The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has launched the second edition of its Banking on Equality Policy to reduce the gender gap in financial inclusion and improve women’s access to banking services.
The Banking on Equality Policy 2026 introduces new targets for banks to increase female employment, expand digital banking and improve financing opportunities for women-owned businesses. Moreover, the initiative supports Pakistan’s goal of reducing the gender gap in financial inclusion to 25 percent by 2028.
Women’s Representation in Banking to Increase
The first policy, introduced in 2021, helped reduce the gender gap in financial inclusion from 39 percent to 29 percent by 2025. During this period, banks hired more than 17,500 women, increasing their share of the banking workforce from 13 percent to 17 percent.
Under the new framework, banks must develop strategies to recruit, retain and promote female employees. Additionally, the policy encourages banks to provide daycare facilities for working mothers and establish career development pathways that help women advance into leadership positions.
Digital Banking and Business Financing
The policy also aims to make financial services more accessible through digital solutions. Banks will promote simplified digital accounts for women, targeted account-opening campaigns and digital payments for women-led businesses.
Furthermore, the SBP aims to improve financing for women entrepreneurs, particularly those running micro, small and medium-sized enterprises. Financial institutions will explore specialised financing products, digital platforms and alternative credit assessment methods to support women who lack formal credit histories or conventional collateral.
The central bank will monitor implementation through quarterly data reporting, regular evaluations and mystery-shopping exercises. These measures will help assess progress and identify barriers affecting women’s participation in financial services.
The policy also promotes financial literacy and entrepreneurship through dedicated support initiatives. Ultimately, the SBP aims to create a more inclusive banking system that strengthens women’s economic participation and supports Pakistan’s broader financial inclusion objectives.
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