Pakistan, Karachi – 03 October 2025

HBL, in collaboration with the Institute of Business Administration (IBA), hosted the first-ever Hackathon under its strategic University Alliance Program. The event also marked the unveiling of a jointly developed ‘Agri Case Study’ focused on Pakistan’s dairy sector.

The Hackathon encouraged students to brainstorm, research, and bring new ideas to address challenges in Pakistan’s agricultural sector. Participants showcased ideas integrating business, finance, and innovation to design sustainable technology driven solutions.

Among numerous standout entries, a team of three students from IBA emerged as winners for their groundbreaking idea. The winning team was awarded a ‘Golden Pass’ to HBL’s ‘The League Internship and Management Trainee Program’ offering a professional opportunity to work with HBL, along with a cash prize.

Through this collaboration between industry and academia, the Bank aims to nurture a robust pipeline of future leaders and innovators to transform Pakistan's agricultural sector.

Pakistan, Karachi – 23 October 2025: HBL today declared a record profit before tax of Rs 112.2 billion for the first nine months of 2025, 31% higher than in the same period last year. Despite higher tax rates burdening the banking sector, profit after tax increased 19% to Rs 51.4 billion. EPS for 9M’25 improved to Rs 34.97 from Rs 30.03 in 9M’24. Along with the results, the Bank declared an interim dividend of Rs. 5.0/- per share for the quarter.

HBL’s balance sheet has grown by 20% since the start of the year, to Rs 7.2 trillion. With total deposits of Rs 5.1 trillion, the Bank continues to lead the industry, with domestic deposits increasing by 18% to Rs 4.3 trillion. Current account mobilization remained a key focus for the Bank; a growth of Rs 384 billion over Dec’24 helped maintain the CA mix at above 40%, while the CASA ratio stood at 87%. The Bank’s flagship Consumer business continued its solid growth trajectory, crossing Rs 163 billion in lending, while total loans remained steady at nearly Rs 2.0 trillion.

HBL’s net interest income increased 11% to Rs 207 billion, even as monetary easing continued. The improved average current account mix helped reduce the cost of deposits, supporting margins while a volumetric increase of Rs 381 billion in the balance sheet further drove revenue. Non-fund income increased to Rs 68 billion, driven by an exceptional Treasury performance and double-digit growth in the domestic fee franchise during the quarter. HBL’s total revenue thus increased to Rs 275 billion.

Cost optimizing initiatives remained intact across the Bank which helped contain the YoY expense growth at 8%, driving down the cost/income ratio to 55.5% in 9M’25. A strong recovery performance decreased the Bank’s non-performing loans, further reducing the infection ratio to 4.9% as at end-Sep’25. The specific coverage strengthened to over 90%, with the total coverage well above 100%. The Tier 1 Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) of 14.39% and the Total CAR of 18.32% both strengthened over the previous quarter and remained well above required levels.

Commenting on the Bank’s performance, Muhammad Nassir Salim, President & CEO – HBL, said, "HBL accelerated its performance across all business verticals in Q3’25. The Bank continues to deliver against its strategic objective of supporting its clients and playing its part in the economic development of the country. Enhancing Pakistan’s capital markets, supporting the ‘S’ of SMEs and championing banking in Balochistan were the highlights of this quarter. Its people, and clients remain the backbone for HBL.”

Delivering value for stakeholders

To enhance capital markets, HBL became the first Bank to partner with National Clearing Company of Pakistan Limited (NCCPL). The Bank aims to pursue opportunities such as Margin Trading, evaluating the custodian clearing member's role, and utilizing NCCPL's Capital Gains Tax (CGT) services.

To equip SMEs, sole proprietors, and entrepreneurs with the means to transact securely and seamlessly, HBL is supporting the national agenda of enabling businesses to grow, formalize, and contribute to Pakistan’s economic progress. To this effect, the Bank partnered with Mastercard to launch Business Debit Cards to empower Pakistan’s SMEs. The Bank remains the largest issuer of debit cards in Pakistan.

