Pakistan, Karachi – 25 April 2025

HBL today declared a record profit before tax of Rs 36.6 billion for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, 22% higher than in the same period last year. The profit after tax of Rs 16.6 billion is 11% higher despite a 4% higher tax rate applied on the banking sector. EPS for Q1’25 improved from Rs 10.37 in Q1’24 to Rs 11.32. The Bank also declared an Interim Cash Dividend for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025, at Rs. 4.50/- per share i.e., 45.00%.

HBL’s balance sheet stood at Rs 5.9 trillion, with total deposits closing at Rs 4.4 trillion. Domestic deposits increased to Rs 3.7 trillion, led by a growth of Rs 127 billion in current account, driving up the CA mix from 37.3% in Dec’24 to 40.0% in Mar’25. HBL’s lending book closed at Rs 1.9 trillion as domestic advances came off their year-end peak. Nevertheless, our flagship Consumer business continued its growth trajectory, reaching Rs 148 billion.

Despite continuous monetary easing and a 1,000 bps reduction in the policy rate, HBL’s net interest income increased 12% to Rs 68.8 billion. This was achieved by an increase of Rs 454 billion in the average domestic balance sheet and optimization of deposit cost. Non-fund income increased to Rs 21.6 billion, driven by strong contribution from the Treasury business. The fee franchise yet again posted double-digit growth in branch banking and Bancassurance, while the Cards business contributed more than 50% of the total fee. HBL’s total revenue thus increased to Rs 90.4 billion.

Cost optimizing initiatives across the Bank enabled HBL to contain expense growth at a subdued 7%, improving the cost/income ratio by 200 bps to 55.6% in Q1’25. The Tier 1 Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) improved from 14.27% in Dec’24 to 14.51% in Mar’25 on the back of strong profitability; Total CAR increased from 17.70% to 17.88% over the same period. The CAR ratios remain well above the required levels.

Commenting on the Bank’s performance, Muhammad Nassir Salim, President & CEO – HBL, said, “The robust financial performance points to the soundness of our business strategy in a competitive market, while prioritizing client centricity. Our key focus areas, especially in agriculture, SMEs, digital services and sustainability continue to play a vital role in our success. We remain dedicated to improving lives, advancing financial inclusion and promoting sustainable development to ensure the enduring prosperity of Pakistan’s future.”

Delivering value for stakeholders

HBL has entered into a strategic collaboration with Google to launch Google Wallet for its cardholders. HBL cardholders can add their credit/debit cards to Google Wallet on both Android and Wear OS devices. This reinforces the Bank’s dedication to innovative and secure digital payment solutions.

HBL is fully committed to growing the “S” of SME business in a significant and sustainable way. The SME business rolled out structure of SME-centric branches and trade business centers to strengthen outreach and deepen focus on the SME segment.

The Bank successfully completed the solarization of 25 high fuel-consuming branches, reinforcing its commitment to reducing carbon emissions. To date, over 360 branches and offsite ATMs have been transitioned to solar energy.

HBL remains a thought leader in the Pakistan market with its latest initiative, a collaboration with S&P Global, to launch the HBL S&P Global PMI® (Purchasing Managers’ Index™) series for Pakistan. This index will provide valuable monthly data and timely insights into the overall economic health of Pakistan’s manufacturing sector and enhance transparency leading to investor confidence.

This year, HBL is celebrating a decade of HBLPSL. As the biggest sporting event in the country, HBLPSL has played a transformative role in both cricket and nation building. As part of its continued efforts to engage with the youth, FanTunes, a groundbreaking fan engagement initiative was launched for the first time in Pakistan allowing fans to create their own unique HBLPSL songs using Artificial Intelligence (AI).

In recognition of the Bank’s leadership, performance, and innovative approach, HBL has been honored with prestigious accolades this quarter including ‘Best Investment Bank for 2025’ by Global Finance, ‘Best Investment Bank (Domestic)’ by the Finance Asia Awards 2025 and ‘Best Sukuk House’ by Euromoney Islamic Finance Awards 2024.

