NBP’s Digital Banking

The National Bank of Pakistan recognises and commends the ground-breaking accomplishments of its Digital Champion campaign, as per a press release. The bank deeply appreciates its esteemed digital ambassadors whose unwavering commitment and outstanding efforts were instrumental in successfully directing NBP customers toward adopting digital banking.

The campaign’s success is evidenced by the activation of over 250,000 debit cards through the mobile app in eight months, which was made possible by a massive effort of 7,500 NBP staff from 98pc of the branches.

In just one year, NBP has achieved a 100pc YoY increase in NBP Digital App registrations, as well as 100pc growth in debit card point-of-sale transactions, and over a Rs1tr worth of digital transactions.

Lipton partners with Imtiaz

Lipton Teas and Infusions Pakistan (formerly known as ekaterra), announces a partnership with Imtiaz Supermarket, a national retail chain, marking a significant milestone for both companies and the local channel landscape in Pakistan, as per a press release.

This collaboration signifies a strategic shift in Lipton’s approach, transitioning from “negotiating with a customer” to “creating collective value with a partner.” The transformation has already yielded remarkable results, including a substantial increase in in-store sell-out market shares, the introduction of an Imtiaz-specific pack, and the implementation of captivating call-to-action on shelves.

UBL’s freelancer account

UBL announces the launch of the ‘UBL Freelancer Account’, a new banking solution designed specifically for the growing population of freelancing individuals in the country, as per a press release. The product is envisioned to be a unique value proposition for freelancers, providing them with the freedom and flexibility to bank on their terms while ensuring that their financial needs are met.

As a current account with no initial deposit balance, no minimum balance requirement and simple account opening documentation, customers can conveniently open an account through the bank’s website and branches across the country. Customers can further enjoy various product benefits and preferential services.

IBA’s conference on sustainability

School of Business Studies (SBS), IBA, Karachi, organised an International Conference 2023 on ‘Sustainability: Global & Local Challenges’ at the university’s main campus. Esteemed local and international academicians, researchers, practitioners, students and speakers participated in the conference. Executive Director, IBA Karachi, Dr S Akbar Zaidi, welcomed the scholars and researchers to the conference and anticipated a comprehensive conference where research papers were presented and intellectual discourses held on different aspects of business, entrepreneurship and innovation.

Digitised cheques

Faysal Bank Ltd. and National Institutional Facilitation Technologies (NIFT) have agreed on a digital collaboration roadmap starting with the digitisation of cheque deposits, a significant step towards paperless banking, as per a press release. With a signing ceremony, both the entities will be joining hands to offer customers a secure, convenient, and digital alternative to the traditional paper-based cheques. This initiative of digital cheque deposits, powered by NIFT, will empower Faysal Bank customers to digitise paper cheques via Faysal Bank’s mobile-app providing customers with faster processing times and improved experience.

Sarhad Institute

The Higher Education Commission of Islamabad has issued a NOC in favour of Allied Health Sciences Programmes of Sarhad University, Peshawar, offered through Sarhad Institute of Allied Health Sciences, as per a press release. On the recommendations of the inspection team, which visited the university last month, HEC recognises the Allied Health Sciences Programme.

BoK’s new branches

Bank of Khyber inaugurated two new branches in Islamabad, according to a press release. The bank’s expansion into the sectors I-8 and E-11 marks another milestone in its mission to provide convenient banking services to customers across the country.

Published in Dawn, The Business and Finance Weekly, May 29th, 2023