HBL is fully committed to growing the “S” of SME business in a significant and sustainable way. The Bank inaugurated nine Trade Business Centers for Commercial/SME clients in Q3’25, focusing on trade while providing an enhanced client experience. Moreover, the Bank formalized a strategic partnership with Sindh Enterprise Development Fund (SEDF) to provide subsidized credit to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) across the province of Sindh.

HBL, as the champion Bank for Balochistan hosted the 13th Regional Agricultural Coordination Committee (RACC) meeting centered on agricultural financing, fostering financial inclusion, and tackling existing industry challenges within the region. Moreover, the Bank partnered with Balochistan Land Records Management Information System (BLRMIS) and Systems Limited to enable secure digital verification of agricultural loans, replicating the successful model previously implemented in Punjab. The Bank continues to hold a significant position at the enterprise level, maintaining a 29% share of total agricultural financing in the region.

In line with the Government of Pakistan’s vision of a Digital Pakistan, HBL’s strategic partnership with P@SHA continues to bolster the Bank’s engagement and outreach within the tech ecosystem, amplifying its impact on the digital economy. The HBL-P@SHA ICT Awards 2025 achieved a record milestone with more than 1,600 applications received from across Pakistan, the highest in the history of the Awards.

In Q3’25, HBL Foundation contributed Rs. 138.4 million to healthcare, education, sports, and humanitarian assistance. Moreover, HBL Foundation supported relief operations for communities affected by the recent floods in Gilgit Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

In recognition of the Bank’s leadership, performance, and innovative approach, HBL has been honored with 27 prestigious accolades during 9M’25, including ‘Best Bank in Pakistan’ by Euromoney Awards 2025. Some other notable awards in Q3’25 include ‘Sukuk Adviser of the Year – Pakistan’ and ‘Best Islamic Project Finance Deal – Pakistan’ by The Asset Triple A Islamic Finance Awards 2025, ‘Media & Entertainment & Game of the Year’ by HBL P@SHA ICT Awards 2025 and Employer of Choice (Among top 10 organizations and the best in Financial sector) by International Finance Corporation (IFC).

HBL to continue as Title Sponsor for the 11th and 12th Seasons, cementing a long-term partnership with Pakistan’s premier sporting event.

Value of Title Sponsorship Rights increased by 505 percent.

Pakistan, Karachi – 29 October 2025: The Pakistan Super League (PSL) and HBL today announced a major partnership renewal, confirming that the two forthcoming editions of Pakistan’s biggest cricket brand shall be known as HBLPSL 11 and 12.

In a landmark deal, HBL exercised its right to match the Fair Market Value determined by an independent expert valuer for the Title Sponsorship of the forthcoming two editions of PSL.

This renewal further solidifies a decade-long association, as HBL has been the PSL’s exclusive and proud title sponsor since the League’s inception in 2016 and signifies HBL’s enduring trust and investment in the PSL brand which continues to experience commercial growth.

Since PSL 1, the value of Title Sponsorship Rights has increased by 505%.

Salman Naseer, CEO - PSL said: “We are absolutely delighted and extremely grateful to HBL for extending their historic association with the Pakistan Super League for HBLPSL 11 and 12. HBL’s decision to continue their phenomenal journey with the PSL is a powerful statement of confidence in the league’s immense commercial value, its strategic importance to the nation and recognises the league’s position as one of the world’s leading T20 cricket tournaments. HBL has been more than a sponsor; they have been a dedicated partner in the journey to develop and showcase the best of Pakistan cricket to the world. We look forward to working closely with them to make the next two seasons our most successful yet.”

Commenting on the partnership, Abrar Ahmed Mir, Chief Information & Transformation Officer – HBL said: “HBL is pleased to renew its commitment as a Title Sponsor to Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) flagship platform, the HBL Pakistan Super League (HBLPSL) for two more years till 2027. The Bank remains committed to amplifying the success of this tournament, ensuring the HBLPSL remains a platform that inspires the youth of our cricket loving nation and support the communities that the Bank serves.”

Ali Habib, Chief Marketing & Communications Officer, HBL added: “The HBLPSL has evolved into a powerhouse brand and a national institution. Our decision to extend the title sponsorship reflects HBL’s core philosophy of ‘enabling dreams’ - a promise delivered through the HBLPSL platform by launching numerous national and international stars. HBL has and always will support and nourish national endeavors. As the proud title sponsor, we are dedicated to supporting the PCB in delivering the most exciting and world-class cricketing experience in 2026 and 2027, further elevating the stature of HBLPSL on the global stage.”

