2024-28, emphasizing the central bank’s efforts to enhance financial inclusion through digitalization and address the gender gap in finance.

Dr. Hannig commended the SBP’s leadership in promoting financial inclusion and discussed potential areas for mutual collaboration to address barriers to inclusion. The SBP, a founding member of AFI since 2008, serves on AFI’s Board, as Vice-Chair of its Gender Inclusive Finance Committee, and as part of the South Asia Regional Financial Inclusion Initiative (SARFII).

Key Focus Areas and Collaboration
Governor Ahmad acknowledged AFI’s longstanding support, which has facilitated peer learning exchanges and capacity-building opportunities for SBP officers in developing evidence-based financial inclusion policies.

Dr. Hannig emphasized the importance of enhancing regulatory capacity in South Asia to achieve impactful financial inclusion policies. He stressed balancing these efforts with robust cybersecurity measures and consumer protection frameworks.

The discussions explored strengthening collaboration in digital payments, financial literacy, sustainable finance, and MSME financing. Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to improving the financial well-being of unbanked and underbanked populations.

Stakeholder Discussions
The SBP also organized a high-level discussion featuring Dr. Hannig, industry leaders, and financial inclusion stakeholders, including Presidents and CEOs of banks, representatives from the Pakistan Bankers Association, Pakistan Microfinance Network, Fintech Association, and SBP senior management.

During the session, the NFIS 2024-28 and SBP’s financial inclusion goals for the next four years were presented. An interactive discussion followed, where industry participants shared grassroots insights and challenges, while AFI provided perspectives based on global best practices.

The forum resolved to enhance collaboration among domestic stakeholders and international organizations for improved knowledge sharing and innovative strategies to broaden access to financial services.

This meeting underscores SBP’s ongoing efforts to advance financial inclusion and solidify Pakistan’s position as a leader in financial inclusion initiatives within the South Asia region.

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