Category: Money & Banking

Money and banking drive economic activity by facilitating transactions, savings, and investments. Banks manage financial resources, offer credit, and regulate money supply, ensuring stability and growth in Pakistan’s financial sector.

  • NdcTech wins best sales partner award

    NdcTech wins best sales partner award

    NdcTech, a global IT and consulting company providing transformational services for the banking sector and a long-standing partner of Temenos has recently won the Best Sales Partner Award at Temenos MEA Annual Sales and Partner Summit 2022 owing to its exceptional sales capabilities.  

    The best sales partner award recognizes NdcTech’s strong footprint in the MEA region and ability to penetrate into new markets and geographies while providing value-added services to Banks & Financial institutions in the region.

    On this occasion, Ammara Masood, CEO, NdcTech said: “We are thrilled to be recognized as the best sales partner among other regional and global partners of Temenos. Together with Temenos, we have been able to create value for our clients and successfully transform the banking sector around the world. We aim to foster this partnership and capture new markets to become the best sales partner of Temenos across the globe.”

    This year, NdcTech participated as the bronze sponsor in the Temenos MEA Annual Sales & Partner Summit which brought all partners of Temenos under one roof and provided networking opportunities to all delegates. Our experts met with the senior management of Temenos and showcased NdcTech’s unmatched offerings for the banking sector. NdcTech now plans to expand its avenues with the wide recognition it has garnered in the market by winning the Best Sales Partner Award.

    NdcTech is currently serving over 115 clients in the Middle East, Africa, & APAC region.

  • SBP imposes over Rs290 million as penalty on six commercial banks

    SBP imposes over Rs290 million as penalty on six commercial banks

    KARACHI: State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Friday imposed over Rs290 million as monetary penalty on six commercial banks for violating regulatory instructions pertaining to Customer Due Diligence (CDD) and Know Your Customer (KYC) during quarter ended September 30, 2022.

    The central bank imposed the monetary penalty on commercial banks included: Bank Al Habib Limited; Meezan Bank Limited; National Bank of Pakistan; MCB Bank Limited; JS Bank Limited; and Faysal Bank Limited.

    The highest amount of penalty of Rs140.03 million has been imposed on Bank Al Habib Limited for violating regulatory instructions pertaining to CDD/KYC, Asset Quality, Foreign Exchange and general banking operations.

    The SBP directed Bank Al Habib Limited that besides payment of monetary penalty it should strengthen its control/process in the identified areas.

    The second highest penalty of Rs81.72 million has been imposed on Meezan Bank Limited for the same regulatory violations. The SBP also imposed penalties, included: Rs25.875 million on National Bank of Pakistan; Rs19.223 million on MCB Bank Limited; Rs13.49 million on JS Bank Limited; and Rs10.025 million on Faysal Bank Limited.

    The SBP from July 2019 started public disclosure of penal action against banks. “Enforcement actions are an integral part of the regulatory regime which involves imposition of monetary penalties and other actions against institutions and individuals for violations of laws, rules, regulations, guidelines or directives issued by SBP from time to time,” according to a circular issued by the central bank.

    In order to bring more transparency and strengthen market discipline, SBP has decided to publicly disclose significant enforcement actions.

  • Rupee crashes to dollar as PTI long march starts

    Rupee crashes to dollar as PTI long march starts

    KARACHI: The Pakistani Rupee (PKR) on Friday crashed against the dollar owing to political instability following by long march started by Pakistan Tehreek I Insaaf (PTI).

    The exchange rate recorded a decline of 97 paisas in rupee value to end at PKR 222.47 to the dollar from previous day’s closing of PKR 221.50 in the interbank foreign exchange market.

    READ MORE: Dollar climbs to PKR 221.50 on rising political tension

    The rupee lost PKR 2.74 against the dollar during the last three sessions since the PTI chief announced the protest rally.

    PTI Chief Imran Khan was removed as prime minister through a vote of no confidence by the allied political parties in April this year. Imran Khan claimed that his government was toppled by a conspiracy.