Pakistan, Karachi – 03 November 2025:

The HBL Pakistan Manufacturing PMI rose to 49.6 in October from 48.0 in September yet remained below the 50.0 neutral threshold for the second consecutive month, indicating a slight deterioration in the sector.

For investors, the PMI serves as a leading economic indicator, offering timely insights into business conditions, demand trends, and production activity. A reading below 50 typically signals a contraction, which can influence corporate earnings and macroeconomic momentum.

The downturn in October was primarily driven by subdued demand, as new orders fell for the sixth straight month with manufacturers pointing to inflation, higher taxes, and load-shedding.

A portion of this demand weakness stems from falling new export orders. According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, exports contracted 3.9% y/y in the first quarter of fiscal year 2026, while the central bank, in its latest policy meeting, flagged challenging export prospects amid evolving tariff dynamics.

Output was down for a second consecutive month amid softer demand, though the pace of contraction remained moderate. However, the impact of weaker demand is spilling over to the labor market. Employment levels fell for the fourth consecutive month, as firms adjusted to lighter workloads and focused on cost rationalization.

On the cost side, firms lowered purchasing activity, the steepest decline in the 18-month series. Meanwhile, price pressures remained elevated in October, driven by rising input costs and tax burdens. In response, firms raised output prices at the fastest rate in three months to protect margins.

Humaira Qamar, Head of Equities & Research – HBL, commented,Although the latest PMI reading suggests emerging headwinds in the near-term, sentiments remain upbeat. Manufacturers continue to maintain an optimistic outlook for output growth over the next 12 months, supported by expectations of easing cost pressures and planned business expansion. That said, the degree of confidence edged down for the fourth consecutive month, as firms raised concerns about how quickly inflationary pressures might ease.

Although inflation is projected to temporarily move higher in the second half of the fiscal year 2026, we believe that green shoots in the manufacturing economy are likely to reemerge, supported by strong business confidence and a gradual strengthening of demand-side conditions.

The central bank’s recent assessment, indicating that growth is now expected to reach the upper end of their 3.25–4.25% forecast range, reinforces our sanguine outlook on the economy.”

Pakistan, Karachi – 3 November 2025:

HBL, Pakistan’s largest issuer of debit cards, has entered into a strategic partnership with UnionPay International and PayPak to launch the HBL UnionPay PayPak Co-Badge Debit Card. The card combines PayPak’s domestic acceptance with UnionPay International’s global reach, enabling customers to withdraw cash at ATMs and make purchases at POS terminals both locally and internationally.

This collaboration aligns with State Bank of Pakistan’s (SBP) vision to strengthen the domestic payments landscape and enhance the value proposition of PayPak, while deepening financial ties between Pakistan and China.

The partnership was formalized at a signing ceremony in Karachi, attended by industry leaders, including Saleem Ullah, Deputy Governor – State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), Muhammad Nassir Salim, President & CEO – HBL, Li Yong, Commercial Counsellor – Consulate General of the People's Republic of China, Aamir Kureshi, Head Products Transactional Services and Solution Delivery – HBL, Luping Zhang, General Manager - Union Pay International, Middle East, and Najeeb Agrawalla, CEO – 1LINK.

  • Visa’s global advocacy program, brought to Pakistan in partnership with HBL, empowers women entrepreneurs with grants worth USD50,000 (USD 10,000 each), tailored training, and access to networking and mentoring opportunities
  • Applications are open in Pakistan until December 24, 2025.
  • Visa & HBL highlights findings from the Women SMB Digitization Index surveying Pakistan business owners

Karachi, Pakistan, November 10, 2025:

Visa, a global leader in digital payments, and HBL, Pakistan’s premier private sector bank, announce the return of She’s Next, a global advocacy program that spotlights women entrepreneurs who are actively financing, managing, and expanding their businesses.

Recognizing their pivotal role as catalysts for economic and social development, women-led businesses are increasingly shaping Pakistan's economy with a distinct blend of resilience, social consciousness, and technological adoption.

