LAHORE : A high-level delegation from Xalq Bank along with representation from ADB, met with Asif
Riaz (Group Head Consumer Banking – BOP) and Ahsen A. Khawaja (Head SME –
BOP) in Lahore on November 23, 2023 to explore success stories and best practices of
The Bank of Punjab, especially in the areas of financial inclusion, supporting “S” part of
SMEs, use of big data analytics, scoring models, and ways to collaborate with the Government in successful rollout of products and building a sustainable lending model to extend support to Start Ups and small businesses.
Xalq Bank, one of Azerbaijan’s oldest and largest Public Sector banks, received a detailed
presentation on BOP’s SME Banking Business Model. The Xalq team commended BOP’s
comprehensive product suite for SMEs and its efforts in providing a Total Banking Solution to
the SMEs in Pakistan. Team also appreciated BOP’s innovative lending techniques, proxy
models, gender diverse products and its successful programs with Govt. for promoting
entrepreneurship in the country. The delegation from Xalq Bank was led by Deputy Chairmen
Dilshod Kutliev and Zafar Azimov.
The Bank of Punjab has been recognized as the Best Bank for Small & Medium Businesses by
AsiaMoney Banking Awards 2023 and Pakistan Banking Awards by Institute of Bankers
Pakistan in 2022 & 2023.
