SBP designates UBL, HBL, NBP as D-SIBs for 2026

The State Bank of Pakistan has designated United Bank Limited, Habib Bank Limited, and National Bank of Pakistan as Domestic Systemically Important Banks (D-SIBs) for 2026, requiring the three lenders to hold additional capital buffers under its D-SIB framework.

SBP aligns regulatory framework with Shariah principles under Vision 2028

The State Bank of Pakistan has introduced Shariah-compliant terminology alternatives across its existing regulations, instructions, and Foreign Exchange Manual, directing banks, microfinance banks, and development finance institutions to interpret conventional banking terms alongside their Islamic finance equivalents.

SBP cancels Al-Rahim Exchange license

SBP updates on monetary policy transmission

The monetary easing cycle that began in June 2024 resulted in a substantial reduction in the policy rate, from a recent high of 22% to 10.5% by December 2025.

SBP Governor unveils bi-annual MPR, cites fiscal discipline in cushioning shocks

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Monday released its bi-annual Monetary Policy Report (MPR) for August 2026, projecting inflation to ease and stabilize near the upper bound of the target range towards end-FY27, economic growth to pick up to a range of 3.5-4.5%, and the current account deficit to remain within 0-1% of GDP, supporting FX reserves buildup towards the $20.20bn target by December 2026.

HugoBank receives SBP nod for pilot operations

HugoBank, one of Pakistan's premier upcoming digital banks, today announced that it has received approval from the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) to initiate pilot operations.

SBP extends fuel station card payment fee caps till Jan 2027

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has extended the capped Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) and Interchange Reimbursement Fee (IRF) on card-based fuel purchases till January 31, 2027, in a bid to accelerate the rollout of interoperable Raast QR-based payment acceptance at fuel stations across the country.

SBP Governor terms co-badged card launch boost for digital payments

State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Governor Jameel Ahmad has termed the launch of the HBL, UnionPay International and PayPak co-badged debit card an important milestone in Pakistan's journey toward a modern, resilient and inclusive digital payments ecosystem, supporting the Prime Minister's vision of a Cashless Pakistan.

Banks cannot freeze accounts without legal approval: SBP

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has instructed all banks and microfinance banks not to impose debit blocks, operational restrictions, or freeze customer accounts without lawful authority, proper approval, and due verification, in line with directives issued by the Islamabad High Court (IHC).

Pakistan’s digital payments hit 3.7bn transactions in Q3FY26

Pakistan's digital payments ecosystem continued its rapid expansion during the third quarter of FY26, with retail transactions conducted through formal banking and payment channels reaching 3.7 billion.