Bank deposits surge 18% in March

April 15, 2026 (MLN): Pakistan’s banking sector deposits posted a robust 18.1% year-on-year (YoY) growth, reaching Rs37.51 trillion in March 2026, compared to Rs31.75tr in the same month last year, according to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan.

On a monthly basis, deposits increased by 2.5% from Rs36.58tr recorded at the end of February.

In contrast, advances witnessed marginal growth, inching up 0.1% MoM to Rs14.56tr, while registering an 8.0% YoY increase from Rs13.47tr in March 2025.

The divergence between strong deposit inflows and sluggish credit offtake pushed the Advances-to-Deposits Ratio (ADR) down to 38.8%, reflecting a decline of 94 basis points MoM and 363 bps YoY.

The subdued ADR underscores continued weakness in private sector credit demand amid a challenging economic backdrop, alongside heightened government borrowing to finance the fiscal deficit.

Meanwhile, total investments remained largely flat on a monthly basis at Rs39.13tr but surged 20.8% compared to last year.

Consequently, the Investment-to-Deposits Ratio (IDR) eased by 268 bps MoM to 104.3%, although it remained 234 bps higher on a yearly basis.

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