    Prior to the announcement of the long march, the rupee witnessed recovery against the greenback due to removal of Pakistan name from the grey list of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

    Further, the sentiments were also improved due to commitment of Asian Development Bank (ADB) to finance the country. The ADB approved a financing of $1.5 billion to the country. Currency experts said that the approval of loan program by the ADB helped the rupee to make gain.

    READ MORE: Rupee slips sharply to dollar on PTI long march

    Interestingly, the amount of $1.5 billion was received last night by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). However, the fund transfer also failed to support the local currency.

    Previously, the rupee was also supported by contraction in current account deficit during the first quarter of the current fiscal year.

    Pakistan’s current account deficit has recorded a decline of 37 per cent to $2.21 billion during first quarter (July – September) of fiscal year 2022/2023, according to official data released last week.

    READ MORE: Rupee recovers to PKR 219.73 against dollar

    The current account deficit of the country was $3.53 billion in the same quarter of the last fiscal year.

    Contraction in current account deficit can be attributed to significant fall in trade deficit. The trade deficit also contracted by 21.32 per cent to $9.22 billion during first quarter of the current fiscal year as compared with the deficit of $11.72 billion in the same quarter of the last fiscal year.

    READ MORE: Dollar slips to PKR 220.41 on improved economic sentiments

    Furthermore, the local currency also received support as the level of foreign exchange reserves were remained flat.

    Pakistan’s weekly foreign exchange reserves increased nominally to $13.251 billion by week ended October 14, 2022 as compared with $13.247 billion a week ago i.e. October 7, 2022.

  • Standard Chartered Bank Pakistan PBT doubles during 9MCY22

    Standard Chartered Bank Pakistan PBT doubles during 9MCY22

    KARACHI: Standard Chartered Bank Pakistan Limited (SCBPL) has posted a record profit before tax of PKR 36.4 billion, registering almost 100 per cent increase year on year. Performance was driven by strong income growth, as well as continued cost and risk discipline.

    Overall revenue grew by 70 per cent to deliver a top-line of PKR 45.1 billion, with positive contributions from all segments. Despite a high inflationary environment and continuous investments in our infrastructure, operating expenses continue to be well managed through efficiencies and disciplined spending with an increase of 12 per cent from the same period last year.

    Moreover, reversal of Covid-19 general provision, coupled with lower impairments and strong recoveries led to a net release of PKR 1.5 billion during the period against a net release of PKR 0.8 billion in loan impairments in the comparative period.

    With a diversified product base, the Bank stands well positioned to cater for the needs of its clients. On the liabilities side, the Bank’s total deposits grew by PKR 108.0 billion (up 17 per cent), whereas current and saving accounts increased by PKR 119.0 billion (up 21 per cent) since the start of this year and comprise 95 per cent of the deposit base. Advances declined marginally since the start of this year and the Bank continues to monitor the portfolio in the prevailing economic environment as part of its strategy to build a profitable, efficient, and sustainable business.

    The external environment remains challenging; however, we remain fully committed to delivering a sustainable growth for our shareholders, bringing the best-in-class services and solutions for our clients and playing our part in the growth story of Pakistan. Standard Chartered continues to make good progress against its strategic priorities.

    The global network differentiates the Bank for its clients, bringing forth innovative solutions, product specialisation and structured offshore offerings. At all times the Bank strives to maximise the contribution to State Bank’s initiatives. In line with the State Bank’s efforts on financial inclusion, with enhanced digital offering, Standard Chartered is now able to reach more clients across the country and provide them with convenience of opening accounts as well as subscribing to products and banking services online. Overall, the Bank’s transformation journey stands well-curated, closely aligned with the Pakistan’s landscape and helping lift participation through digitization.

    Sustainable finance along with digital solutions for clients and their ecosystem stay as areas of keen focus for the Bank. The Bank continues efforts under its initiative ‘Futuremakers by Standard Chartered’ initiative to tackle inequality and promote greater economic inclusion for young people in the community. Standard Chartered has also contributed towards emergency relief and rehabilitation of communities impacted by the recent floods that have caused devastation in Pakistan.

