ISLAMABAD: Halan Microfinance Bank, a Pakistani institution owned by Egypt-based MNT-Halan, the MENA region’s first fintech unicorn, has received a national license from the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP)—paving the way for nationwide expansion beyond Sindh province.
The newly granted license authorizes the bank to offer a comprehensive range of services across the country, including branchless banking, mobile banking, card services, retailer-based transactions, and digital wallets.
These services will complement Halan’s existing financial offerings such as microfinance loans, salary advances, pension products, current, and savings accounts. The bank’s core mission is to broaden access to financial services for underserved individuals and micro-enterprises across Pakistan.
With a focus on unsecured, low-ticket lending, Halan provides quick processing, minimal documentation, and flexible installment plans—specifically targeting women, agricultural workers, and commercial vehicle owners. The inclusive lending model supports micro-entrepreneurs, small traders, and low-income communities, often without requiring collateral.
Mounir Nakhla, Founder and CEO of MNT-Halan, called the national license a “major milestone” in the bank’s mission to serve a wider audience in Pakistan.
“Our success in Pakistan reflects how MNT-Halan can swiftly scale its technology and expertise in new markets,” he said, crediting the State Bank of Pakistan and other stakeholders for their continued support.
Christos Argyriou, CEO of Halan Microfinance Bank, noted the bank’s rapid expansion—growing from 19 to 49 business locations in just one year.
“With this license, we aim to scale to 300 locations in the next three years, reaching underbanked communities in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Islamabad,” he said.
The national expansion aligns with MNT-Halan’s global strategy, following its 2024 acquisition of the bank—formerly known as Advans Microfinance Bank. The company is also scaling operations in Turkey, the UAE, and Egypt, having disbursed over $13 billion and served more than 8 million customers to date.