Muhammad Aurangzeb, President & CEO – HBL along with valued clients and senior leadership of the Bank at the inauguration of HBL Prestige Lounge located in Sialkot

Sialkot – 17 November 2021:

HBL inaugurated its new Prestige Lounge located in Sialkot. This is the first HBL Prestige Lounge in the city and the twelfth across the country with future plans to expand the Prestige footprint. The inauguration was led by Muhammad Aurangzeb, President & CEO – HBL. Valued clients and senior leadership of the Bank was also present on the occasion.

HBL Prestige provides a world-class banking experience to high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs). This exclusive proposition offers tailor made solutions through dedicated digital and physical channels including portfolio managers who provide personalized banking services to their clients. The state-of-the-art Prestige Lounges are located strategically in high visibility areas of key cities.

Commenting on the occasion, Muhammad Aurangzeb, President & CEO – HBL said, “HBL is delighted to be offering its exclusive Prestige clientele with an incomparable value proposition in Sialkot. The Sialkot HBL Prestige branch is the first of its kind outside Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, and will provide par excellence financial services to its high-net-worth clientele. We hope to remain true to HBL Prestige’s motto of “With you, in what you value.”

The agreement was signed by Adnan Pasha, Chief of Staff to the President & CEO – HBL and Faisal Bilal, Founder – GROWTECH services. Other senior members from both the organizations were also present on the occasion.

Islamabad:

HBL entered into a strategic partnership with GROWTECH Services, a leading agriculture technology company operative in Pakistan. Through this agreement, GROWTECH Services will provide technological solutions to HBL to tackle the agricultural challenges faced by farmers.

The agreement was signed by Adnan Pasha Siddiqui, HBL Chief of Staff to the President & CEO – HBL and Faisal Bilal, Founder – GROWTECH Services. The ceremony was attended by GROWTECH co-founders Shahnawaz Mahmood and Abdul Rahan Mahmood, along with Sohail Saraj, Head - North Branch Banking – HBL.

GROWTECH is working on a scientific basis with its own team of agronomists to remotely guide farmers with their analysis and recommendations. Through this collaboration, farmers that are working with HBL will have access to state-of-the-art, technology-driven solutions provided by GROWTECH including remote sensing-based services. These will help to solve agricultural land problems, determination of pesticide infestation in affected areas, crop health and nutrition needs. Furthermore, supplemental recommendations will also be made available on an ongoing basis to the HBL pilot farmers via HBL’s Development Finance agronomists to help further optimize crop yield.

GROWTECH has been providing its services to corporates and individual farmers across the country. It has also developed an application by the name of GROWPAK which is providing various functionalities, including a marketplace or eShops for farmers.

The HBL team also visited the assembly line of DIGIT smartphones, partner of GROWTECH and appreciated the efforts to locally assemble affordable smartphones, Pakistan ka Smartphone, for the masses and farmers who can be the potential users of such phones for digital inclusion.

Commenting on the partnership, Adnan Pasha, Chief of Staff to the President & CEO – HBL said, “HBL’s strategic Development Finance initiative and its contribution to the Agri value chain is the bedrock of Pakistan’s economy and will contribute towards job creation and food security by deploying best practices in agronomy combined with tech and mechanized solutions. As a result of HBL’s strategy, farmer’s productivity has significantly increased. This partnership with GROWTECH is in line with HBL’s vision of financial inclusion and will further the development of the agricultural landscape in Pakistan.”

The Bank also wins Best Bank for Small & Medium Businesses award at the Pakistan Banking Awards 2021

Muhammad Aurangzeb, President & CEO - HBL (second from right) receiving the award for ‘Best Bank 2021’ on behalf of HBL from Reza Baqir, Governor - State Bank of Pakistan (third from left) at the Pakistan Banking Awards 2021.

