Mashreq launches digital retail bank in Pakistan

17/09/2025 02:17 AST

Mashreq, one of the leading financial institutions in MENA region, has officially announced the commercial launch of its full services digital retail bank in Pakistan, Mashreq Bank Pakistan.

The bank was launched in the presence of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, in Islamabad. This marks the first full-scale international deployment of Mashreq's award-winning digital banking platform outside the UAE and a pivotal milestone in Pakistan's digital banking journey.

The event was also graced by key state and regulatory dignitaries including Muhammad Aurangzeb, Minister of & Revenue; Jameel Ahmad, Governor, State Bank of Pakistan; Mohammad Sultan Al-Kaitoob, Head of the Economic, Political and Media Affairs in the Embassy of UAE in Pakistan; Lieutenant General Muhammad Munir Afsar, Chairman of NADRA, among others.

The event was attended by Mashreq's global leadership team, led by Chairman, Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair and Group Chief Executive Officer, Ahmed Abdelaal.

Mashreq Bank Pakistan aims to offer unparalleled digital banking solutions, built to be fully Shariah compliant, the bank said. The operations will be powered by state-of-the-art technology, seamless customer experience and a strong commitment to responsible banking. Over the next 5-10 years, Mashreq aims to play a transformative role in the Pakistani banking sector, driving digital transformation, financial inclusion, fostering innovation and job creation, and promoting sustainable development.

Al Ghurair said: "For the UAE, Pakistan remains a natural partner - linked through trade, remittances, and shared regional stability objectives. Building on Mashreq's own longstanding relationship with Pakistan - dating back to the establishment of our representative office in Karachi in 1978, we start a new chapter in our journey, grounded in trust, shaped by regional aspirations, and backed by long-term cooperation. Pakistan is a story of resilience and sustained ambition and we're here because the future is promising, and we want to help build it."

Ahmed Abdelaal, Group Chief Executive Officer of Mashreq, said: "Pakistan holds strategic significance for Mashreq, underpinned by its progressive regulatory framework for digital banking, growing technology adoption, dynamic youth population, and the strong cultural and economic ties that link our nations. These fundamentals resonate deeply with our values and vision for inclusive, technology and innovation-led banking. The launch of our full services digital retail bank reflects our deep belief in the country's digital future and a strong commitment to long-term investment, financial innovation, and inclusive growth. And as we expand globally, Pakistan stands out as a key pillar in our vision to build a digitally empowered, interconnected global financial ecosystem."

Mashreq aims to introduce its key propositions tailored for Pakistanis which will include Mashreq NEO for individuals and Mashreq NEOBiz for SMEs, delivering a 24/7, paperless, and mobile-first banking experience. Customers will benefit from seamless onboarding, zero-fee ATM withdrawals, AI-driven risk controls, free debit cards, setting new benchmarks for digital banking in Pakistan. Mashreq will also enable Overseas Pakistanis in the UAE to open bank accounts in Pakistan and remit funds seamlessly, further strengthening cross-border connectivity. Through its operations, Mashreq aims to accelerate the country's transition to a digitally inclusive, globally connected financial ecosystem.

Fernando Morillo, Group Head of Retail Banking at Mashreq, said: "Pakistan marks the first international market where we are deploying Mashreq's full-service digital retail bank - underscoring our strategy to transform how individuals and businesses experience banking in high-growth economies. Our vision is to go beyond digital convenience and create an ecosystem where consumers, SMEs, and overseas Pakistanis are seamlessly connected to financial opportunities. By embedding our global expertise in retail innovation with local needs, we aim to redefine the standards of inclusion, transparency, and accessibility - positioning Pakistan at the forefront of the region's digital financial transformation."

Mashreq has already committed an overall $100 million by 2025 to support its Pakistan operations through the digital retail bank and its Global Capability Centre, Mashreq Global Network (MGN). Mashreq has been actively investing in the country's talent pool through MGN Pakistan which employs more than 415 professionals across technology, compliance, credit, HR, and customer experience, operating largely on a remote model. Over the coming years, MGN aims to double its workforce, reinforcing Pakistan's role as a hub for scalable digital innovation.

Khaleej Times