Pakistan’s central bank has allowed banks to open accounts for licensed virtual asset service providers, overriding a 2018 ban, a circular from the central bank and statement by the virtual asset regulator said, as the country moves to integrate digital assets into the regulated financial system. The move follows the enactment of the Virtual Assets […]
SBP
SBP allows banks to open accounts for licensed crypto firms
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has permitted banks and financial institutions to open accounts for licensed virtual asset service providers (VASPs), marking a significant shift in the country’s approach to digital assets and crypto currencies. Read More: Pakistan loses $600m to illegal crypto trades The move follows the enactment of the Virtual Assets Act, 2026, under […]
SBP-held foreign reserves rise to $16.37 billion
The total liquid foreign reserves of Pakistan stood US$ 21,736 million as of March 19, 2026 while the reserves held by the State Bank of Pakistan increased to $ 16,375.8 million. The central bank, on Thursday, in its weekly statement on the position of liquid foreign reserves reported, “During the week ended on 19-Mar-2026, SBP’s […]
Digital channels drive 92% of retail payments, says SBP
Pakistan’s shift toward a cashless economy accelerated during the second quarter of FY26, with digital channels accounting for 92% of all retail transactions, up from 88% a year earlier, according to the State Bank of Pakistan. As per SBP’s Quarterly Report on Payment Systems for the quarter October to December 2025, 3.4 billion retail transactions […]
KSE-100 rallies over 3,600 points amid cautious investor sentiment
KARACHI — The Pakistan Stock Exchange’s (PSX) benchmark KSE-100 index surged on Wednesday, continuing its recovery from earlier losses. During intraday trading, the index gained 3,619.38 points, or 2.41 percent, to reach 153,635.54 points by 12:06 pm, up from Tuesday’s close of 150,016.16 points. Read More: PSX turns bullish, gains 837 points The index had […]
SBP-held foreign reserves rise $41 million to $16.34bn
Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves held by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) increased by $41 million to $16.34 billion during the week ended March 6, according to data released by the central bank on Thursday. The SBP said the country’s total liquid foreign reserves stood at $21.60 billion as of March 6. A breakdown of […]
SBP keeps policy rate unchanged at 10.5%
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Monday maintained its key policy rate at 10.5 per cent. The announcement was posted on the central bank’s X account. A detailed statement by the central bank’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) was issued later in the day. In its statement, the MPC said that while the incoming data […]
SBP seen holding rates steady as oil rally clouds inflation outlook
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) is expected to hold its key policy rate steady at a policy review on Monday, a Reuters poll showed, as rising global energy prices and regional tensions cloud the inflation outlook and limit the room for cuts. All 10 analysts in a Reuters poll expect the SBP to hold […]
SBP injects Rs 425bn in the market
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), Monday, injected Rs 425 billion through Reverse Repo Purchase and Shariah Compliant Mudarabah based Open Market Operations (OMO) to maintain liquidity in the market. The central bank conducted the Open Market Operation, Reverse Repo Purchase (Injection) for 4-day tenor on February 23, 2026, and injected Rs 75 billion while […]
Economy to grow up to 4.75% in FY26, says SBP chief
State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Governor Jameel Ahmad on Thursday said the country’s economy is projected to grow between 3.75% and 4.75% in FY26, signalling a gradual recovery amid improving macroeconomic indicators. The central bank chief’s remarks came during the Agricultural Credit Advisory Committee (ACAC) meeting held to review the performance of agricultural loans. SBP […]