Finance & Market

  Presently, Habib Bank Limited (HBL) had proclaimed its contract with Barclays Bank PLC to acquire Barclays banking business in Pakistan. This acquisition was accepted through the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and from June 15, 2015 the country business of Barclays Bank PLC has been amalgamated with and into Habib Bank. HBL now has worldwide footprints in 29 states counting China. Habib Bank works intimately with institutions such as …

  Pakistan’s banking sector reforms which were started in the early 1990s have transformed the sector into a well-organized, strong and sound banking system. It is playing a significant role in economic development and setting a performance status of the state. Still it needs to play a larger role in mobilizing local’s savings, which are critical to grow its entire investment stages. State Bank of Pakistan needs to make sure …

  Islamic funds have actually provided a window to a number of individuals, who were previously reluctant to invest because of their religious beliefs. In adherence with principles of Shariah compliance these funds and their usage play key role in the global economy, covering the financial needs of the currently underserved Muslim population. Unfortunately, this Islamic financing are facing numerous challenges for its growth in the country and still at …

  Bank Alfalah launches visa corporate credit cards The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP)’s online fee submission facility, launched this year has gained currency and now the Commission has been regularly receiving fee through credit cards from various countries such as Belize, Hong Kong, Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, UAE, UK and USA. The SECP introduced the facility for online payment of fee through credit cards in its eServices …

  Credit cards promote the concept of plastic money whereby a user can purchase any product or service without having to carry cash. Credit cards allow secure method of payment online. Large payments e.g. fridge, television, furniture, airline tickets, expenses on international travel are done through credit cards. Through the usage is quite prevalent in Western markets where credit cards have replaced currency altogether, in Pakistan credit cards are seen …

  Standard chartered makes it digitally innovative Credit cards — in fact a way of borrowing and looks attractive when one goes to have one for purchasing goods and obtaining other services but however the attraction of the card evaporates as soon as it piles up the debt beyond ones capacity to payback. It is a facility to be used productively for the good of the holder and not to …

  The latest federal budget for the fiscal year 2015-2016 has been recently revealed out of which the outlay is 91 per cent higher than what was revised earlier in the fiscal year. The Finance Minister, Mr. Ishaq Dar presenting the budget 2015-16 to the National Assembly claimed that the budget does include measures with respect to employment, improving the exports of the country as well as focusing on helping …

  The government has announced the budget for the year 2015-16 which is being met with mixed reviews. Some believe that the budget will increase inflation there by squeezing the middle class while others have their own opinion on each of the economic sectors. In addition, this year’s tax has brought in some of new sectors under the tax net. Summary of the budget for 2014-15 and key features with …

  The first-ever biggest financing of local banks in the history of Pakistan Presidents of Habib Bank Limited (HBL) and National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) in a meeting with Chief Minister Punjab Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif presented an offer to countersign the project financing amounting to Rs84 billion to set up 1,200 megawatts LNG-based power plant at Bhikki Sheikhupura, which would be the first of its kind project and the biggest …

  Monetary policy review reduces policy rate by 100bps A dramatic cut of 100bps in policy rate for the banking industry bringing the interest discount rate from 8 percent to 7 percent indicates the firm resolve of the government to give a jump start to the economy and also an effort to become the first in financial history by reducing the rate to a historic low in Pakistan. The trade …