​Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho - Minister of Health & Population Welfare - Sindh, Saeed Ghani - Minister of Information & Labour - Sindh and Muhammad Aurangzeb, President & CEO- HBL inaugurating the HBL Drive-Through Vaccination Facility at the National Stadium, Karachi. Present at the occasion were Dr. Palitha Mahipala–WHO Representative and Head of Mission in Pakistan, senior government officials and executives from the organizations.

​Karachi, August 13, 2021

HBL in collaboration with the Government of Sindh inaugurated a COVID-19 Drive-through Vaccination Facility at the National Stadium Karachi. The facility will be operational from 10 AM to 10 PM daily and citizens will be able to avail this drive-through facility, free of charge. The vaccination is being undertaken by the Aga Khan Health Services (AKHS) team.

Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho - Minister of Health & Population Welfare, Government of Sindh, was the chief guest at the inauguration. Saeed Ghani – Minister of Information and Labour, Government of Sindh, Dr. Palitha Mahipala – WHO Representative, Head of Mission in Pakistan, and Senior Government representatives from the Ministry of Health as well as the District Management team graced the occasion. Muhammad Aurangzeb, President & CEO – HBL, along with senior executives of the Bank represented HBL at the inauguration.

The facility has been set up to support the Government of Sindh’s ongoing efforts to contain the COVID-19 pandemic and encourage vaccination across the city.

HBL undertook the largest vaccination drive for any corporate entity in the country as part of its #HBLCares initiative. More than 11,000 staff members and their families were vaccinated in Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, and Multan.

Muhammad Aurangzeb, President & CEO – HBL, commenting on the occasion, said, “HBL is proud to extend its support to the Government of Sindh in accelerating its efforts towards immunization of the people of Karachi. The HBL Drive-Through Vaccination Facility is one of the many initiatives that the Bank has undertaken to combat the COVID-19 crisis in the country. I would urge everyone to get themselves and their loved ones vaccinated.”

17 February 2021

HBL today declared a consolidated profit after tax of Rs. 30.9 billion for the year ended December 31, 2020, double that for the same period last year. The Bank’s earnings per share increased to Rs. 21.06 compared to Rs. 10.45 for 2019. Profit before tax recorded a growth of 84% over 2019 to Rs. 53.0 billion. Along with the results, the Board declared a final Cash Dividend for the year ended December 31, 2020 at Rs. 3/- per share i.e. 30%. This is in addition to the Interim Dividend already paid at Rs. 1.25/- per share i.e. 12.5%.​

HBL grew its domestic deposits by a phenomenal Rs. 400 billion, with market share increasing to over 14%. An increase of over Rs. 100 billion in current and more than over Rs. 200 billion in savings accounts resulted in strong CA and CASA ratios of 35.0% and 86.6% respectively; HBL’s total deposits increased to Rs. 2.8 trillion. Domestic advances crossed a landmark of Rs. 1.0 trillion and the Consumer lending portfolio, in particular, showed an excellent performance, crossing Rs. 75 billion.

Helped by the strong balance sheet growth, HBL’s total revenue set a new record, crossing Rs. 160 billion. The Bank improved its cost to income ratio from 73.5% in 2019 to 58.5% in 2020 and the infection ratio improved to an all-time low of 6.3%. HBL’s CAR, which now stands at 17.2%, is well above regulatory requirements.

Commenting on the Bank’s performance, Muhammad Aurangzeb, President & CEO, HBL said, “The Bank had a stellar year in which all key indicators remained on an upward trajectory, and the domestic franchise delivered record profits. The international business has also shown signs of a turnaround in Q4’20 with revenues trending upward. Moreover, HBL is actively working on financial inclusion initiatives through significant investments in technology and digitalization efforts. During 2020, HBL remained conscious of its responsibility to support its customers and the broader economy, especially during these testing times.”

The Bank’s journey towards becoming a “Technology Company with a Banking License,” has accelerated as it witnessed an increase in its digital transaction volume. There was a 93% increase in HBL Mobile and Internet Banking transactions volume and a 157% uptake in Konnect by HBL, the Bank’s branchless banking platform. Through ‘HBL Pay’ all onboarding and payment solutions for businesses were consolidated under a single platform. Collectively, HBL managed a throughput of Rs. 7 trillion in 2020, a growth of over 34% vs 2019.