    Commenting on the results, Rehan Shaikh, Chief Executive Officer, Standard Chartered Bank (Pakistan) Limited said, “I am pleased to share our results for the first three quarters of 2022 which clearly reflect strong foundations, enhanced productivity and good headway towards achieving our strategic priorities. The results give me the confidence that we have the right strategy to deliver real value to our clients, our investors and the communities where we operate. I am thankful to our clients and business partners for their ongoing trust in our capabilities and to our associates and colleagues for their commitment, passion and hard work in supporting the Bank in its journey.

    We are investing heavily in our people, giving colleagues the skills they need to succeed, bringing in expertise in critical areas and evolving to a more innovative and agile operating model, as we strive to drive innovation and increase our operational efficiency further. This operational leverage allows us to create capacity to invest in the many exciting and potentially transformational initiatives as the Bank’s pivot to digital continues.

    The external environment remains challenging; however we remain fully committed to delivering a sustainable growth for our shareholders, bringing the best in class services and solutions for our clients and playing our part in the growth story of Pakistan.”

    With a strong Return on Equity (ROE) of 23.5 per cent for the period and a Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) of 17.7 per cent, the Bank remains well positioned for future growth.

  • SBP suspends Mega Currency Exchange Company

    SBP suspends Mega Currency Exchange Company

    KARACHI: State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Thursday suspended the Authorization of an exchange company of ‘B’ category.

    The central bank suspended, with immediate effect, the authorization of an Exchange Company –B namely M/s Mega Currency Exchange Company –B (Pvt) Limited till further orders due to serious violations of State Bank’s regulations and instructions.

    The Exchange Company –B Category, its head office and all branches have been debarred from undertaking any kind of business activity during the suspension period.

  • Dollar climbs to PKR 221.50 on rising political tension

    Dollar climbs to PKR 221.50 on rising political tension

    KARACHI: The US dollar on Wednesday climbed up by 82 paisas against the Pakistani Rupee to PKR 221.50 owing to rising political tension in the country.

    The exchange rate ended with a decline of 82 paisas in rupee value to end at PKR 221.50 to the dollar from previous day’s closing of PKR 220.68 in the interbank foreign exchange market.

    READ MORE: Rupee slips sharply to dollar on PTI long march

    Currency experts said that the announcement of the longa march by Pakistan Tehreek I Insaaf (PTI) had shaken investors’ confidence.

    PTI Chief Imran Khan two days back announced long march against the present government. He announced the rally would begin from Friday October 28, 2022 for an indefinite period.

    Since the announcement of country-wide protest rally the rupee fell PKR 1.77 against the dollar.

    PTI Chief Imran Khan was removed as prime minister through a vote of no confidence by the allied political parties in April this year. Imran Khan claimed that his government was toppled by a conspiracy.

    READ MORE: Rupee recovers to PKR 219.73 against dollar

    Prior to the announcement of the long march, the rupee witnessed recovery against the greenback due to removal of Pakistan name from the grey list of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

    Further, the sentiments were also improved due to commitment of Asian Development Bank (ADB) to finance the country. The ADB approved a financing of $1.5 billion to the country. Currency experts said that the approval of loan program by the ADB helped the rupee to make gain.

    Interestingly, the amount of $1.5 billion was received last night by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). However, the fund transfer also failed to support the local currency.

    READ MORE: Dollar slips to PKR 220.41 on improved economic sentiments

    Previously, the rupee was also supported by contraction in current account deficit during the first quarter of the current fiscal year.

    Pakistan’s current account deficit has recorded a decline of 37 per cent to $2.21 billion during first quarter (July – September) of fiscal year 2022/2023, according to official data released last week.

    The current account deficit of the country was $3.53 billion in the same quarter of the last fiscal year.

    READ MORE: Rupee gains 11 paisas to dollar on ADB loan approval

    Contraction in current account deficit can be attributed to significant fall in trade deficit. The trade deficit also contracted by 21.32 per cent to $9.22 billion during first quarter of the current fiscal year as compared with the deficit of $11.72 billion in the same quarter of the last fiscal year.

    Furthermore, the local currency also received support as the level of foreign exchange reserves were remained flat.

