Top 25 Fintech Influencers of Pakistan 2025

The Top 25 Fintech Influencers of Pakistan 2025 are at the forefront of the country’s financial transformation, leading some of the most prominent fintech companies, banks, and financial institutions. Their influence spans across key sectors, including banking, digital payments, investments, venture capital, and microfinance and beyond. These visionary leaders are driving innovation, fostering financial inclusion, and shaping the future of fintech in Pakistan. From industry pioneers to disruptive entrepreneurs, this list celebrates the individuals making a lasting impact on the financial landscape.

Nadeem Hussain

Founder, Planet N Group

Nadeem Hussain is a leading force in financial inclusion and social impact entrepreneurship in Asia. As the founder of Tameer Microfinance Bank, he pioneered easypaisa, one of the world’s largest branchless banking solutions, processing over 5% of Pakistan’s GDP in 2017. Following Tameer’s acquisition by Telenor, he launched Planet N Group, an investment firm driving innovation in fintech, AI, e-health, and e-commerce across Pakistan, Egypt, the UAE, and the UK. With a 27-year career at Citigroup spanning multiple countries, Hussain now leading Planet N Group and serves on the State Bank of Pakistan’s Board and the National Financial Inclusion Program’s Steering Committee, shaping the future of Pakistan’s digital economy.

Dr. Muhammad Amjad Saqib

Founder, Akhuwat Foundation

Dr. Muhammad Amjad Saqib – A visionary social entrepreneur and philanthropist, Dr. Muhammad Amjad Saqib is the founder of Akhuwat Foundation, the world’s largest interest-free microfinance institution. A graduate of King Edward Medical College and a Humphrey Fellow from American University, he transitioned from Pakistan’s Civil Service to dedicate his life to financial inclusion and poverty alleviation. Since 2001, Akhuwat has disbursed over PKR 239 billion in interest-free loans, empowering millions across Pakistan. Beyond microfinance, his initiatives include Pakistan’s first fee-free university and various welfare programs. Recognized for his impact, Dr. Saqib has been honored with the Ramon Magsaysay Award, Sitara-e-Imtiaz, and Hilal-e-Imtiaz, solidifying his position as a leading force in Pakistan’s fintech and social finance ecosystem.

Aamir Hafeez Ibrahim

CEO, Jazz & Chairman, Mobilink Microfinance Bank

Aamir Hafeez Ibrahim has been leading Jazz, Pakistan’s top digital operator, since 2016 and serves as the Non-Executive Chairman of Mobilink Microfinance Bank. With over 30 years of global experience in telecommunications, digital finance, and automotive industries, he has played a pivotal role in driving Pakistan’s digital transformation. Under his leadership, Jazz has maintained its position as the country’s largest 4G operator, serving over 71 million subscribers. Aamir’s expertise spans senior roles at Ford, Jaguar & Land Rover, and Telenor Group. He holds a degree in Accounting from the University of Texas at Austin, an MBA from IMD, Switzerland, and has completed the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School. In 2025, he joined VEON’s Group Executive Committee, contributing to the group’s digital growth strategies across multiple markets.

Roshaneh Zafar

Founder and MD, Kashf Foundation

A Wharton and Yale alum, Roshaneh Zafar is a trailblazer in Pakistan’s microfinance sector. As the founder of Kashf Foundation, the country’s first specialized microfinance institution, she has dedicated over 30 years to empowering women through financial inclusion. Beginning her career at the World Bank, she has since advised the UN and the World Economic Forum on gender equity and financial access. Under her leadership, Kashf has disbursed billions in loans, impacting 7.7 million women. Recognized by Forbes in 2016 as a “Woman Changing the World,” Roshaneh continues to drive transformative change in Pakistan’s fintech landscape.

Faisal Aftab

Founder and CEO, Zayn VC

Faisal Aftab, Founder and CEO of Zayn VC, is a leading force in Pakistan’s fintech and startup ecosystem. As the first Shark on Shark Tank Pakistan and a seasoned venture capitalist with over 25 years of experience, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the country’s tech landscape. Faisal has built two leading VC firms, fueling innovation and attracting global investors. His portfolio includes game-changing startups like NanaPay, Bazaar Technologies, and AdalFi, collectively securing over $500 million in funding. His strategic vision and investment acumen continue to drive fintech growth in Pakistan.

