MCB PAT of Rs12.8bn

MCB Bank Limited reported a profit before tax (PBT) of Rs26.7 billion and a profit after tax (PAT) of Rs12.8bn, translating into earnings per share (EPS) of Rs10.8, for the quarter ended March 31, 2026. On a consolidated basis, PBT stood at Rs 27.9bn. The first interim cash dividend of Rs9 per share, ie 90pc was also announced, as per a press release.

Net interest income increased by 9pc year-on-year to Rs38.2bn (1Q25: Rs35.2bn), primarily driven by sustained growth in low-cost deposits and effective yield optimisation, despite a relatively lower average policy rate environment. Notably, this represents the highest quarterly net interest income reported by the bank over the past six quarters, reflecting the strength of its funding mix and resilience of core earnings.

Looking ahead, the bank remains well-positioned to deliver sustainable growth, supported by a strong capital base, ample liquidity, diversified revenue streams, and disciplined risk management, while continuing to focus on operational efficiency and customer-centric innovation.

FBL’s net profit of Rs5.2bn

Faysal Bank Limited (FBL) reported profit before tax (PBT) of Rs10.8bn and net profit of Rs5.2bn, translating into earnings per share of Rs3.40 in the first quarter of 2026 that ended on March 31. The bank also declared an interim cash dividend of Rs1.5 per share (15pc), reflecting confidence in its performance and outlook, as per a press release.

FBL maintained a strong balance sheet footing, with total assets reaching Rs1.7tr. The bank remained focused on optimising its deposit mix, with a strategic emphasis on core current accounts, driven by trade and transactional flows across its expanding customer base, leveraging its wide and growing branch network.

Overall, the bank’s performance underscores its strong business fundamentals, prudent risk management, and focused growth strategy, with increasing emphasis on digital and technology-led, customer-centric solutions.

ABHI partners with UAE entities

ABHI, one of the MENAP region’s neobanks of the future and SME-lending fintechs, announced partnerships with two leading UAE entities —Federal Exchange and GCC Exchange, as per a press release. According to a statement issued by the company, ABHI fostered a partnership with the UAE’s Federal Exchange to enhance financial inclusion and cross-border payments across the region.

ABHI’s collaboration with GCC Exchange gives UAE-based workers real-time access to their earned wages and reliable cross-border remittance services. These collaborations mark a significant step in delivering efficient, secure, and real-time financial services to individuals and businesses across the region. These initiatives underscore ABHI’s dedication to leveraging innovative fintech solutions in partnership with trusted financial institutions, ensuring that financial services are not only accessible but also secure, transparent, and reliable.

Increasing convenience

DIB Pakistan and Pocket Money have entered a strategic partnership to enable seamless US Dollar-to-rupee cashouts across Pakistan, bringing a new level of speed, compliance, and convenience to both cross-border home remittances and international transactions for freelancers, as per a press release.

This partnership marks a significant milestone in Pakistan’s digital financial landscape by combining DIB Pakistan’s growing presence and ethical finance with Pocket Money’s user-focused platform. The two companies aim to set a new standard for compliant, accessible cross-border payments. This initiative will bring more of Pakistan’s growing freelance and remote workforce into the formal economy.

Muhammad Ali Gulfaraz, CEO, DIB Pakistan, stated, “DIB is committed to enabling innovative, secure, and ethical financial solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers. Our partnership with Pocket Money represents a meaningful step forward for Pakistan’s digital payments ecosystem, providing a seamless, regulated pathway for US dollar inflows to reach individuals in rupees. We believe this will empower freelancers, remote workers, and families across the country with faster, more reliable access to their earnings, while strengthening the formal economy.”

The collaboration is underpinned by formal regulatory approval: following DIB’s application to the State Bank of Pakistan, the specific use case was sanctioned, establishing a fully compliant and regulated framework for the service.

Published in Dawn, The Business and Finance Weekly, April 27th, 2026