Financial institution HBL associates with Mastercard to introduce business debit cards, geared towards boosting the financial capabilities of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Pakistan.

In a significant move towards digital transformation and financial inclusion, the Head of Products, Transactional Services & Solution Delivery at Habib Bank Limited (HBL), Aamir Kureshi, confirmed the bank's continued commitment to supporting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Pakistan. This commitment extends beyond financing to include payment solutions.

The event, held at HBL Tower in Karachi on 27 August 2025, marked the launch of the Business Debit Card, a partnership between HBL and Mastercard. The new card is designed to help SMEs, sole proprietors, and entrepreneurs manage their day-to-day transactions more seamlessly and conveniently.

J.K. Khalil, Division President of East Arabia at Mastercard, reiterated the companies' shared commitment to empowering small businesses for growth and thriving. HBL, known for its pioneering work in non-collateralized lending and ensuring increased access of credit to SMEs, has been a leading enabler for the sector. The bank has surpassed PKR 100 billion in SME lending, making it the first bank to do so.

The Business Debit Card launch signifies a natural stride forward for HBL in supporting a more digitized customer behaviour. As the largest issuer of debit cards in Pakistan, the launch of the business debit card represents HBL's commitment to financial inclusion and a digitized ecosystem across all customer segments.

Two variants of the Business Debit Card have been launched: Classic and World Business Debit Card. This initiative is a major step in HBL's commitment to providing innovative financial solutions and promoting a cashless Pakistan economy, aligning with the government's vision of promoting SME growth.

HBL and Mastercard have been partners since 2013, working together to introduce innovative payment solutions in Pakistan. The collaboration aims to expand their presence in key business segments and accelerate the adoption of digital transactions.

Both HBL and Mastercard reaffirm their commitment to advancing financial inclusion and enabling businesses to transition confidently towards a cashless future. The name of the Mastercard division president who attended the event is not publicly available. However, the event was attended by senior leaders from both HBL and Mastercard, including Muhammad Nassir Salim, J.K. Khalil, and Aamir Kureshi.

This move is crucial as SMEs in Pakistan contribute nearly 40% to the national GDP and employ one-third of the country's workforce. Sustained investment in this sector is essential for economic prosperity. The Business Debit Card launch supports HBL's mission to equip SMEs with the tools they need for secure and seamless transactions, contributing to the growth and success of these businesses.

Financial institution HBL associates with Mastercard to introduce business debit cards, geared towards boosting the financial capabilities of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Pakistan.