The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has launched the second edition of its Banking on Equality Policy to narrow the gender gap in financial inclusion and improve women’s access to banking services.
The Banking on Equality Policy 2026 sets new targets for banks to increase women’s representation in the workforce, expand digital banking access, and provide more financing to women-owned businesses.
Under the policy, banks are encouraged to introduce simplified digital accounts for women, promote digital payments for women-led businesses, and develop financing products for female entrepreneurs. The policy also calls for alternative credit assessment methods to help women who lack formal credit histories or conventional collateral.
SBP has also asked banks to set targets for hiring women, reaching female customers, and increasing women’s representation among branchless banking agents. Banks are encouraged to provide daycare facilities for working mothers and introduce career development policies to help women move into leadership positions.
The new policy builds on the first edition introduced in 2021. During its implementation, Pakistan’s gender gap in financial inclusion narrowed from 39 percent in 2021 to 29 percent in 2025.
Banks also hired more than 17,500 women during this period, while women’s share of the banking workforce increased from 13 percent to 17 percent. Banks have also established dedicated teams to develop financial products and services for women.
SBP will monitor implementation through quarterly data reporting, regular evaluations, and mystery shopping exercises.
The policy supports Pakistan’s National Financial Inclusion Strategy target of reducing the gender gap in financial inclusion to 25 percent by 2028. It also aims to improve women’s financial literacy and support their participation in entrepreneurship.
SBP said the policy was finalized after consultations with local and international stakeholders.
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