In 2024, the program received over 2,500 applications, culminating in the selection of five women entrepreneurs, including Ziana Sakhia (Bechlo), Sadaf Rehman (CodeSchool), Rida Zainab (Porter Pakistan), Ayesha Awan (SocialBlu), and Hira Javaid (Foster Learning), who secured funding collectively worth USD 50,000, training, and networking opportunities.

To cater to the impressive demand, 'She's Next' will once again invite women entrepreneurs from all industries and sectors in Pakistan to apply on the official website for a chance to receive grants worth a total of USD 50,000 (USD 10,000 each). Winners will also receive a range of benefits, including a tailored training program, mentoring opportunities, and access to She’s Next Club resources, including a workshop library and a community of entrepreneurs. Applications are open from today until December 24, 2025.

“She’s Next, unlocking the boundless potential of every Pakistani woman, providing the essential stepping stone for women-led businesses to scale and expand collectively. Our inaugural program attracted over 2,500 applications, reflecting the deep entrepreneurial spirit and hunger for growth among women across the country. That excitement translated to real impact as the winners’ businesses are thriving and driving digital transformation in sectors like fashion, health,


education, and technology. We’re excited to bring She’s Next back to Pakistan and uplevel the new cohort of winners,” said Umar S. Khan, Country Manager for Pakistan and Afghanistan, Visa.

“We also ran a new edition of the Visa & HBL Women SMB Digitization Index this year, which highlighted the positive economic impact of women entrepreneurs. Despite their own personal hurdles and personal growth ambitions, women business owners are motivated by financial independence, and a deep desire to create supportive work environments which uplift societies – an ethos that is very close to Visa’s own mission of uplifting everyone, everywhere. What’s been great to see is that women entrepreneurs are integrating payment technologies and artificial intelligence to overcome obstacles and drive their businesses forward, which really shows their progressive mindset.”

Aamir Kureshi, Head Products Transactional Services & Solution Delivery – HBL, said: “We are proud to renew our support for the She’s Next global advocacy program again this year. At HBL, we celebrate the strength and spirit of women entrepreneurs and are committed to increasing their participation in the Pakistan economy. The Visa & HBL Women SMB Digitization Index revealed that women entrepreneurs actively seek guidance and support from mentors and financial advisors and are keen to receive training from major financial institutions. Keeping this in mind, this year, we aim to increase our efforts at providing them with relevant programs that build skillsets for growth and success and connect them with a carefully curated list of mentors.”

About She’s Next, Empowered by Visa

Since 2020, Visa has globally invested $3.8 million in over 250 grants and coaching for women SME owners as part of the company's broader commitment to support businesses internationally.

To learn more and apply for the Visa She's Next Grant Program, applicants must submit a short application form with details about their business and digital presence by December 24, 2025. Apply today at: https://pk.visamiddleeast.com/run-your-business/she-is-next-campaign.html

About Visa Inc.

Visa (NYSE: V) is a world leader in digital payments, facilitating transactions between consumers, merchants, financial institutions, and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable, and secure payment network, enabling individuals, businesses, and economies to thrive. We believe that economies that include everyone everywhere, uplift everyone everywhere, and see access as foundational to the future of money movement. Learn more at Visa.com.

About HBL:

HBL was the first Pakistani commercial bank to be established in Pakistan in 1947. Over the years, HBL has maintained its position as the premier private sector bank in Pakistan with 1,600+ branches, 2,260+ ATMs, 54,400+ Konnect by HBL agents (branchless banking platform), 42,000+


QR locations serving over 40 million+ clients worldwide. With a presence across major trade zones in the world, the Bank is recognized as the leading financial institution of the country for its client-centric innovation in financial services.

Media Contact

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Tariq Khan 0331 2854722

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Visa & HBL ran the Women SMB Digitization Index in 2025, which surveyed Pakistani women business owners who hold a notable share of senior leadership roles to have a better understanding of the motivations and challenges of this important group. The Index scores businesses based on five indicators: online presence, digital payments acceptance, payment security awareness, customer engagement, and customer retention.

