SBP Launches Banking on Equality 2026 to Close Gender Gap in Banking
The State Bank of Pakistan has launched the second edition of its Banking on Equality policy, setting fresh targets for banks to narrow the gender gap in financial inclusion. The SBP Banking on Equality policy for 2026 asks banks to hire more women, expand digital banking access for women, and increase financing for 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 aimed at female entrepreneurs. It also calls for alternative credit assessment methods so that women without formal credit histories or conventional collateral can still access loans.
SBP Banking on Equality Policy: What Banks Must Do
SBP has 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 that help women move into leadership positions.
Implementation will be monitored through quarterly data reporting, regular evaluations, and mystery shopping exercises — a sign the central bank wants measurable results rather than paper commitments.
Progress Since 2021
The new edition builds on the first Banking on Equality policy introduced in 2021. During its five-year run, Pakistan’s gender gap in financial inclusion narrowed from 39 per cent in 2021 to 29 per cent in 2025. Banks hired more than 17,500 women in that period, and women’s share of the banking workforce rose from 13 per cent to 17 per cent. Banks also set up dedicated teams to design financial products and services for women.
The policy supports the National Financial Inclusion Strategy’s target of cutting the gender gap in financial inclusion to 25 per cent by 2028. It also aims to improve women’s financial literacy.
Why It Matters for the Wider Economy
The timing fits a wider push to formalise Pakistan’s economy. On the same day, NADRA said 99 per cent of payments at its service centres are now digital, and textile exporters posted Rs52 billion in FY26 profits on the back of stronger documentation. For women entrepreneurs, the missing piece has often been credit: the FBR’s narrowing of the Pakistan-China trade data gap shows how far formalisation has come, yet women-led businesses still struggle to borrow. The SBP policy attacks that gap directly, and the prime minister’s Rs2.2 trillion SME financing target gives banks a parallel incentive to lend.
Source reporting via ProPakistani.
FAQs
What is the SBP Banking on Equality policy?
The State Bank of Pakistan’s policy to close the gender gap in financial inclusion. The second edition, launched in 2026, sets targets for hiring women, digital access, and financing for women-owned businesses.
How much has the gender gap in banking narrowed?
From 39 per cent in 2021 to 29 per cent in 2025 under the first edition. The National Financial Inclusion Strategy target is 25 per cent by 2028.
How many women did banks hire under the first policy?
More than 17,500. Women’s share of the banking workforce rose from 13 per cent to 17 per cent.
What is alternative credit assessment?
Methods that let women without formal credit histories or conventional collateral access loans — a key part of the 2026 policy.
How will SBP monitor the policy?
Quarterly data reporting, regular evaluations, and mystery shopping exercises.