Financial inclusion is at the core of HBL’s business philosophy, to work towards reducing poverty and achieve inclusive economic growth. HBL joined forces with Government of Pakistan to enable the delivery of the Ehsaas Emergency Cash Program disbursing approximately Rs. 175 billion to an estimated 12 million families over a period of two months. HBL and Ehsaas also partnered on the Kafaalat program which serves more than three million deserving women across the country.

HBL retained its #1 position in Consumer Finance. The Bank came first in Credit Cards, Debit Cards, Merchant Acquiring, Personal Loans and second in Auto Loans. Personal loans at Rs. 37 billion, delivered a growth of 12% over last year. The primary growth driver for 2020 was auto finance, recording an increase of Rs. 9 billion, 53% over 2019. HBL is the only bank in Pakistan enabling its customers to avail a credit card and personal loan through its app; Rs. 3.2 billion worth of loans were disbursed in 2020 using the Bank’s digital channels.

The Bank provided digital onboarding and servicing through the eBanc Roshan Digital Account (RDA), a special investment account created for expatriates. Since its launch, 12,000 Pakistanis from 104 countries have set up RDA accounts and remitted more than USD 44 million in a short span of three months.

The Bank’s Islamic Banking arm, over 900 branches/windows nationwide, provided Shariah compliant fixed home finance rentals.

HBL maintained its position as the lead private sector financier of the agriculture sector, with a 30% market share. The Bank has introduced technology-based farming techniques for farmers which aim to raise their standard of living and become better integrated with the value chain which provides food security to the country. The Bank’s Development Finance Group (DFG) is using innovative technology to augment Pakistan’s Agriculture value chain bringing together the ‘Farm-to-Fork’ ecosystem.

HBL maintained a strong corporate and investment banking presence in Pakistan. The Bank worked on energy, infrastructure and power projects to promote capital market development, deepen secondary markets and provide advisory services.

The Bank’s Operations launched HBL Fusion, a digital online portal for trade and foreign remittance transactions approval. The portal facilitates customers who require State Bank of Pakistan’s (SBP) approvals for foreign exchange.

HBL led the market in adopting Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) principles. HBL is the first bank in Pakistan to become a member of the Green Investment Principles for the Belt and Road Initiative.

As the largest executor of CPEC related financing in Pakistan, China remained the lynchpin of HBL’s international strategy. In December 2019, HBL became the first Pakistani bank to be awarded the muchcoveted branch license to offer financial services to clients in Beijing, which is expected to be launched in Q1 2021. The Beijing branch will allow HBL to interact with regulators, major state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and leading financial institutions involved in CPEC and other Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) corridors.

In 2020, HBL won, The Euromoney Award for “Best Bank in Pakistan” & “Best Bank Transformation in Asia.” At the World Finance Digital Banking Awards HBL won, “Best Mobile Banking App”, “Best Digital Consumer Bank” and “Best Use of Social Media.” HBL won the Global Islamic Finance Award for “Best Islamic Bank for Trade Finance.” HBL won “Best Customer Franchise”, “Best Bank for SME” and “Best Investment Banking” by the Pakistan Banking Awards.

Lahore, 3 March 2021

HBL’s Islamic Banking arm and Akhuwat have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The MOU was signed in Lahore by Dr. Amjad Saqib, Founder – Akhuwat and Muhammad Afaq Khan, Head – Islamic Banking, HBL.​

Through this MOU, HBL, the largest bank in Pakistan, will come together with Akhuwat to roll out a program that will provide Shariah compliant, Housing Finance Facilities to applicants identified by Akhuwat. Akhuwat will not only recommend the individuals but will also oversee the construction of houses for the selected applicants.

Akhuwat, has a solid track record of work on alleviating poverty and empowering socially and economically marginalized families through interest-free micro-finance and by harnessing entrepreneurial potential, capacity building and social guidance.

