SBP Begins Implementing WE-Finance Code With Two-Day Islamabad Workshop

The effort shifts from adoption to an action plan focused on product design, better data, stronger credit appraisal.

Overview

The State Bank of Pakistan, with ADB support, convened signatory banks, regulators and development partners to draft a national action plan for women’s access to credit.
A coalition of 23 financial institutions—including conventional, Islamic and microfinance banks—plus the Pakistan Banks Association is engaged under the Code.
Workshop priorities included gender-intelligent lending products, improved data collection and reporting, and upgraded credit appraisal tailored to women-led enterprises.
Deputy Governor Saleem Ullah said the initiative aligns with SBP’s Strategic Plan 2028 and complements the Banking on Equality policy and digital measures.
Ahead of the workshop, an SBP–ADB roadshow and dialogues with SECP, PTA and SMEDA sought to strengthen policy coordination and expand the implementing coalition.