Karachi – 29 October 2021:

HBL wins Pakistan’s Best Bank award 2021 at the Pakistan Banking Awards held in Karachi on 29 October 2021. The Best Bank award recognizes the bank that has demonstrated the most significant contribution to national development and the most effective management of its resources including their employees, clients, franchise, community and financials. PBA also recognizes HBL as the Best Bank for Small & Medium Businesses for its strong performance, diversification and quality of SME lending nationwide.

The Institute of Bankers Pakistan (IBP) in partnership with The DAWN Media and A.F. Ferguson & Co. annually come together to conduct the Pakistan Banking Awards. This year the Awards were adjudged by a 5-member jury of experts comprising of Syed Salim Raza, Former Governor - State Bank of Pakistan, Naved A. Khan, Former President / CEO - Faysal Bank Limited, Dr. Zeelaf Munir, MD & CEO - English Biscuit Manufacturers (Pvt.) Ltd., Azhar Hamid, Former Banking Mohtasib Pakistan & Former Country Head - SCB Pakistan and Shehzad Naqvi, Former Regional Head - Citibank Middle East and Pakistan.

Reza Baqir, Governor - State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) was the Chief Guest at the ceremony. Key stakeholders of Pakistan’s banking and financial fraternities were also present on the occasion.

Commenting on the occasion, Muhammad Aurangzeb, President & CEO - HBL said, “The Best Bank Award 2021 is a testament to HBL’s commitment to financial excellence and contribution towards national development. This win is dedicated to our staff and clients whose continued patronage and confidence in HBL have enabled us to win the Best Bank of Pakistan 2021. HBL continues to consolidate its leadership position on all business fronts, while, shaping the financial industry of Pakistan.”

Karachi – 15 October 2021:

HBL today declared a consolidated profit before tax of Rs 46.4 billion for 9M’21, a growth of 8% over the same period last year. Profit after tax increased to Rs 27.0 billion, with earnings per share increasing to Rs 18.21 in 9M’21 compared to Rs 17.17 in 9M’20. The Bank declared an Interim Cash Dividend for the third quarter ended September 30, 2021 at Rs 1.75/- per share i.e. 17.5%. This is in addition to the Interim Cash Dividend already paid at Rs 3.5/- per share i.e. 35%.

HBL has the industry’s largest balance sheet which further increased to Rs 4.1 trillion, in the nine months of 2021. This was achieved by continued strong growth in deposits, which increased by more than Rs 330 billion (12%) during 2021 to Rs 3.2 trillion; the Bank’s industry leading current account book exceeded Rs 1.1 trillion. With HBL ready and willing to lend in support of economic growth, domestic advances continued to increase, rising by 9.0% over Dec’20 and surpassing Rs 1.1 trillion. Our flagship Consumer assets have continued their strong, well-managed growth and crossed Rs 95 billion in the current quarter. With international franchises on a growth trajectory, HBL’s total advances increased by 12% over Dec’20, to Rs 1.4 trillion.

HBL registered total revenue of Rs 123 billion as the strong growth in fees and balance sheet volumes were able to offset the impact of industry-wide margin compression. The Bank recorded a net interest income of Rs 97.2 billion, driven by a Rs 400 billion growth in average balance sheet volumes. Fee income showed an impressive growth of 34% to Rs 17.9 billion, driven by stellar performance from the Cards and Consumer businesses and a strong growth in domestic trade volumes which surpassed the $10 billion mark for the first time.

Total expenses remained flat year-on-year despite the Bank’s continued investment in technology and digital initiatives and in contributing to Pakistan’s economic growth and development. The Bank’s cost to income ratio (excluding capital gains) thus reduced from 60.9% in 9M’20 to 57.7% in in 9M’21.

Commenting on the Bank’s performance, Muhammad Aurangzeb, President & CEO – HBL said, “HBL maintained its robust performance across all business fronts and continued its strong business momentum in Q3 2021. The period saw significant gains, owing to the Bank’s strong core banking performance, transformative digitalization efforts, strategic partnerships and groundbreaking interventions on financial inclusion and development finance initiatives.”

