10 December 2025, Karachi: Standard Chartered Pakistan and British International Investment (BII), the UK’s development finance institution and impact investor, made their first disbursement of $3.5 million to Kashf Foundation under their unfunded Risk-Participation Agreement. This disbursement marks a significant milestone for both institutions’ commitment to supporting financial inclusion, empowering underserved communities, and catalysing private sector-led growth.
Through this programme, BII will provide partial coverage of Standard Chartered’s risk on local currency loans to the microfinance sector, enabling the Bank to expand its capacity to provide financing to sectors that play a vital role in driving sustainable development.
Through such partnerships, Standard Chartered will be able to drive financial inclusion across traditionally underbanked sectors and ensure access to financing while creating opportunities for sustainable growth.
Commenting on the occasion, Rehan Shaikh, CEO & Head of Coverage, Standard Chartered Pakistan, said: “Our partnership with BII reflects our shared ambition to strengthen access to finance for segments that form the backbone of Pakistan’s economy. By leveraging BII’s development expertise and Standard Chartered’s local presence, we are enabling MFIs to extend critical support to small businesses and individuals that contribute to inclusive growth. We are proud to mark the first disbursement to Kashf Foundation, one of Pakistan’s leading microfinance institutions, demonstrating the tangible impact of this collaboration.”
Stepen Priestley, MD and Head of Financial Services Group, BII, stated, “Our partnership with Standard Chartered Pakistan on this innovative risk-sharing programme will ensure that MFIs like Kashf Foundation can access vital resources needed to grow their portfolios. At the forefront of driving financial inclusion, they are tasked to reach more underserved clients and strengthen economic resilience across Pakistan.”
Roshaneh Zafar, Founder & Managing Director, Kashf Foundation, stated: “Investing in women’s entrepreneurship is critical to the growth and development of Pakistan’s economy. We are extremely appreciative of the support that Standard Chartered Pakistan and British International Investment are providing to Kashf Foundation, raising the slogan for financial inclusion in letter and spirit.”
The unfunded risk participation programme is part of Standard Chartered’s broader commitment to sustainable finance and partnerships that unlock capital for positive social and economic impact.