Key findings from the Visa & HBL Women SMB Digitalization Index:

Business challenges, motivations, and support

  • Women entrepreneurs face gender bias (79%), with common perceptions questioning their confidence in negotiations (30%), ability to scale businesses (29%), and leadership skills (26%).
  • Despite their ambition, 53% of women entrepreneurs identify achieving rapid business growth and raising capital/accessing funding as significant hurdles.
  • Women heavily rely on business mentors or coaches (40%) for advice.
  • Top three drivers for women entrepreneurs in Pakistan while setting up their venture include financial independence (39%), leadership aspirations (24%), and personal growth (22%).
  • 90% women entrepreneurs are interested in joining a training program provided by a major financial institution to improve their understanding of payment-related topics.


Business funding and financial support

  • Women entrepreneurs primarily fund their businesses through personal savings (62%) and family support (51%).
  • When additional funding becomes available, women prioritize initiatives directly linked to growth and scaling, with 31% allocating funds to creating new products or services and entering new segments or markets, and 28% investing in advertising and marketing.
  • Women prioritize their human capital when allocating additional funding, with 28% investing in increasing employee salaries and 17% in staff expansion.
  • or financial advisory support, women-led SMBs rely on family and friends (26%), financial advisors (25%), and mentors or coaches (14%).

Sales and payment channels and security

  • Women-led businesses demonstrate a strategic balance for wider market penetration, with 59% utilizing both offline and online sales channels, and online sales contributing a significant 51% of their revenue.
  • A notable 10% of women entrepreneurs operate exclusively on a cashless basis, significantly higher than their male counterparts, showcasing a strong commitment to digital finance.
  • Women entrepreneurs are highly aware of cyber threats, with nearly three in 10 women proactively addressing risks like phishing, ransomware, and malware.
  • Women-led businesses prioritize securing digital payment transactions through employee training (57%), data protection (52%), and advanced security measures (54%) like tokenization and encryption.

Data analytics, AI integration, and future initiatives

  • Women are at the forefront of AI adoption, using Natural Language Processing (NLP) tools like ChatGPT (49%), utilizing data analytics and pattern recognition (43%), and employing chatbots or virtual assistants (43%).
  • The use of AI has transformed various business processes, with notable improvements in customer service (81%), data analysis and decision-making (77%), product development (72%), and sales and marketing (69%).
  • In the critical area of payments, AI is a game-changer, with 53% reporting increased accuracy in transactions, 52% benefiting from enhanced fraud detection, and 50% seeing automated payment tasks.
  • Looking ahead, 62% of women plan to invest in training business leadership/employees in digital initiatives, and 14% intend to invest in AI and advanced analytics or automation of business processes.


HBL became the first Pakistani bank to open a branch and serve clients in Beijing, China’s capital city.

Karachi, 22 March 2021

The inauguration ceremony for HBL Beijing was attended by clients, regulators and senior executives of the Bank from across HBL’s international network. From Pakistan, Mr. Jameel Ahmad, Deputy Governor – State Bank of Pakistan, Mr. Sultan Ali Allana, Chairman - HBL, Mr. Muhammad Aurangzeb, President & CEO – HBL, along with senior executives and HBL’s customers, virtually joined the ceremony. HBL Beijing offers a full range of products & services for the Bank’s esteemed clients.

HBL remains grateful to the Governments of Pakistan and China and the regulators for the trust and confidence they have reposed on the Bank, through the opening of the branch.

HBL has created history by being the first and only bank from Pakistan to have a branch in Beijing and one of the three banks from South Asia and MENA region to offer end-to-end RMB intermediation in China. Upon commencement of business, HBL Beijing has become HBL’s second branch and its managing branch in China; both branches in Beijing and Urumqi are equipped with foreign exchange and RMB license to better facilitate customers’ requirements in multiple currencies.

HBL’s presence in China will allow the bank to interact with State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) and leading financial institutions involved in CPEC and across Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) corridors. China is a very important market for HBL not only in terms of the business in China and CPEC, but also for Chinese companies working on projects in countries across the HBL network.

Chairman HBL, Sultan Ali Allana said, “HBL’s journey in China began in 2005 when we established our Representative Office in Beijing. This was followed by the establishment of branch operations in Urumqi in 2017 and today we mark the commencement of our branch operations in Beijing. It is an extremely proud moment for us as we enhance our China franchise, and we look forward to playing a leading role in facilitating regional trade and serving our valued customers throughout HBL’s international network.”