The Bank remains a market leader in personal loans, merchant acquiring, credit cards and debit cards. The throughput of both debit and credit cards was over Rs 129 billion, up by 63% over the same period last year. The Bank’s merchant acquiring business has the largest Point of Sale network of 35,000 terminals in the country and recorded a growth of 50% by managing a throughput of Rs 125 billion which is the highest in the country.

The Bank’s SME and Rural Banking businesses have an Advances portfolio of Rs 58 billion and Rs 38 billion respectively which is a testament of the Bank’s commitment to serve the real sectors of the economy. SME trade volume recorded a YoY growth of 23%. Supporting the country’s agenda to promote exports, the export trade volume recorded a YOY growth of 28%.

HBL crossed Rs 1 billion for disbursements in the Dairy financing business. The Bank also became the first bank in the country to lend against an Electronic Warehouse Receipt, thereby enhancing financial inclusion of the supply chain ecosystem.

HBL serves 6 million clients globally to make their payments through the Bank’s cutting-edge digital platforms. HBL Mobile and Internet Banking has maintained its leadership position, with a record milestone of more than 7 million transactions and throughput of Rs 100 billion in a single month.

Konnect by HBL, the Bank’s branchless banking platform, continued its momentum, doubling transactions to 49 million and volumes reaching Rs 707 billion in Q3 2021. A focused strategy led to a 41% increase in in-app registrations and 32% increase in overall account portfolio. Konnect has strengthened its digital product offering with the launch of ‘Gulak’ – a first of its kind digital saving product.

Financial inclusion is at the heart of HBL’s business philosophy which manifested itself with the continuation of the Ehsaas Kafalat Program and the Punjab Agri Kissan Card mandate. Konnect by HBL has impacted 1.4 million farmers, and digitally empowered 460,000 of them through the Kissan Cards.

HBL has been pursuing its client centricity agenda aggressively across multiple client segments.

The Roshan Digital Account (RDA) portfolio maintained its growth momentum and has been ranked # 1 in accounts opened across the industry with a market share of 20%. HBL has brought in close to $330 million through the proposition.

HBL Prestige, a banking proposition for High-Net-Worth Individuals, expanded its footprint to 8 touch points in Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad. HBL Prestige has delivered positive results with 25% growth in the portfolio through an incremental deposit of Rs 4.2 billion within 6 months of launch.

HBL Islamic Banking is operating over 250 dedicated branches, the 4th largest Islamic banking network in the country. Islamic Banking continues to focus on Commercial and SME businesses by expanding trade hubs to provide ease of service to these segments.

The HBL Development Finance team through its pilot programs have delivered enhanced yields for farmers. The Bank scaled up its Development Finance 2020 proof-of-concept interventions by over 30 times through mid-scale pilots led by field-based, full-time agronomists who use handheld tablets to digitally on-board farmers onto HBL Pay. Pilot projects of over 3,200 acres (maize crop) were completed and over 7,200 acres (rice crop) will be completed with the harvest in October, followed by the wheat and potatoes pilots in Q3 over 7,000 acres.

HBL Corporate, Commercial & Investment Banking Group closed a first of its kind Syndicated Transaction of Rs 7.5 billion to develop a real estate project. Additionally, the Bank also closed the largest rights issue in the domestic corporate sector of Rs 11.6 billion. The Bank continues to pursue infrastructure projects under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode.

HBL’s presence in China has also played a significant role in enhancing trade flows as over 43% of CNY trade has been routed through HBL China, delivering on the strategy of developing trade corridors utilizing the Bank’s network presence.

Q3 2021 saw the Bank celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the HBL Plaza building, an iconic landmark of the country.

HBL in collaboration with the Government of Sindh set up a COVID-19 Drive-through Vaccination Facility in Karachi. More than 28,000 citizens have so far been vaccinated. The Bank remains committed to the Government of Pakistan’s vision of Sustainable Development; during Q3 2021, as its contribution to the 10 billion Tree Plantation initiative, HBL commenced a plantation drive with the Federal Minister for Climate Change and members of the diplomatic community.