HBL is the first bank in Pakistan to have entered into this relationship with Akhuwat, which has a substantially large client base and network to reach out to people across the country. This project will uplift the lives of millions of people in the Pakistan and is in line with the Government of Pakistan’s (GoP) vision of providing affordable housing units to underserved segments of society through Naya Pakistan Housing and Development Authority (NAPHDA). NAPHDA is a special body formed by the GoP and is the biggest government-backed housing program ever attempted. Commenting on this strategic partnership, Muhammad Aurangzeb, President & CEO – HBL stated, “This agreement will help further the Bank’s financial inclusion agenda by helping finance cost effective, sustainable housing units for previously underserved segments of the country. We look forward to working with the professional team at Akhuwat and to play our part in furthering the next phase of Pakistan’s economic development.”

Dr. Amjad Saqib stated, “Akhuwat Islamic Microfinance is happy to work with HBL, the largest bank in Pakistan, for provision of low-cost houses for poor and needy. Through this collaboration, we intend to support the poor to build their own houses, InshaAllah”

Commenting at the signing, Muhammad Afaq Khan, Head, Islamic Banking – HBL, said “Pakistan faces a housing crisis. This agreement will help provide affordable housing solutions to the citizens of Pakistan regardless of income level. HBL’s national presence, largest distribution network, effective Islamic Banking arm and investment in technology and talent, enables the Bank to undertake this task of strategic national importance.”

Jawad Zahoor Khan, Country Head Parwaaz and CEO- PSDF (sitting on the right), Muhammad Aurangzeb, President & CEO - HBL (sitting in the center) and Mansur-Ur-Rehman Khan, CEO IBP (sitting on the left) signing the MoC on behalf of their organizations

Karachi, April 12, 2021

Parwaaz, HBL and Institute of Bankers Pakistan (IBP) signed a Memorandum of Collaboration (MoC) to develop a skilling program for Parwaaz’s financial services incubator. The incubator will equip current and aspiring bankers with skills to become cybersecurity specialists

The MoC was signed by Mr. Jawad Khan, Country Head Parwaaz and CEO Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF); Mr. Muhammad Aurangzeb, President & CEO - HBL and Mr. Mansur- Ur- Rehman Khan, CEO IBP.

This tripartite partnership is a crucial step in closing the national skills gap. PSDF, through the Parwaaz platform, will fund the development of the training program, manage the training delivery, and harness its vast network to engage relevant financial institutes to create job opportunities for the graduates. HBL will lead the identification of banking professionals who are apt for this training and the bank will also offer job placements to selected graduates. IBP’s role is to select cybersecurity subject experts and develop course curriculum with support from HBL for the training. IBP will mobilize applicants for training, conduct pre and post assessment of the training on graduate’s expertise and facilitate them in accessing employment opportunities in the financial services sector.

During the MoC signing Country Head Parwaaz, Mr. Jawad said, “Cybersecurity is a fast-growing specialization globally and as the financial world digitizes, it is a highly sought-after area of expertise for current and upcoming professionals in the banking sector. This is the first time that a certification in cybersecurity is being developed and offered in Pakistan. Parwaaz is championing the global skills agenda and is focused on making our youth future-ready for careers in Pakistan and the international market”.

Mr. Muhammad Aurangzeb, President & CEO - HBL and Co-chair of Parwaaz, said, “Pakistan’s digital transformation journey must be backed by a highly skilled workforce that can safeguard our digital assets. HBL is committed to Pakistan’s economic growth and social uplift. Through this partnership, HBL will help develop and execute a robust training program for the Parwaaz skills incubator participants in the important field of cyber security while creating further employment opportunities in the country.”

Mr. Mansur- Ur- Rehman Khan (CEO IBP), also highlighted the importance of this step, “This initiative led by Parwaaz and PSDF in collaboration with HBL is a milestone in the field of information risk management. The certification program on Cybersecurity Specialist is the first of its kind to identify, develop and assess key knowledge areas. I am proud that IBP will play a part in this and ensure that our future bankers are adequately skilled.”

Parwaaz is the National Accelerator on closing the skills gap in the country, launched in collaboration with World Economic Forum (WEF) with PSDF as the Secretariat. The accelerator has incubators dedicated to skilling, re-skilling and upskilling the national workforce in priority sectors. Globally, a skills gap exists in the field of cybersecurity creating a dire need for specialists. This alliance will create a pool of specialists, close the existing skills gaps in the financial sector, and give graduates high income work opportunities.