Commenting on the branch opening, Muhammad Aurangzeb, President & CEO, HBL said: “China is the second home market for HBL and we will grow our business in the country. China remains the lynchpin of HBL’s international strategy. We are grateful to the regulators for having granted us the branch license. They are very supportive of developing market-based capabilities and encouraging financial institutions like HBL to provide clients best-in-class product and services. HBL is the largest executor of CPEC related financing in Pakistan, and the Bank’s presence in China has put us in a unique position to connect our clients across the HBL network directly with the businesses in China.”

​Karachi, September 3rd, 2021

marks a special occasion in the history of HBL, Pakistan’s largest Bank in the private sector. The Bank celebrates the 50th anniversary of the HBL Plaza building today. The HBL Plaza building commenced its operations on 4th September 1971. This commanding 335 feet skyscraper stands tall on I.I. Chundrigar Road, the heart of Pakistan’s financial district, and houses over 1,700 employees.

Recognized as one of the most prominent buildings of Pakistan, the building’s structure with its distinct shape and engineering firsts in Pakistan, remains a symbol of Karachi’s skyline and continues to be one of the most prominent landmarks of the country. Upon its commencement, it was the tallest bank building in Asia and for decades it remained the tallest building in the country.

Few structures in the country are as embedded in the nation’s psyche as HBL Plaza is. Many would remember the building being used for the sighting of the Ramazan and Eid moons. 50 years later, HBL Plaza continues to be an important landmark of Karachi.

Today, HBL Plaza serves as the nerve-centre of HBL’s operations, technology and the digital transformation that the Bank has embarked upon. The building is the backbone of the products, services and controls that HBL provides to its clients.

These past 50 years lifespan of the HBL Plaza building has seen a significant growth in the financial well-being of both the country and the millions of HBL clients. The building has witnessed HBL’s remarkable strides in the financial industry. For perspective, around that period, the Bank’s profit stood at approximately Rs 100 million; today, it has crossed Rs 30 billion. In these intervening years, the Bank’s advances have grown from Rs 4 billion to Rs 1.2 trillion, while its total deposits have risen from Rs 6.8 billion to Rs 3 trillion.

Commenting on the occasion, Muhammad Aurangzeb, President & CEO – HBL said, “HBL’s financial journey wouldn’t have been possible without our clients, stakeholders and employees who have been steadfast in their loyalty to the Bank. Their support has enabled HBL to become one of the leading brands of Pakistan. As HBL looks ahead to its future, to serve the clients through its physical and digital channels, I would like to take this opportunity to express our deep appreciation and gratitude to all our stakeholders, as the Bank continues to serve them in the decades ahead, Inshallah.”

17 February 2021

HBL today declared a consolidated profit after tax of Rs. 30.9 billion for the year ended December 31, 2020, double that for the same period last year. The Bank’s earnings per share increased to Rs. 21.06 compared to Rs. 10.45 for 2019. Profit before tax recorded a growth of 84% over 2019 to Rs. 53.0 billion. Along with the results, the Board declared a final Cash Dividend for the year ended December 31, 2020 at Rs. 3/- per share i.e. 30%. This is in addition to the Interim Dividend already paid at Rs. 1.25/- per share i.e. 12.5%.​

HBL grew its domestic deposits by a phenomenal Rs. 400 billion, with market share increasing to over 14%. An increase of over Rs. 100 billion in current and more than over Rs. 200 billion in savings accounts resulted in strong CA and CASA ratios of 35.0% and 86.6% respectively; HBL’s total deposits increased to Rs. 2.8 trillion. Domestic advances crossed a landmark of Rs. 1.0 trillion and the Consumer lending portfolio, in particular, showed an excellent performance, crossing Rs. 75 billion.

Helped by the strong balance sheet growth, HBL’s total revenue set a new record, crossing Rs. 160 billion. The Bank improved its cost to income ratio from 73.5% in 2019 to 58.5% in 2020 and the infection ratio improved to an all-time low of 6.3%. HBL’s CAR, which now stands at 17.2%, is well above regulatory requirements.

