If you are into online banking or entrepreneur or running online business in Pakistan, here is a list of most credible and user-friendly banks that you should opt for your online business in 2020.
Although there are several reputable banks in Pakistan to open your accounts with some of these should be considered all-time best in terms of their excellent services and customer relationship. Before getting to know about these banks, here is an overview of the banking sector in Pakistan.
Overview of Banking Sector in Pakistan
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) is the country’s central bank. It was incorporated under the State Bank of Pakistan Act, 1956. The central bank is responsible for regulating liquidity and ensuring the soundness of the country’s financial system. Banks in Pakistan fall under the supervision of the SBP.
Types of Banks in Pakistan
The different types of banks in Pakistan include:
- Commercial banks
- Exchange banks
- Industrial banks
As per the report, Pakistan’s banking system is stable, due to rapid economic growth and stable funding from high liquidity levels and customer deposits. However, domestic banks face challenges from their substantial low-rated Pakistan government bond holdings, as well as high asset risks and modest capital levels, according to the rating agency.
Top 5 Banks of Pakistan for online banking
Here are some of the top and the most credible banks of Pakistan in terms of online banking.
National Bank of Pakistan
Founded in 1949, the National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) is an independent organization and is headquartered in Karachi, Pakistan. It has operations focused on consumer banking, corporate banking, investment banking, and offers loans and savings services.
The bank operates through more than 1,450 branches in Pakistan. In 2017, the firm had assets of USD 17 billion and a net profit of USD 160 million.
Bank Alfalah
Headquartered in Karachi, Bank Alfalah is a private bank owned by Abu Dhabi Group. Founded in 1992, the bank commenced banking operations in 1997. It provides banking and financial services to consumers, corporations, institutions, and governments in Pakistan, the Asia Pacific region, and the Middle East. It operates through Retail Banking, Corporate Banking, Treasury, Consumer Banking, Islamic Banking, International Operations, Retail Brokerage, Asset Management, and Others segments.
The bank operated more than 475 conventional banking branches, including 18 sub-branches, 10 overseas branches, 153 Islamic banking branches, and an offshore banking unit.
As of 2016, the bank’s total assets amounted to US$8.29 billion and net profit reached US$71.42 million.
Standard Chartered
Founded in 2006, Standard Chartered Pakistan operates as a wholly-owned subsidiary of UK-based Standard Chartered Bank. The bank comprises Corporate and Institutional Banking, Commercial Banking, Retail Banking, and Central & Other Items segments.
The bank managed a network of 101 branches in Pakistan and still growing. Moreover, it reported total assets of US$4.2 billion and a net profit of US$87 million.
Habib Bank
Based out of Karachi, Habib Bank was established in 1941. It operates through Branch Banking, Corporate Banking, Treasury, and International Banking segments. With around 17,000 employees, it manages a network of 1,677 branches, including 45 Islamic banking branches in Pakistan, as well as 54 branches in other countries. As of 2016, the bank’s total assets were US$24 billion and net loss was US$129 million.
Meezan Bank
Founded in 1997, Meezan Bank offers Islamic services as one of the commercial banks in Pakistan. It operates through Corporate Finance, Trading and Sales, Retail Banking, Corporate and Commercial Banking, Agency Services, and Payment and Settlement segments. The Karachi City-based bank employs around 9,000 employees and oversees 571 branches in 146 cities in Pakistan. In 2016, Meezan Bank posted total assets of US$5.94 billion and a net profit of US$50 million.
This article has been updated on November 17, 2020
