KARACHI: Standard Chartered Pakistan and British International Investment (BII), the UK’s development finance institution and impact investor, made their first disbursement of USD 3.5 million to Kashf Foundation under their unfunded Risk-Participation Agreement.
This disbursement marks a significant milestone for both institutions’ commitment to supporting financial inclusion, empowering underserved communities, and catalysing private sector-led growth.
Through this programme, BII will provide partial coverage of Standard Chartered’s risk on local currency loans to the microfinance sector, enabling the Bank to expand its capacity to provide financing to sectors that play a vital role in driving sustainable development.
Through such partnerships, Standard Chartered will be able to drive financial inclusion across traditionally under-banked sectors and ensure access to financing while creating opportunities for sustainable growth.
Commenting on the occasion, Rehan Shaikh, CEO & Head of Coverage, Standard Chartered Pakistan, said that partnership with BII reflects our shared ambition to strengthen access to finance for segments that form the backbone of Pakistan’s economy. “By leveraging BII’s development expertise and Standard Chartered’s local presence, we are enabling MFIs to extend critical support to small businesses and individuals that contribute to inclusive growth”, he added.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
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