NBP, NCCPL sign strategic partnership to boost banking, capital markets integration

October 22, 2025 (MLN): The National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) and the National Clearing Company of Pakistan Limited (NCCPL) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening collaboration between the banking sector and capital markets.

The partnership marks a significant step toward integrating Pakistan's financial services landscape, with NBP positioning itself to play a more active role in the country's capital markets ecosystem.

Under the agreement, NBP will explore multiple avenues for collaboration with NCCPL, Pakistan's central securities depository. Key areas of cooperation include:

• Margin Trading Financing: NBP will act as a financier for margin trading, enabling the bank to support investors in purchasing eligible securities in the ready market.
• Custodian Clearing Membership: The bank is considering becoming a Custodian Clearing Member of NCCPL, which would allow it to serve its wealth management clients by providing direct access to the securities market while maintaining custody of their cash and securities.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mr. Rehmat A. Hasnie, President and CEO of NBP, emphasized the strategic importance of the partnership.

"This agreement will enable the Bank to explore strategic initiatives in margin financing and assess the potential role of becoming a custodian clearing member," he stated.

The MoU reflects NBP's broader commitment to driving collaborative innovation across Pakistan's financial sector.

The bank aims to promote inclusive growth, sustainable finance, and the development of diversified funding channels to support the country's economic progress.

The collaboration between Pakistan's largest public sector bank and the national clearing house is expected to enhance liquidity in the capital markets and provide investors with more comprehensive financial services.

By bridging traditional banking with capital market operations, the partnership could attract more institutional and retail participation in Pakistan's stock market.

The initiative aligns with ongoing efforts by financial regulators to deepen capital markets and create a more robust financial infrastructure to support Pakistan's economic development goals.