During Q3 2021, HBL won multiple awards from international and local publications/platforms. These include, among others, the awards for contribution to the Roshan Digital Account initiative, Equity Deal of the Year, Best Acquisition Financing, Best Corporate Sukuk and the Environment Excellence Award. Moreover, the Bank also won the Best Mobile Bank Application Award and was also recognized as the # 1 Primary Dealer in Government Securities by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) for a second year in a row.

Jamal Nasir, Chief Human Resources Officer – HBL (sitting left) and Anwar Fareid, Chief Innovation and Commercialization Officer – NUST (sitting right) signed the agreement. Senior members from both the organizations were also present on the occasion

Karachi – 7 October 2021:

HBL and National University of Science and Technology (NUST) entered into a strategic partnership to identify and bridge the gaps between academia and industry. The partnership is in line with the Bank’s commitment to strengthen its connection with its academic partners present in Pakistan and internationally.

The agreement was signed by Jamal Nasir, Chief Human Resources Officer – HBL and Anwar Fareid, Chief Innovation and Commercialization Officer – NUST. Senior members from both the organizations were also present on the occasion.

Through this alliance, HBL will work closely with NUST to get insights on the cutting-edge technologies in addition to offering students the opportunity to experience real life industry challenges through structured internships, projects, workshops and regular interaction with HBL professionals.

The Bank will also mentor NUST students in their entrepreneurship competitions and help in initiating new entrepreneurial ventures focused on diversity and inclusion.

Commenting on the occasion, Jamal Nasir, Chief Human Resources Officer – HBL said, “HBL is committed to working with the academia to keep abreast with the latest research methodologies. This collaboration will enable the Bank to make use of various interventions and work with students from NUST, providing them with innumerable learning opportunities as well as foster their professional development and growth.”

​Muhammad Aurangzeb, President & CEO – HBL along with valued clients and senior leadership of the Bank at the inauguration of HBL Prestige Lounge located in Gulberg, Lahore.

​Lahore, September 29, 2021

​HBL inaugurated its new Prestige Lounge located in Gulberg, Lahore. This is the third HBL Prestige Lounge in the city and the eighth across the country with future plans to expand the Prestige footprint. The inauguration was led by Muhammad Aurangzeb, President & CEO – HBL. Valued clients and senior leadership of the Bank was also present on the occasion.

HBL Prestige provides a world-class banking experience to high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs). This exclusive proposition offers tailored solutions through dedicated digital & physical channels and portfolio managers who provide personalized banking services to its clients. The state-of-the-art Prestige Lounges are located strategically in high visibility areas of key cities.

Commenting on the occasion, Muhammad Aurangzeb, President & CEO – HBL said, “HBL is committed to providing a wide array of financial services to its extensive clientele. HBL Prestige is exclusively designed to meet the financial and lifestyle needs of the Bank’s high-net-worth clients, providing them with par excellence services. HBL Prestige promises to deliver an incomparable value proposition with a number of industry firsts as it remains true to its motto of ‘With you, in what you value’.”

Muhammad Aurangzeb, President & CEO - HBL (sitting on the left) and Farrukh Khan, MD & CEO PSX (sitting on the right) signing the agreement on behalf of their organizations.

​Karachi, April 22, 2021

A Gong Ceremony was held at Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) to welcome HBL on-board as a Market Maker for debt securities on PSX. An agreement was signed between PSX and HBL today at PSX Trading Hall whereby HBL becomes Market Maker for debt instruments listed on PSX. The agreement was signed between Mr. Farrukh H. Khan, MD & CEO, Pakistan Stock Exchange, and Mr. Muhammad Aurangzeb, President & CEO- HBL. Also present at the ceremony were the Board of Directors of PSX and senior management of both the organizations.