    Pakistan’s weekly foreign exchange reserves increased nominally to $13.251 billion by week ended October 14, 2022 as compared with $13.247 billion a week ago i.e. October 7, 2022.

  • MCB Bank declares highest ever quarterly profit before tax

    MCB Bank declares highest ever quarterly profit before tax

    LAHORE: MCB Bank Limited on Wednesday announced the highest ever quarterly profit before tax of Rs19.05 billion in the third quarter ended September 30, 2022.

    With strong build up in core earnings, MCB’s Profit Before Tax (PBT) for the nine months period ended September 30, 2022 increased to Rs 51.6 billion against PBT of Rs 38.3 billion of corresponding period last year.

    The Board of Directors of MCB Bank Limited (MCB) in its meeting under the Chairmanship of Mian Mohammad Mansha, on October 26, 2022, reviewed the performance of the Bank and approved the interim financial statements for the nine months period ended September 30, 2022.

    The Board of Directors has declared a 3rd interim cash dividend of Rs. 5.0 per share i.e. 50 per cent, in addition to 90 per cent already paid, bringing the total cash dividend for the nine months period ended September 30, 2022 to 140 per cent.

    Retrospective application of tax amendments along with higher tax rates for current period enacted through Finance Act, 2022 resulted into 62 per cent average tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 as compared to average tax rate of 41 per cent for the corresponding period last year. Profit After Tax (PAT) registered a decline of 12 per cent from Rs. 22.6 billion to Rs. 19.9 billion; translating into Earning Per Share (EPS) of Rs. 16.75 compared to an EPS of Rs. 19.03 in corresponding period last year.

    On the back of strong volumetric growth in current account and favourable yield curve movements, net interest income for nine months period ended September 2022 increased by 29 per cent over corresponding period last year. Average current deposits of the Bank registered a growth of Rs. 91.6 billion (+17 per cent) YoY.

    Non-markup income registered a growth of 41 per cent and reported a base of Rs. 20.25 billion against Rs. 14.38 billion in the corresponding period last year. The contribution from foreign exchange line, debit cards, trade business and home remittances remained strong during the period.

    Despite exceptionally high inflation, impact of currency devaluation and continued investments in human resources, branch network and technological upgradation, operating expenses of the Bank were recorded at Rs. 30.52 billion, growing by a modest 16 per cent year on year, while the cost to income ratio significantly improved to 37.3 per cent from 42.5 per cent reported in corresponding period last year.

    Proactive monitoring and recovery efforts led to a net provision reversal against non-performing loans (NPLs) which aggregated to Rs. 1,883 million for the period under review. Persistent focus on maintaining a robust risk management framework encompassing structured assessment models, effective pre-disbursement evaluation tools and an array of post disbursement monitoring systems has enabled MCB to effectively manage its credit risk. The Non-performing loan (NPL) base of the Bank was reported at Rs. 52.47 billion. The Bank has not taken FSV benefit in calculation of specific provision against its NPLs. The coverage and infection ratios of the Bank were reported at 85.14 per cent and 8.37 per cent, respectively.

    On the financial position side, the total asset base of the Bank grew by 5.4 per cent and was reported at Rs. 2,076 billion. Gross advances registered a slight decline of Rs. 9 billion (-1 per cent), whereas the consumer lending book grew by Rs. 4.8 billion (+12 per cent).

    During the period under review, MCB’s strategic objective of achieving growth in no-cost current account base was reinforced by an uncertain and volatile interest rate scenario, leading to persistent re-pricing gaps between the earning assets and liabilities. Hence, the Bank registered a growth of 21 per cent in non-remunerative deposits to close the period at Rs. 680.33 billion. CASA mix was reported at an industry leading level of 93.73 per cent which reflects customer loyalty earned by the Bank over 75 years through sustained provision of quality services.

    MCB attracted home remittance inflows of USD 2,666 million, during the period under review with market share of 11.5 per cent as an active participant in SBP’s cause for improving flow of remittances into the country through banking channels.

