Governor State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), Jameel Ahmad, has underscored the importance of ‘collaboration between regulators, banks, fintechs, and policymakers’ to accelerate Pakistan’s journey toward a digitally inclusive economy.
Speaking at the Future of Banking Summit 2025 in Karachi, he said, “By working together regulators, banks, fintechs, and policymakers, we can build a future where every Pakistani confidently participates in the digital economy.”
The Governor applauded Systems Limited for organising the event, stating that “the summit provides a valuable platform to encourage collaboration between the banking and technology sectors.”
He elaborated that modern technologies such as “artificial intelligence, big data analytics, 5G connectivity, and digital payments are redefining how customers interact with financial institutions and how services are delivered across the economy.”
He urged financial institutions to evolve rapidly noting that “our financial system must evolve rapidly, adopt global standards, and embrace innovation that enhances inclusion, efficiency, and customer trust.”
Governor Ahmad pointed to SBP’s ‘ongoing digital initiatives’ stating, “We are continuously upgrading the country’s payment infrastructure, introducing digital bank regulations, and ensuring cybersecurity safeguards to protect the financial system from emerging threats.”
Calling Raast “the cornerstone of the country’s digital public infrastructure,” he said the system “enables citizens, businesses, and government entities to make secure, real-time transactions at minimal cost.”
He urged banks to “accelerate Raast adoption and expand digital payment solutions nationwide.”
Concluding his address Governor Ahmad emphasised that “trust, cybersecurity, and customer protection must remain central to digital innovation.”
He revealed that “SBP has launched the first cohort of its Regulatory Sandbox to test new ideas in inward remittances, open banking, and merchant on boarding.”
“Our goal is to foster an environment where innovation thrives responsibly, ensuring that every Pakistani can benefit from digital transformation,” he added.
