KARACHI: The future of banking must be measured not only by financial growth, but also by the opportunities it creates for people, businesses and the wider economy.
This was the crux of a conference, ‘RESET 2.0 What Banking Builds’, hosted by Green Peak International in collaboration with the Pakistan Banks Association (PBA) and the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Wednesday.
The conference brought together Pakistan’s top banking executives, policymakers, regulators and financial sector leaders to address critical challenges and opportunities shaping the future of retail banking.
State Bank of Pakistan Deputy Governor Saleem Ullah was the chief guest, while the keynote speakers were Adviser on Special Initiatives to the Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Adnan Pasha and Bank Alfalah President and CEO Atif Bajwa.
Building on the success of RESET 2025, this year’s conference shifted the conversation beyond traditional banking metrics towards the sector’s broader responsibility to enable economic opportunity, support businesses, expand access to finance and build financial security for Pakistanis.
The conference opened with a session on the ‘Retail Banking Leaders Mandate’, where senior executives from leading commercial, Islamic and digital banks discussed industry priorities, structural challenges and the need for collective action.
Five strategic discussions followed, addressing key areas of national economic importance.
Another session on ‘Building People and Culture’ explored the leadership and institutional capabilities required for transformation, while ‘Scaling Digital Lending’ examined how digital payments, transaction data and emerging technologies could unlock responsible credit for underserved segments.
Discussion on ‘Scaling Home Ownership’ focused on overcoming barriers to housing finance, while ‘Scaling Small Businesses’ examined practical solutions to expand SME and agricultural lending, which are critical to employment generation and economic growth. Scaling Saving and Building Wealth highlighted the importance of strengthening Pakistan’s savings culture, broadening investment participation and mobilising long-term capital.
The discussions featured prominent industry leaders, including Pakistan Stock Exchange Chief Executive Farrukh Sabzwari, PBA Chief Operating Officer Mir Nejib Rehman, and representatives from the World Bank Group, alongside senior executives from leading financial institutions.
The event also introduced RESET Radio and RESET Films, extending industry dialogue and knowledge-sharing beyond the conference floor.