    During the ongoing year, the Bank celebrates successful completion of 75 years of its banking services to the nation. From modest beginnings, the Bank has transformed into a dynamic and innovative organization; overcoming a multitude of challenges along the way with resolve and fortitude. Recognition by the globally coveted Asia Money awards as ‘Pakistan’s Best Corporate Bank of the Year’ in 2022 is a testament to its legacy of posting consistent and exceptional performance for its stakeholders.

    While complying with the regulatory capital requirements, the Bank’s total Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) is 17.6 per cent against the requirement of 11.5 per cent (including capital conservation buffer of 1.50 per cent as reduced under the BPRD Circular Letter No. 12 of 2020). Quality of the capital is evident from Bank’s Common Equity Tier-1 (CET1) to total risk weighted assets ratio which comes to 16.47 per cent against the requirement of 6 per cent. Bank’s capitalization also resulted in a Leverage Ratio of 5.62 per cent which is well above the regulatory limit of 3.0 per cent. The Bank reported Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) of 203.85 per cent and Net Stable Funding Ratio (NSFR) of 134.66 per cent against requirement of 100 per cent.

    Pakistan Credit Rating Agency re-affirmed credit ratings of MCB at “AAA / A1+” for long term and short term respectively, through its notification dated June 23, 2022.

    The Bank on consolidated basis is operating the 2nd largest network of more than 1,600 branches in Pakistan and remains one of the prime stocks traded in the Pakistani equity market, with 2nd highest market capitalization in the industry.

  • Rupee slips sharply to dollar on PTI long march

    Rupee slips sharply to dollar on PTI long march

    KARACHI: Pakistani Rupee (PKR) slipped by sharp 95 paisas against the US dollar on Wednesday owing to unstable political situation after a long march announced by PTI Chief Imran Khan.

    Exchange rate recorded 95 paisas decline in rupee value to end at PKR 220.68 from previous day’s closing of PKR 219.73 in the interbank foreign exchange market.

    READ MORE: Rupee recovers to PKR 219.73 against dollar

    Currency experts said that the market participants were in panic after expected political instability in the country.

    PTI Chief Imran Khan a day earlier announced a country-wide protest with a long march towards the federal capital Islamabad. He announced the rally would begin from Friday October 28, 2022 for an indefinite period.

    READ MORE: Dollar slips to PKR 220.41 on improved economic sentiments

    PTI Chief Imran Khan was removed as prime minister through a vote of no confidence by the allied political parties in April this year. Imran Khan claimed that his government was toppled by a conspiracy.

    Prior to the announcement of the long march, the rupee witnessed recovery against the greenback due to removal of Pakistan name from the grey list of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

    Further, the sentiments were also improved due to commitment of Asian Development Bank (ADB) to finance the country. The ADB approved a financing of $1.5 billion to the country. Currency experts said that the approval of loan program by the ADB helped the rupee to make gain.

    READ MORE: Rupee gains 11 paisas to dollar on ADB loan approval

    The ADB in a statement on Friday said that it had approved $1.5 billion in financing to help the Government of Pakistan provide social protection, promote food security, and support employment for its people amid devastating floods and global supply chain disruptions.

    Besides, the rupee was also supported by contraction in current account deficit during the first quarter of the current fiscal year.

    Pakistan’s current account deficit has recorded a decline of 37 per cent to $2.21 billion during first quarter (July – September) of fiscal year 2022/2023, according to official data released last week.

    The current account deficit of the country was $3.53 billion in the same quarter of the last fiscal year.

    READ MORE: Dollar inches up to end at PKR 220.95 in interbank market

    Contraction in current account deficit can be attributed to significant fall in trade deficit. The trade deficit also contracted by 21.32 per cent to $9.22 billion during first quarter of the current fiscal year as compared with the deficit of $11.72 billion in the same quarter of the last fiscal year.

    Furthermore, the local currency also received support as the level of foreign exchange reserves were remained flat.

    Pakistan’s weekly foreign exchange reserves increased nominally to $13.251 billion by week ended October 14, 2022 as compared with $13.247 billion a week ago i.e. October 7, 2022.

  • HBL announces fall in net profit to Rs23.63 billion in nine months

    HBL announces fall in net profit to Rs23.63 billion in nine months

    Habib Bank Limited (HBL) on Wednesday announced 12.42 per cent decline in net profit to Rs23.63 billion for nine months period ended September 30, 2022 as compared with Rs26.98 billion in the same period of the last year.