Yasir Ashfaq

CEO, Pakistan Microfinance Investment Company (PMIC)

Yasir Ashfaq is the CEO of PMIC and a key figure in Pakistan’s microfinance sector. With over 25 years of experience in financial services, he has played a pivotal role in advancing financial inclusion. Before joining PMIC in 2017, he led the Financial Services Group at the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF), driving institutional capacity building in microfinance. His career spans senior roles in corporate finance, treasury, and risk management. A Fellow of the Institute of Cost & Management Accountants of Pakistan, he also holds a Master’s in Economics from the University of Sydney.

Zafar Masud

President & CEO, The Bank of Punjab

Zafar Masud, President & CEO of The Bank of Punjab since 2020, is a distinguished banker with over three decades of experience in international banking, development finance, and corporate governance. He has held leadership roles at prestigious institutions such as American Express, Citibank, Dubai Islamic Bank, and Barclays. In 2024, he was elected Chairman of the Pakistan Banks’ Association. A survivor of the PIA Flight 8303 crash, Masud continues to champion financial inclusion, innovation, and institutional transformation in Pakistan’s banking sector. Recently, he authored Seat 1C: A Survivor’s Tale of Hope, Resilience, and Renewal, sharing his inspiring journey of perseverance and leadership.

Monis Rahman

Founder, Rozee.pk and Co-Founder & CEO, Dukan.pk

Monis Rahman is a visionary entrepreneur who has significantly shaped Pakistan’s digital and financial landscape. He revolutionized the job market by transitioning employment listings from traditional newspapers to the online platform Rozee, now the nation’s leading job portal. In collaboration with FINCA Microfinance Bank, Rahman co-founded SimSim, Pakistan’s first telco-agnostic mobile wallet, pioneering retail QR code transactions and introducing digital payroll and SME loans by leveraging alternative data from distributors. Currently, as the driving force behind Dukan, a digital banking platform for undocumented retail merchants, he empowers small businesses by utilizing transactional data to credit-score them, facilitating access to credit. He is a pioneer in digital supply chain finance for SMEs, further solidifying Rahman’s status as a leading fintech influencer in Pakistan.

Naghma Rashid

Founder, Damen Support Programme (DSP)

With over 40 years of experience in education and development, Ms. Naghma Rashid has dedicated her career to empowering marginalized communities and improving the financial inclusion in Pakistan. She served as CEO of DAMEN & Damen Support Programme for 32 years, spearheading initiatives that uplifted underprivileged individuals, particularly women, across eighteen districts of Punjab.

Rabeel Warraich

Founder & CEO, Sarmayacar

Rabeel Warraich is the Founder and CEO of Sarmayacar, Pakistan’s pioneering early-stage VC fund. With a background in investment banking at Morgan Stanley and private equity at GIC, where he deployed over $3 billion with a 22% IRR, Rabeel identified the immense potential in Pakistan’s startup ecosystem. In 2016, he began investing personally before launching Sarmayacar, which raised a $25 million fund in 2019 with backing from IFC and other institutional investors. A graduate of MIT in Economics and Management Science, he continues to play a key role in shaping Pakistan’s fintech and startup landscape.

Kabeer Naqvi

Technical & Financial Consultant | Banking & Financial Services Expert

Kabeer Naqvi is a seasoned financial professional with extensive expertise in banking, fintech, and microfinance. As a technical and financial consultant, he advises financial institutions, startups, and emerging markets on strategy, operations, and digital transformation. He played a key role as the lead advisor in the recent acquisition of FINCA Microfinance Bank, a defining milestone for the industry. Kabeer was the Chairman of the Pakistan Microfinance Network (PMN), a consortium of over 40 institutions, including Microfinance Banks (MFBs) and Microfinance Institutions (MFIs), dedicated to advancing the microfinance sector in Pakistan.

Kalsoom Lakhani

Co-Founder & General Partner, i2i Ventures

Kalsoom Lakhani is a trailblazer in Pakistan’s venture capital landscape, co-founding i2i Ventures, the country’s first female-founded VC fund, in 2019. She also established Invest2Innovate (i2i) in 2011 to support startups in emerging markets. Through i2i Ventures, she has backed some of Pakistan’s most promising fintech and tech startups, including Abhi, Oraan, Truck It In, EZBike, DealCart, Safepay, and CreditBook. A recognized leader in the startup ecosystem, Kalsoom holds degrees from the University of Virginia and Johns Hopkins SAIS and serves as a nonresident Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council.