Muhammad Aurangzeb, President & CEO - HBL (Sitting on the left) and Aamir Ibrahim, CEO Jazz (Sitting on the Right) signing the agreement on behalf of two organizations.

Islamabad – 23 June 2021

Jazz has secured a PKR 50 billion syndicated credit facility from a banking consortium led by HBL. This 10-year facility will be used to finance the company’s ongoing 4G network rollouts and technology upgradation

This is the first of its kind facility extended to the Telecom sector in terms of the amount and tenor. The facility is fully subscribed by HBL, the consortium’s investment agent and mandated lead arranger. Other Banks who are also acting as the mandated lead arrangers and advisors on this deal include, United Bank Limited, National Bank of Pakistan, MCB Bank, Bank Alfalah, Allied Bank Limited, Askari Bank Limited, Bank of Punjab, Meezan Bank Limited and Faysal Bank Limited

As the country’s leading digital services provider, Jazz has over 69 million subscribers and more than 28 million 4G users nationwide. Over a period of two years, the company has invested USD 462 million on 4G infrastructure. The Pakistan Credit Rating Agency Limited (PACRA) has also recently upgraded Jazz’s long-term rating to ‘AA’ with a stable outlook, depicting the company’s strong financial depth in the industry.

HBL, Pakistan’s largest bank, was the first commercial bank to be established in Pakistan in 1947. Over the years, HBL has grown its branch network to over 1,650+ branches, 2,100+ ATMs and 54,000+ Konnect by HBL agents (branchless banking platform), serving over 23 million customers in 14 countries across the world.

“We continue to drive the digital Pakistan agenda by improving digital infrastructure, bridging the digital divide and focusing on financial inclusion. We are enabling societies by investing in entrepreneurship, digital skills and literacy. This facility is an integral step towards ensuring that people are not bound by the limitations of geography, gender, or socioeconomic background, in harnessing the power of the internet. A transaction of this size is a testament to the trust the financial community has on Jazz’s strong financial profile and its leadership position in the telecom industry,” said Gabor Kocsis, Chief Financial Officer, Jazz.

Muhammad Aurangzeb, President & CEO - HBL commenting on the occasion stated, “We are delighted to have led this landmark transaction in the Telecom sector. HBL has a long-standing relationship with JAZZ spanning more than two decades. For the Bank, such transactions serve HBL’s strategic priority of supporting the promotion of digitalization across the country, while underscoring HBL’s commitment to stand by the robust and progressive Telecom sector of Pakistan.”

Karachi, 05 August 2021

HBL becomes the first bank in Pakistan to launch the Dynamic QR code transaction process. In partnership with Visa and Confiz, the new transaction process offers a seamless, safe and convenient payment mechanism for the customer.

Reinforcing its passion for customer-centric digital banking under the slogan of ‘more than just banking’, HBL Mobile and Konnect by HBL are tirelessly working towards developing a deeper understanding of customer needs in order to serve them better by offering them intuitive banking solutions.

The Dynamic QR code process will enable HBL Mobile, Konnect by HBL and other Visa QR issuing bank customers a “One scan solution” to process their payments. Customers no longer have to manually enter the transaction amount after scanning to make a payment. Through this new process, customers will only scan one QR code which will be printed on the in store POS receipt or displayed on the in-store POS terminal and all of their transaction details will be captured and processed automatically.

The new process is aimed at being both end-user friendly, and integrates with Microsoft Dynamics 365/AX; a leading ERP solution which is already implemented by several leading retail brands in Pakistan – some of these include: Alkaram Studio, Mothercare, Next, Debenhams, ELC and Timberland. The new ERP solution is a state of the art, easy to use, fully customizable, scalable system providing merchants and retailers real time visibility on synchronisation of services from inventory, orders, store-level sales to payments management. Previously, this was all being handled and updated manually with multiple reports being generated, that required cross functional teams to work round the clock and which was an extremely time and resource consuming activity. As part of launch for this project, HBL will be going live with AK Galleria for the Dynamic QR solution, their brands include Aldo, Babyshop, Mango, Splash & Women’s Secret.

