In a triumph repeat of their Best Consumer Bank win last year, Meezan Bank secured the coveted title of ‘Best Bank’ at the eighth Pakistan Banking Awards 2023, a glittering event held on November 24, 2023, in Karachi.
The ceremony, organized by the Institute of Bankers Pakistan in collaboration with the Dawn Media Group and A.F. Ferguson and Company, saw an increased participation of banks, along with the introduction of two new categories welcoming Fintech companies.
Sharing the news on social media, Meezan Bank expressed delight and thanked its customers and staff for contributing to this achievement. Meezan Bank is one of the largest banks in the country and also among the leading Islamic banks in Pakistan.
State Bank calls for digitalization in banking sector
State Bank Governor Jameel Ahmed took the stage to discuss the imperative of technology in banking, stressing the urgency of embracing digitalization for the financial sector to keep pace with global trends. He talked about the transformative power of digital banking in shaping the industry’s landscape and emphasized challenges in next-generation digital banking, highlighting the importance of cybersecurity to ensure stability and avoid shocks.
Governor Ahmed also voiced concern over the gender gap in financial access, revealing a 3:1 ratio of men to women among account holders. He underscored the need for stability, financial inclusion, and heightened security measures for the sector.
Winners of Pakistan Banking Awards 2023
Habib Bank stood out with a triple win, while Bank Alfalah retained its title as the best digital bank for the second consecutive year. The jury, led by former State Bank governor Saleem Raza, included prominent figures from the banking industry.
- Best Bank: Meezan Bank
- Best Microfinance Bank: HBL Microfinance
- Best Digital Banking: Bank Alfalah
- Best Emerging Bank: Faysal Bank
- Best Bank in Agri Financing: Habib Bank
- Best Bank for Small and Medium Businesses: Bank of Punjab
- Best Fintech (Non-Bank Entity): Haball and NayaPay
- Best Consumer Bank: Habib Bank
- Best Bank for Inclusion: Mobilink Microfinance Bank
- Best Contribution by Non-Bank Entity: National Rural Support Program (NRSP)