    Earnings per share (EPS) fell to Rs15.95 for the period as compared with Rs18.21 in the same period of the last year, according to consolidated financial accounts submitted to Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX).

    Board of Directors of Habib Bank Limited met on October 26, 2022 to approve the financial results for nine months and third quarter ended September 30, 2022. The board recommended an interim cash dividend for the third quarter ended September 30, 2022 at Rs1.50 per share i.e. 15 per cent. This is in addition to the interim cash dividend already paid at Rs3.75 per share i.e. 37.5 per cent.

    READ MORE: HBL says allegations meritless

    The decline in net profit of the bank may be attributed to massive increase in tax payment during the period. HBL paid an amount Rs31.97 billion as income tax during January – September 2022 as compared with Rs19.39 billion in the corresponding period of the last year.

    Net mark-up / interest income of the bank grew to Rs116.04 billion in nine months period ended September 30, 2022 when compared with Rs97.15 billion in the same period of the last year.

    READ MORE: HBL comes under scrutiny for assisting terror organizations

    The bank booked huge earnings from foreign exchange income. The foreign exchange income of the bank sharply increased to Rs12.72 billion during January – September 2022 as compared with Rs2.91 billion in the same period of the last year.

    However, the bank incurred massive loss from derivatives which recorded at Rs3.41 billion during the period under review as compared with Rs77 million in the same period of the last year.

    Total income of the bank increased to Rs151.64 billion for nine months ended September 30, 2022 when compared with Rs122.87 billion in the same period of the last year.

    Operating expenses of HBL rose to Rs90.93 billion during first nine months of the year 2022 when compared with Rs70.01 billion in the same period of the last year.

    The bank declared profit before tax at Rs59.19 billion for nine months period ended September 30, 2022 when compared with Rs51.87 billion in the corresponding period of the last year.

  • SBP issues fresh instructions on ATM CCTVs for fraud prevention

    SBP issues fresh instructions on ATM CCTVs for fraud prevention

    KARACHI: State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Wednesday issued fresh instructions regarding installation of Closed Circuit Television (CCTVs) in Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) vestibules and preservation period of visual records.

    The central bank invited attention to Circular No. 02 of 2007 and No. 05 of 2016, FD Circular Letter No. 04 of 2017 whereby regulatory instructions were prescribed inter alia regarding installation of CCTVs in ATMs vestibules and preservation period of visual records.

    READ MORE: Last date extended for exchanging bearer prize bonds to June 30, 2023

    In this regard, it has been decided to issue following instructions with an aim to strengthen the regulatory instructions and standardize the installation of CCTVs, in and around the branch premises of Banks/MFBs, quality and preservation period of visual records of such CCTVs:

    Banks/MFBs are advised to update their Standard Operating Procedure (SoPs) to prescribe and standardize inter alia installation points of CCTVs, within ATM vestibules and around branch premises, minimum preservation period of visual records, quality of cameras deployed including minimum required resolution standards to enable round the clock recording. The installed CCTVs should at least be of six mega pixels.

    READ MORE: SBP announces last date to exchange old design banknotes

    CCTVs, installed within the ATM vestibules, must be directed to record the ATMs users’ activities and to enable regulated entities and Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) facially recognize users, if so required, in investigations of terrorism, fraud and disputed transactions related cases.

    Banks/MFBs, within one month of issuance of this letter, shall update aforesaid SoPs, ensure deployment of CCTVs as prescribed therein and submit a copy of compliance certificate in this regard to the concerned Banking Supervision Department.

    READ MORE: Banking Mohtasib provides Rs639 million relief during 9MCY22

    Banks/MFBs thereafter on continual basis must maintain, at centralized location, monthly record of operational status of CCTVs. Compliance function shall then certify that CCTVs installed in branch network of regulated entity have operated satisfactorily during preceding month as per standards prescribed in SoPs and submit a quarterly report thereof to concerned Banking Supervision Department.

    READ MORE: SBP keeps policy rate unchanged at 15% amid economic deceleration