Abrar Ahmed Mir, Chief Innovation and Financial Inclusion Officer – HBL, commenting on the new service said ‘’We are delighted to be the first bank in Pakistan to offer the dynamic Visa QR code transaction process with our partners Visa and Confiz. This is a further step to providing our mobile banking users with a more seamless and convenient payment solution. It benefits not only the end customer but also helps digitalise the supply chain thus creating more value for everyone.”

Kamil Khan , Visa’s Country Manager for Pakistan, also lauded HBL’s efforts in launching Dynamic QR code and said, “We are pleased to see innovative solutions being launched by HBL that offer a myriad of benefits to both merchants and consumers, in addition to driving digital payments acceptance in Pakistan. Integrated POS and Dynamic QR solutions have a global proven track record as they simplify the consumer experience as well as solve merchants operational limitations.”

Karachi, 9 August 2021

HBL partners with the Government of Sindh in their continuing efforts to control the COVID-19 pandemic and encourage vaccination across the city. The Bank is facilitating the setting up of a COVID-19 Drive-through Vaccination Facility in Karachi.

The facility that is being set up will be located with-in the premises of the National Stadium, Karachi. The citizens will be able to avail this drive-through facility, free of charge.

Muhammad Aurangzeb, President & CEO - HBL (standing second from right), Muhammad Afaq Khan, Head Islamic Banking – HBL (standing first from left), along with customers and other representatives of the Bank at the inauguration of the HBL Islamic Banking Commercial Centre, Trade Hub and Branch, on I.I Chundrigar Road, Karachi

​Karachi, 16 February 2021:

HBL Islamic Banking inaugurated a dedicated HBL Islamic Commercial Centre, Trade Hub and Branch on I.I. Chundrigar Road, Karachi, the heart of the country’s financial hub. HBL is Pakistan’s largest commercial bank with over 1700 branches, and its Islamic Banking arm that provide Shariah compliant financial services from over 911 branches/windows nationwide.

Liaqat Ali Khan, a branch teller who has been part of the HBL family for more than 41 years cut the inauguration ribbon. Present at the ceremony were Muhammad Aurangzeb, President & CEO - HBL and Muhammad Afaq Khan, Head – Islamic Banking, along with customers and other senior leaders from the Bank.

Commenting on the branch opening, Muhammad Aurangzeb, President & CEO, HBL said, “HBL Islamic Banking continues to expand its footprint across the country. The demand for Shariah compliant banking solutions and services has seen a sharp increase, and this expansion allows us to serve our clients and customers with tailor made financial solutions while maintaining our lead as the eminent Islamic Banking player in the industry.”

Remarking on the multifunctional branch opening, Afaq Khan, Head of Islamic Banking, HBL said, “As Pakistan’s largest bank it is our responsibility to extend the outreach of Shariah compliant Islamic Banking products and services to our customers. We have grown the Islamic Banking branch network exponentially in the last six months, and will add another 200 dedicated Islamic branches and expand our coverage to over 300 cities this year.”

​HBL enables its customers to pay for their Honda cars directly using HBL Mobile! The Bank is at the forefront of digitalizing financial services in Pakistan through its technology driven initiatives. Digital payments adoption, especially through mobile apps and wallets have been growing at a very fast pace across Pakistan.

Honda Atlas Cars Pakistan Limited aspires to expand the horizons to provide customer convenience through its numerous products, which can now be realized through digital payments directly from HBL Mobile.

“Purchasing a car is not just a matter of convenience in Pakistan, a household brand name such as Honda Atlas Cars Pakistan Limited enables consumers to lock in value, while servicing customer needs for years to come. Enabling car purchases through HBL Mobile without the need to visit the bank branch will thus prove to be a milestone for the customers looking to invest in their future with a new purchase” said Mr. Amir Nazir, General Manager- Sales & Marketing, Honda Atlas Cars Limited.

Commenting on this partnership, Aamir Irshad, Head Corporate, Commercial & Investment Banking - HBL, said: “Honda Atlas Cars Pakistan Limited has been dealing with HBL for a long time, and Honda is a premier brand in the market. HBL and Honda take great pride in facilitating customers with convenience, security and reliability by enabling them to use digital channels to make these payments. This is a first for Pakistan’s digital payments landscape, and we are proud to be partnering with Honda.”