M. Mudassar Aqil

Group Executive for BankTech at MTN

M. Mudassar Aqil is the Group Executive for BankTech at MTN Fintech, overseeing digital financial services across 16 markets with over 69 million users. With 25 years of experience in banking and fintech, he has led successful turnarounds of banks and payment platforms. Previously, as CEO of Telenor Microfinance Bank and easypaisa, he tripled the platform’s user base to 12.5 million, making it Pakistan’s largest financial app. He holds an MBA from Salisbury University, USA, and is an alumnus of Harvard Business School’s Advanced Management Program.

Atif Aslam Bajwa

President & CEO at Bank Alfalah

Atif Aslam Bajwa, President & CEO of Bank Alfalah, is a seasoned banker with over 40 years of international experience in leadership roles across Citibank, ABN AMRO, MCB Bank, and Soneri Bank. He has served as Regional Head for Citigroup in Central and Eastern Europe and led consumer banking for ABN AMRO in Asia Pacific. Beyond banking, he has been Chairman of the Pakistan Business Council (PBC) and President of the Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI). A Columbia University alumnus, he has also held directorships in various public and private sector organizations.

Arif Lakhani

Co-Founder, Qist Bazaar

With over 25 years of experience in finance, technology, and venture capital, Arif Lakhani is a key player in Pakistan’s fintech landscape. As the co-founder of Qist Bazaar, a leading Shariah-compliant Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) platform, he has enabled financial access for underserved Pakistanis, facilitating over $12 million in product-based loans. His contributions to Pakistan’s banking digitization through ELECTRO and his role in founding a global IT recycling firm highlight his entrepreneurial impact. In addition, as a General Partner at California-based K3 Diversity Ventures, he actively invests in innovation and financial inclusion.

Atyab Tahir

Co-Founder & founding CEO, HugoBank

Atyab Tahir is a leading figure in Pakistan’s fintech space, currently serving as the Co-Founder and CEO of HugoBank, a digital banking startup focused on financial inclusion. With over 20 years of experience in banking and fintech across Pakistan, the Middle East, and New York, he has played a pivotal role in driving digital transformation. Prior to HugoBank, Atyab led JazzCash, served as Country Head for Mastercard, and held senior roles at Tameer Bank (now Telenor Microfinance Bank) and HBL. An alumnus of Babson College, he continues to shape the fintech landscape through strategic partnerships and innovation.

Muhammad Murtaza Ali

President, JazzCash

Muhammad Murtaza Ali is the President of JazzCash, Pakistan’s largest fintech platform, serving over 44 million customers. With over 25 years of experience in financial services and telecommunications, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the country’s digital finance landscape. Before leading JazzCash, he served as CFO of Telenor Microfinance Bank, where he was instrumental in its merger with ANT Financials. A Chartered Accountant with executive education from top global institutions, Murtaza excels in mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, and business strategy. In recognition of his contributions to fintech, he was inducted into the Forbes Finance Council in August 2024.

Jahanzeb Khan

President & CEO, Easypaisa Digital Bank

Jahanzeb Khan is a seasoned banking leader with over 25 years of experience across North America and Asia, specializing in digital banking, payments, and fintech. As President & CEO of easypaisa Digital Bank since July 2024, he has led its transformation into Pakistan’s first fully licensed digital bank, securing commercial approval in January 2025. Before this, he spent two decades at JP Morgan Chase & Co. and held key leadership roles at FINCA Microfinance Bank and Telenor Microfinance Bank. His strategic vision continues to drive innovation and financial inclusion in Pakistan’s fintech ecosystem.

Muhammad Hamayun Sajjad

CEO, Mashreq Pakistan

Muhammad Hamayun Sajjad is a seasoned financial leader and the CEO of Mashreq Pakistan, spearheading the bank’s digital transformation and strategic expansion in the country. With extensive experience across the Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions, he has played a pivotal role in reshaping the financial landscape.
At Mashreq, he is driving the growth of award-winning digital platforms like NEO, NEOBiz, NEONXT, and NEOPAY, aligning with Pakistan’s National Financial Inclusion Strategy. His leadership focuses on financial empowerment for SMEs, youth, and women, ensuring seamless digital banking experiences.
Recognized as a top Fintech leader in Asia, Hamayun has held key roles at National Bank of Pakistan, United Bank Limited, and easypaisa. He holds an MBA in Finance and Marketing, a bachelor’s in computer science, and has furthered his expertise at MIT. His commitment to innovation and inclusion continues to shape the future of fintech in Pakistan.

