In a groundbreaking move for Pakistan’s fintech and banking sectors, ABHI has officially transitioned from a financial technology startup to a full-fledged banking entity. Founded in 2021, ABHI initially revolutionized financial access through Earned Wage Access (EWA), empowering employees with real-time salary withdrawals. Over time, the company expanded its services to include payroll solutions and SME financing, catering to a broader spectrum of financial needs for both individuals and businesses.
ABHI’s remarkable growth has been fueled by the strategic collaboration of its two founders—one with deep expertise in Pakistan’s financial sector and the other with extensive experience in financial inclusion across nine emerging markets. This combination has helped the company redefine financial accessibility, establishing itself as a leader in fintech innovation. Expanding its footprint beyond Pakistan, ABHI has successfully entered the UAE and KSA, proving its capability to operate at an international scale.
The fintech’s recent achievements have further solidified its position as a transformative player in the industry. Notably, ABHI became the first Pakistani fintech to be invited to the prestigious Davos 2025 event. In addition, it recently secured a pre-Series B funding round worth $25 million, a mix of equity and debt, aimed at accelerating its global expansion. However, its most significant milestone yet has been the acquisition of FINCA Microfinance Bank Pakistan in collaboration with TPL Corp, marking a new era for digital financial inclusion in the country.
As part of this acquisition, shareholders collectively invested PKR 2.6 billion into FINCA Pakistan, reinforcing their commitment to financial innovation and inclusion. This strategic move is expected to reshape Pakistan’s microfinance industry by integrating ABHI’s digital banking solutions with FINCA’s extensive network and TPL Corp’s diversified expertise across retail, insurance, and technology.
FINCA Pakistan has long been recognized as a leader in microfinance, empowering millions of individuals through lending, savings, and financial education. The bank has introduced several pioneering initiatives, including Pakistan’s first mobile-network-agnostic digital wallet, and has maintained a strong presence in over 100 cities. Notably, its efforts have been instrumental in fostering financial independence among women entrepreneurs.
With this acquisition, ABHI is set to introduce an expanded range of financial products, including gold-backed loans, salary advances, savings accounts, and value-added services such as bill payments. By leveraging FINCA’s branchless banking infrastructure and implementing AI-powered credit scoring, ABHI aims to enhance financial accessibility for millions across Pakistan.
“At ABHI, our mission has always been to create accessible financial solutions for everyone,” said Omair Ansari, CEO and Co-Founder of ABHI. “This acquisition represents a significant leap forward, allowing us to reach communities that have historically been excluded from the financial system. Together with TPL and FINCA, we are determined to transform financial access across Pakistan.”
Jeff Smith, Chair of FINCA Pakistan’s Board of Directors, expressed confidence in the transition, stating, “As we exit the market as part of a strategic effort to optimize our global portfolio, we are confident that TPL and ABHI will build on FINCA’s legacy. Their expertise and innovation will accelerate financial inclusion, particularly for women and small entrepreneurs, empowering them to contribute to Pakistan’s economic growth.”
Ali Jameel, CEO of TPL Corp Limited, emphasized the significance of the collaboration, saying,
“At TPL, our commitment to innovation and impact drives everything we do. Joining forces with ABHI and FINCA enables us to redefine financial access, combining our technological prowess with their deep-rooted expertise.”
This acquisition is a pivotal step in ABHI’s evolution, allowing it to operate independently as a financial institution, reduce reliance on external banking partners, and strengthen its balance sheet. It marks a historic shift for Pakistan’s fintech sector, demonstrating the power of collaborative innovation. As ABHI, FINCA, and TPL move forward together, they are poised to reshape the financial landscape, introducing new digital banking solutions that promise to drive meaningful change across Pakistan. Further updates on their upcoming products and services are expected in the coming months.