Commenting on the Bank’s performance, Muhammad Aurangzeb, President & CEO, HBL said, “The Bank had a stellar year in which all key indicators remained on an upward trajectory, and the domestic franchise delivered record profits. The international business has also shown signs of a turnaround in Q4’20 with revenues trending upward. Moreover, HBL is actively working on financial inclusion initiatives through significant investments in technology and digitalization efforts. During 2020, HBL remained conscious of its responsibility to support its customers and the broader economy, especially during these testing times.”

The Bank’s journey towards becoming a “Technology Company with a Banking License,” has accelerated as it witnessed an increase in its digital transaction volume. There was a 93% increase in HBL Mobile and Internet Banking transactions volume and a 157% uptake in Konnect by HBL, the Bank’s branchless banking platform. Through ‘HBL Pay’ all onboarding and payment solutions for businesses were consolidated under a single platform. Collectively, HBL managed a throughput of Rs. 7 trillion in 2020, a growth of over 34% vs 2019.

Financial inclusion is at the core of HBL’s business philosophy, to work towards reducing poverty and achieve inclusive economic growth. HBL joined forces with Government of Pakistan to enable the delivery of the Ehsaas Emergency Cash Program disbursing approximately Rs. 175 billion to an estimated 12 million families over a period of two months. HBL and Ehsaas also partnered on the Kafaalat program which serves more than three million deserving women across the country.

HBL retained its #1 position in Consumer Finance. The Bank came first in Credit Cards, Debit Cards, Merchant Acquiring, Personal Loans and second in Auto Loans. Personal loans at Rs. 37 billion, delivered a growth of 12% over last year. The primary growth driver for 2020 was auto finance, recording an increase of Rs. 9 billion, 53% over 2019. HBL is the only bank in Pakistan enabling its customers to avail a credit card and personal loan through its app; Rs. 3.2 billion worth of loans were disbursed in 2020 using the Bank’s digital channels.

The Bank provided digital onboarding and servicing through the eBanc Roshan Digital Account (RDA), a special investment account created for expatriates. Since its launch, 12,000 Pakistanis from 104 countries have set up RDA accounts and remitted more than USD 44 million in a short span of three months.

The Bank’s Islamic Banking arm, over 900 branches/windows nationwide, provided Shariah compliant fixed home finance rentals.

HBL maintained its position as the lead private sector financier of the agriculture sector, with a 30% market share. The Bank has introduced technology-based farming techniques for farmers which aim to raise their standard of living and become better integrated with the value chain which provides food security to the country. The Bank’s Development Finance Group (DFG) is using innovative technology to augment Pakistan’s Agriculture value chain bringing together the ‘Farm-to-Fork’ ecosystem.

HBL maintained a strong corporate and investment banking presence in Pakistan. The Bank worked on energy, infrastructure and power projects to promote capital market development, deepen secondary markets and provide advisory services.

The Bank’s Operations launched HBL Fusion, a digital online portal for trade and foreign remittance transactions approval. The portal facilitates customers who require State Bank of Pakistan’s (SBP) approvals for foreign exchange.

HBL led the market in adopting Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) principles. HBL is the first bank in Pakistan to become a member of the Green Investment Principles for the Belt and Road Initiative.

As the largest executor of CPEC related financing in Pakistan, China remained the lynchpin of HBL’s international strategy. In December 2019, HBL became the first Pakistani bank to be awarded the muchcoveted branch license to offer financial services to clients in Beijing, which is expected to be launched in Q1 2021. The Beijing branch will allow HBL to interact with regulators, major state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and leading financial institutions involved in CPEC and other Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) corridors.

In 2020, HBL won, The Euromoney Award for “Best Bank in Pakistan” & “Best Bank Transformation in Asia.” At the World Finance Digital Banking Awards HBL won, “Best Mobile Banking App”, “Best Digital Consumer Bank” and “Best Use of Social Media.” HBL won the Global Islamic Finance Award for “Best Islamic Bank for Trade Finance.” HBL won “Best Customer Franchise”, “Best Bank for SME” and “Best Investment Banking” by the Pakistan Banking Awards.