Sadaffe Abid

Founder and CEO, CIRCLE Women Association

Sadaffe Abid is the Founder & CEO of CIRCLE Women Association, a social enterprise driving women’s empowerment in Pakistan through technology, entrepreneurship, and leadership programs. A former leader at Kashf Foundation, she played a pivotal role in advancing microfinance for women. With a BA from Mount Holyoke College and an MPA from Harvard Kennedy School, she has spearheaded initiatives like She Loves Tech Pakistan and the Digital Literacy Program, fostering financial inclusion and women-led startups. She also serves on the Board of Directors of the National Bank of Pakistan and is a strong advocate for gender equality in economic development.

Naureen Hyat

CEO, Zood Pakistan

Naureen Hyat is a seasoned fintech entrepreneur with over 13 years of experience in digital finance, microfinance, and risk management. As the CEO of Zood Pakistan, she leads innovation in financial inclusion. She co-founded Tez Financial Services, Pakistan’s first NBFC-licensed fintech, which was acquired by Zood in 2022. Her career spans leadership roles at CheckIn Solutions, Shopistan.pk, and PACRA. With a BBA in Finance from Bahria University, a CFA certification, and strategic leadership training from Harvard Business School, she has significantly influenced Pakistan’s fintech landscape. Recognized globally, Naureen has been featured in Forbes, Reuters, and the Women in Fintech Powerlist.

Noman Azhar

Founder and Chief Officer at Zindigi

As a Founder and Chief Officer of Zindigi, the digital banking arm of JS Bank, Noman Azhar has been a driving force in Pakistan’s fintech evolution. With over 16 years of experience in banking, technology, and financial services, he has led Zindigi to key milestones, including the development of an in-house tech stack, cashless Hajj and Umrah solutions for Pakistani pilgrims, and USD-based freelancer accounts to empower the gig economy. His contributions earned him the prestigious “Digital Leader of the Year” title at the Pakistan Digital Awards in 2024.

Omair Ansari

Co-Founder and CEO, Abhi

Omair Ansari is the Co-Founder and CEO of Abhi, a YC-backed embedded fintech platform transforming financial access across the MENAP region. With over 16 years of investment banking experience, he previously managed two funds at Morgan Stanley in New York, specializing in emerging and frontier market fintech. He has also served on the board of VEF, a leading VC firm focused on fintech in emerging markets.

Najeeb Agrawalla

CEO, 1LINK (Pvt.) Ltd.

A seasoned banking professional with over three decades of experience, Najeeb Agrawalla is the Chief Executive Officer of 1LINK (Pvt.) Ltd., Pakistan’s largest payment system operator. His extensive career spans key leadership roles in major financial institutions, including Bank AL Habib, UBL, and American Express, with expertise in sales, marketing, product development, and retail banking. He has also contributed to the corporate sector through roles at Philips Pakistan and Lever Brothers.
Before becoming CEO, he served as a board member at 1LINK representing Bank AL Habib. Recently, he was appointed Chairman of the Board at First Women Bank Ltd. Beyond his corporate leadership, Najeeb has been shaping future business leaders as a visiting faculty member at IBA Karachi’s Marketing Department since 1996.

Ali Farid Khwaja

Chairman, KTrade Securities Limited

Ali Farid Khwaja is the Chairman of KTrade Securities Limited, a leading fintech trading platform in Pakistan. With over 15 years of experience in equity research and investments, he has held key roles at global financial institutions, including Partner at Autonomous Research and CFO at SafeCharge Group. A former top-ranked Technology Analyst at Berenberg and UBS, Ali is an Oxford alumnus and Rhodes Scholar. He actively contributes to fintech and entrepreneurship as a Patron of the British Pakistan Foundation and a member of the UK Conservative Party’s Business and Entrepreneur Forum.

Methodology

To curate this list, we evaluated leaders based on the following key criteria:

Impact & Influence – The leader’s contribution to the growth and transformation of Pakistan’s fintech ecosystem, as well as their influence on the markets they serve.
Achievements & Industry Performance – Their track record in driving innovation, financial inclusion, regulatory advancements, or technological disruption within the financial services sector.
Leadership Role & Responsibilities – Their position within the organization and their strategic role in shaping the company’s vision, direction, and success.
Business Scale & Market Presence – The size and reach of their organization, considering factors such as revenue, assets under management, market capitalization, and workforce strength.
Experience & Tenure – The leader’s years of experience in the fintech and financial services industry, as well as their tenure in their current role.
Additional Contributions & Roles – Other leadership positions, advisory roles, or industry-wide contributions that demonstrate their broader impact beyond their organization.
This methodology ensures a well-rounded and comprehensive evaluation of fintech leaders who are driving change, fostering innovation, and shaping the future of finance in Pakistan.