Co-badging initiative hailed: Robust digital payments ecosystem high priority: SBP governor

KARACHI: Governor State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Jameel Ahmad reaffirming the SBP’s commitment to developing a robust and inclusive digital payments ecosystem, has underscored the importance of a regulatory framework that promotes innovation, competition, and consumer protection.

Addressing the launch ceremony of the new co-badged card introduced by Faysal Bank Limited in collaboration with Mastercard and Pakistan’s national payment scheme, PayPak, here on Tuesday, he said the co-badging initiative would further strengthen Pakistan’s digital payments landscape.

The event marked a key milestone in the country’s journey toward a secure, efficient, and self-reliant digital payments landscape, he added.

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Congratulating the partner institutions, the Governor SBP noted that through this initiative the consumers will be able to make international and e-commerce payments seamlessly, while domestic transactions will be settled within Pakistan thus enhancing efficiency and reducing reliance on external networks.

He described the newly launched co-badged card as a ‘win-win’ financial product that offers convenience to customers and strengthens the national payments infrastructure.

Jameel Ahmad noted that co-badging is gaining momentum in Pakistan’s digital payments space. The launch follows the introduction of the PayPak–UnionPay co-badged card last month, reflecting a growing trend where Pakistan’s domestic payment scheme is forming strategic alliances with global payment giants.

He expressed confidence that more banks would adopt similar models due to the strong value proposition these collaborations offer.

Highlighting the evolution of PayPak since its inception in 2016, the he recalled that it was designed to provide an affordable, secure, and localized payment solution for a growing digital economy.

While PayPak currently commands over 25% of the 53 million debit cards in circulation, its usage share remains at 6%. He attributed this gap to challenges such as limited acceptance on e-commerce and international platforms, modest marketing efforts, and the perception of PayPak as a low-value card.

Governor SBP stressed the importance of addressing these constraints to establish PayPak as a sustainable and competitive scheme.

He appreciated recent efforts including marketing campaigns, co-badging arrangements, and integration with e-commerce gateways—steps that he believes will significantly strengthen PayPak’s value proposition.

He also urged 1Link to adopt a long-term strategy focused on investments in technology, fraud detection, cybersecurity, dispute resolution, and incentives for merchants and consumers. Such measures, he said, are essential to build trust and accelerate adoption of the national payment scheme.

Ahmad reiterated the SBP’s resolve to ensure a level playing field for all stakeholders, including international payment schemes, as Pakistan advances toward a secure, interoperable, and self-sustaining payments infrastructure. Governor SBP, concluded by noting that co-badging initiative exemplifies the power of mutually beneficial partnerships in enhancing consumer choice, expanding digital access, and supporting the country’s digital transformation.

He expressed hope that more financial institutions will pursue similar collaborations to accelerate the growth of digital payments and contribute to a modern and financially inclusive Pakistan.

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