​On this occasion, Mr. Farrukh Khan, the MD & CEO of PSX, said, “This is a very important step in developing collaboration between the banking sector and capital markets. Development of debt markets is an important strategic objective of PSX and critical for the economic growth of Pakistan. Hence, it is a very positive development that the largest bank of Pakistan is coming onboard as designated Market Maker for debt securities listed on PSX. Habib Bank, which was also the first company to be listed on the Stock Exchange, is now going to act as market maker for corporate and government debt securities listed on PSX”. He further stated, “We are confident that Habib Bank as market maker will add to the depth and development of the debt capital market of Pakistan. I congratulate and welcome HBL in their new role as Market Maker”.

​Mr. Muhammad Aurangzeb, President & CEO - HBL, added, “Today’s signing ceremony marks the commencement of a market-making relationship between HBL and the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX). This is a historic moment, and we are grateful for PSX’ continued trust in the Bank. The arrangement allows investors to buy and sell debt securities with HBL willing to act as a buyer and/or seller. This will not only increase the attraction for debt instruments as an investable asset and add greater liquidity to the Exchange but will also pave the way to enhance the outreach of the debt market. We look forward to building a strong relationship with the Pakistan Stock Exchange and continue to play our role in developing the economy of the country.”

​Market Makers perform the crucial role of providing liquidity and depth to the market by facilitating investors to buy & sell securities through continuously quoting two-way prices, i.e., bid and offer prices.

​From Left to Right (sitting): Farid Alam, CEO - AKD Securities, Aamir Irshad, Head - Corporate, Commercial & Investment Banking - HBL, Fayyaz Ahmad Jarral, CFO - FF Steel, Saad Ur Rahman Khan, Group Head - Corporate, Investment Banking and International Business - Bank Alfalah and Atif M. Khan, CEO - Alfalah CLSA.

From Left to Right (standing): ​Aqeel Karim Dhedhi, Chairman - AKD Securities, Muhammad Aurangzeb, President & CEO - HBL, Zarak K. Khattak, CEO - FF Steel, Nauman Wazir, Chairman - FF Steel, Atif Bajwa, President & CEO - Bank Alfalah and Ali Ansari, Chairman - Alfalah CLSA.

​Karachi, September 27, 2021

​Frontier Foundry Steel (FF Steel), one of Pakistan’s leading and fastest growing steel manufacturers and Financial Advisory Consortium held a signing ceremony for the award of mandate for the upcoming listing of FF Steel on Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX).

A Financial Advisory Consortium (FAC), comprising of HBL, Bank Alfalah Limited, AKD Securities Limited, and Alfalah CLSA Securities Private Limited, has been engaged to advise the Company for listing at the local bourse.​

Nauman Wazir, Chairman - FF Steel, Zarak K. Khattak, CEO - FF Steel, Muhammad Aurangzeb, President & CEO – HBL, Atif Bajwa, President & CEO - Bank Alfalah, Aqeel Karim Dhedhi, Chairman - AKD Securities, Ali Ansari, Chairman – Alfalah CLSA, and other senior team members of the FAC were present at the ceremony. The FAC together holds strong credentials with access to deep-rooted capital market investor base, both domestically and internationally.​

Incorporated in 1986, FF Steel produces top quality Grade-60 steel bars having plants in Peshawar and Lahore and ranks amongst the top three rebar manufacturers in Pakistan. The Company also intends to explore different opportunities in the South region. FF Steel, with its focus on achieving efficiency and capturing growth opportunities, has undertaken backward integration at its Lahore plant. The Company has also heavily invested in its IT infrastructure and boasts state of the art ERP system.​

Furthermore, FF Steel, due to its superior quality and strong brand value has already started exploring diversification into copper export business and steel bars export avenues regionally due to its favorable positioning (proximity to Central Asian countries), which can potentially unlock significant value for the Company in the future.​

Commenting on the occasion, Nauman Wazir, Chairman - FF Steel said, “Over the past 3 decades, FF Steel has built strong foundations through its systems and policies, team and market penetration; I am confident of a prosperous and secure future of the Company and its stakeholders. With the assistance of such a strong and professional FAC of HBL, BAFL, AKD and Alfalah CLSA, FF Steel will, Insha’Allah, be making a historic and one of the largest ever private sector IPOs in Pakistan”.​