Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
VEON has launched Islamic banking services in Pakistan through Mobilink Microfinance Bank, opening its first branch in Karachi with expansion planned nationwide. The initiative supports financial inclusion and responds to rising demand for Shariah-compliant banking, as Islamic banking assets now account for over one-fifth of Pakistan’s banking sector.
Pakistan has emerged as South Asia’s fastest-rising fintech market, backed by a sharp funding rebound, supportive regulations and a shift toward formal digital-asset oversight. With nearly 450 startups, new digital banks, bank–fintech partnerships and global engagement in crypto governance, Pakistan now leads regional fintech momentum ahead of Bangladesh and Nepal.
Zindigi, powered by JS Bank, won “Best Banking-as-a-Service Provider” at Finovate Awards 2025 in the UK for its open banking innovation. Its BaaS platform empowers businesses to embed financial services via secure APIs, driving inclusion, innovation, and Pakistan’s digital-first economic transformation.