International Finance Corporation (IFC) has announced that it will host a webinar on October 2, 2025, to discuss the State Bank of Pakistan’s (SBP) regulatory sandbox initiative. The session will take place on Microsoft Teams from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM PKT and is aimed at financial sector stakeholders, innovators, and technology providers looking to better understand the sandbox application process and the cohort themes currently under consideration. These include open banking, remittances, and merchant onboarding, three areas expected to shape the future direction of financial services in Pakistan.
The regulatory sandbox initiative is designed to allow fintechs and financial service providers to test innovative solutions in a controlled environment under the oversight of SBP. By providing this framework, the regulator seeks to encourage responsible innovation while balancing risk management and consumer protection. IFC’s upcoming webinar will highlight both local and global experiences in implementing sandbox models and demonstrate how different markets have used them to expand access to financial services, improve efficiency, and promote digital adoption. With Pakistan’s growing fintech sector looking to scale solutions across payments, e-commerce, and banking services, the discussion comes at a critical moment.
The webinar will also explore the private sector’s perspective on the application process, focusing on how businesses can align their innovations with the regulatory requirements set by SBP. Industry experts will share insights on challenges faced during the process, opportunities created by sandbox participation, and the broader implications for fintech development in Pakistan. Given that the cohort themes include open banking, remittances, and merchant onboarding, the session is expected to generate dialogue on improving cross-border payment systems, enabling financial transparency, and simplifying the integration of merchants into digital ecosystems. These areas are increasingly vital for a market where digital transactions are on the rise, and both customers and businesses seek secure, efficient, and inclusive financial solutions.
IFC has been active in supporting Pakistan’s financial sector development and has consistently engaged with public and private stakeholders to encourage innovation and investment in financial technologies. By facilitating this discussion, IFC aims to bridge global best practices with Pakistan’s domestic needs. The session will also provide an opportunity for participants to raise questions directly with experts, making it both interactive and practical. Interested participants can join the webinar through the official registration link: http://bit.ly/4numHei. With international and domestic voices expected to contribute, the event is likely to serve as a significant step in guiding Pakistan’s fintech ecosystem through structured regulatory experimentation.
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