Karachi, August 26, 2025 – The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has officially invited applications for its first cohort of the Regulatory Sandbox, a key initiative designed to promote innovation in the country’s financial ecosystem.
Aligned with the SBP Vision 2028, this pioneering cohort will allow participants to test groundbreaking products, services, and delivery mechanisms in a controlled sandbox environment. The central bank has identified three priority themes for this initial phase:
1. Technology-enabled solutions for inward remittances
2. Open Banking frameworks
3. Remote onboarding of merchants
The sandbox offers a safe testing ground where participants can validate their innovative ideas under real market conditions, while SBP ensures regulatory oversight, consumer protection, and financial stability. Feedback from this cohort will assist the central bank in refining policies and strengthening its regulatory approach for emerging financial technologies.
SBP has urged fintech firms, startups, and individual innovators to submit proposals that align with the identified themes. Participation in this sandbox will not only help applicants refine their products but also support the broader goal of enhancing Pakistan’s digital financial ecosystem.
Applications for the first cohort will be accepted between August 25 and October 5, 2025, through SBP’s dedicated email channel. Detailed guidelines, including eligibility and evaluation criteria, have already been issued to guide interested entities through the process.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice.