KARACHI: Egyptian fintech Halan Microfinance Bank has officially entered the Pakistani market through its acquisition of Advance Microfinance Bank. With plans to invest $10 million and build a $500 million loan portfolio within the next five years, Halan is poised to transform financial services in Pakistan.
This ambitious move includes launching a digital banking app later this year and expanding its physical presence by opening 100 new branches. The bank is currently awaiting a national banking license to further scale its operations.
Halan’s service portfolio will include microfinance, SME lending, and digital financial services, with a special emphasis on supporting women entrepreneurs, agriculture, and vehicle financing.
As Pakistan’s microfinance sector continues to grow with active borrowers reaching 10.78 million and the gross loan portfolio rising from Rs275 billion in 2018 to Rs565.8 billion in 2024 Halan aims to increase financial inclusion for small businesses and individuals.
Already serving 50,000 customers in Pakistan, Halan plans to double this number shortly. Globally, the fintech firm has disbursed $11 billion in markets such as Turkey, Egypt, and the UAE, and now sets its sights on Pakistan.
The company is also developing Shariah-compliant products and collaborating with local firms to offer innovative financing solutions like advance salaries and instalment payments. The acquisition of Advance Microfinance Bank has allowed Halan to enter the market swiftly, leveraging an existing license.
