The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has released the second edition of its “Banking on Equality Policy 2026” to increase women’s participation in the financial system and reduce the gender gap.
The central bank stated that the new policy aims to bring women who lack access to banking services into the financial system, improve access to digital banking, and empower women economically. The policy also focuses on improving access to loans and financial assistance for women entrepreneurs.
Following the implementation of the previous policy, the gender gap in financial inclusion decreased from 39% in 2021 to 29% in 2025. During the same period, the proportion of women employees in the banking sector increased from 13% to 17%, while banks provided jobs to more than 17,500 women.
Under the new policy, targets have been set to increase women’s recruitment in banks, improve outreach to female customers, and enhance women’s representation among branchless banking agents. The policy also encourages daycare facilities for working mothers and career development initiatives to help women advance to senior positions.
The State Bank has also emphasized introducing simplified digital accounts for women, promoting the use of digital payments, and providing financial assistance to businesses owned or managed by women.
Under the policy, banks will be encouraged to offer easier loan schemes for women entrepreneurs, adopt alternative credit assessment methods, and introduce flexible collateral requirements. These measures are intended to improve access to loans for women who have limited credit histories.
The State Bank will also establish a system of quarterly data reporting and regular reviews to monitor the implementation of the policy.
The policy aims to help reduce the gender gap in financial inclusion to 25% by 2028, in line with the National Financial Inclusion Strategy.
Also Read:SBP Introduces Easier Digital Banking and Loans for Women
