HBL, Pakistan’s leading bank, has announced a strategic investment in AFT, an innovative fintech startup. This collaboration aims to accelerate the development of Pakistan’s agricultural and merchant sectors, enhancing financial inclusion and operational efficiency in these vital but underserved areas.
AFT, through its Digitt+ platform, offers a multilingual interface that enables farmers and merchants to easily access digital payments and financial services. HBL’s investment in AFT is expected to empower farmers with timely payments and provide merchants with seamless digital transactions, significantly boosting financial inclusion in Pakistan.
Naeem Bashir Ahmad, Head of Corporate Strategy at HBL, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “HBL looks forward to our investment in AFT, a company that embodies our vision of leveraging technology to serve the underserved. This strategic investment is a cornerstone of our commitment to fueling innovation and economic growth across the country. Together, we aim to transform the financial landscape for Pakistan’s farmers, merchants, and SMEs.”
Qasim Akhtar Khan, Founder of AFT, also shared his excitement, “The support from HBL is a significant step forward for AFT and for the communities we serve. This collaboration will enable us to scale our solutions, enhancing our ability to make financial services more accessible, secure, and efficient for the agricultural and merchant sectors. Simultaneously, we are on a mission to enhance financial inclusion, and HBL’s investment significantly bolsters our capacity to make a lasting impact.”
This strategic partnership marks a significant milestone in Pakistan’s financial sector. Moreover, it promises to drive innovation and inclusivity in the agricultural and SME sectors, ensuring these crucial areas receive the support and resources they need to thrive.
