Bank of Punjab partners with SME Finance Forum for SME growth

The Bank of Punjab, a leading player in Pakistan's small and medium enterprise (SME) banking sector, has joined hands with the SME Finance Forum (SMEFF) managed by the International Finance Corporation (IFC). SMEFF, a global network dedicated to enhancing access to finance for SMEs worldwide, has welcomed the Bank of Punjab as its sole commercial bank member from Pakistan.

Boasting assets worth approximately Rs2.2 trillion and a vast network of 815 branches across Pakistan, the Bank of Punjab has earned acclaim for its outstanding SME banking services. The bank's excellence in this field has been acknowledged through prestigious accolades, such as being named the 'Best SME Bank in Pakistan' at various international forums.

Upon securing membership with SMEFF, Mr. Zafar Masud, the President and CEO of the Bank of Punjab, expressed his excitement about the collaboration. He emphasized the bank's dedication to empowering small and medium enterprises by offering innovative financial solutions in partnership with SME Finance Forum.

Mr. Qamar Saleem, Head of SMEFF, extended a warm welcome to the Bank of Punjab, highlighting the bank's forward-thinking approaches in data utilization, sustainability, digital solutions, and agriculture finance. These initiatives resonate with SMEFF's mission of driving positive change in emerging markets.

Both the Bank of Punjab and SMEFF share a common goal of nurturing SME growth. As a member of SMEFF, the Bank of Punjab is poised to leverage global best practices, product innovation, risk management tools, and strategic alliances to attract investments and gain visibility within a global network of innovators and collaborators.

The partnership between the Bank of Punjab and SME Finance Forum signifies a significant step towards enhancing SME banking in Pakistan and beyond. By combining their expertise and resources, these entities aim to create a more conducive environment for small and medium enterprises to thrive, ultimately contributing to economic growth and prosperity.