Emerging fintech operator in Middle East, Pakistan to acquire FINCA Microfinance Bank

The picture shared on November 8, 2021 by FINCA shows one of their branches in Islamabad. (@FINCA_Pakistan/X)
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Updated 12 November 2024
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Emerging fintech operator in Middle East, Pakistan to acquire FINCA Microfinance Bank

  • FINCA operates in 108 cities in Pakistan, providing state-of-the-art deposit and payment solutions 
  • ABHI established global headquarters in Abu Dhabi in Jan. 2024, has expended to Dubai and Saudi Arabia 

KARACHI: Abhi Private Limited, an emerging fintech operator in the Middle East and Pakistan, and leading tech conglomerate TPL Corp. Limited, are all set to jointly acquire FINCA Microfinance Bank Limited, a statement from Abhi said on Tuesday. 

FINCA Pakistan, part of a global FINCA network, operates in 108 cities across Pakistan, providing state-of-the-art deposit and payment solutions, including micro-credit facilities aimed at improving livelihoods. 

ABHI established its global headquarters in Abu Dhabi in January 2024 and has also expanded its business through partnerships in Dubai and Saudi Arabia.

“The strategic alliance between Abhi and TPL Corp. aims to reshape financial inclusion efforts across Pakistan by combining FINCA’s extensive microfinance network and expertise with Abhi’s innovative digital solutions and TPL Corp’s presence in retail, insurance and technology sectors,” Abhi said in a statement. 

“By bringing together these complementary strengths, the partnership is set to diversify and expand access to financial products and services that cater to underserved communities, including rural populations, small businesses, and lower-income individuals.”

The acquisition will combine TPL’s diverse business portfolio and FINCA Pakistan’s established presence and deep knowledge of the market, with the combined entity being “well-positioned to introduce customer-focused solutions that can make a tangible difference in underserved regions.”

“At Abhi, we’ve always believed in creating accessible financial solutions for everyone,” said Omair Ansari, CEO & Co-founder of Abhi. 

“By joining forces with TPL, we’re making a stride toward expanding our reach and delivering impactful financial products to millions of Pakistanis who have previously lacked access to essential services.”

Looking ahead, Abhi, TPL and FINCA plan to focus on delivering a new range of financial products “tailored to underserved communities, driving financial inclusion and contributing to the nation’s economic growth.”

“FINCA Pakistan delivered on its promise to develop a nationwide microfinance network that is creating economic opportunity throughout Pakistan, especially for women,” said Jeff Smith, chair of the FINCA Pakistan Board of Directors. 

“Abhi and TPL share FINCA’s commitment to expanding access to financial services for small entrepreneurs. The infusion of new capital and more comprehensive digital services have the potential to significantly accelerate financial inclusion in Pakistan.”
 


Gunmen kill two cops in Pakistan’s restive northwest

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Gunmen kill two cops in Pakistan’s restive northwest

  • The policemen were killed in separate incidents in Tank and Lakki Marwat districts of Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province
  • No group immediately claimed responsibility for killings, which come a day after police killed eight militants in Karak district

PESHAWAR: Unidentified gunmen on Monday shot dead two policemen in separate incidents in Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province, police said, amid a surge in militancy in the province bordering Afghanistan.

In the first incident, gunmen abducted Sajjad Hussain, a police constable who was traveling home on leave, in KP’s Tank district and later shot him dead, according to district police spokesman Younus Khan.

“The martyred constable, Sajjad Hussain, was posted at the Nasran checkpoint,” Khan told Arab News. “He was intercepted, forced off his vehicle, and shot on Shah Alam–Nasran Road by militants.”

Another policeman, Assistant Sub-Inspector Mumtaz Ali, who was posted in Tank, was shot dead by gunmen in Pezu area of the nearby Lakki Marwat district, according to the Tank district police spokesman.

“The officer, who was posted in Tank, was on his way to his duty station when assailants intercepted his vehicle, forced him out, and opened fire, killing him on the spot,” Khan added.

No group immediately claimed responsibility for the killings, which come a day after police killed eight militants in KP’s Karak district.

Pakistan has struggled to contain a surge in militancy in KP in recent years. Militant groups such as the Pakistani Taliban, or the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), have frequently targeted convoys of security forces, police stations and check-posts besides kidnapping government officials in the region.

Islamabad has frequently accused Afghanistan of allowing its soil and India of backing militant groups, including the TTP, for attacks against Pakistan. Kabul and New Delhi have consistently denied this.