
Raqami Islamic Digital Bank and Haball forge strategic partnership to launch Shariah- compliant embedded finance for Pakistan's SME sector
By embedding Islamic financing options directly within the corporate's existing supply chain workflows, the platform provides SMEs access to collateral-free liquidity based on their receivables and purchase orders—without the friction of traditional financing applications and pledging of assets.
The partnership responds to a critical national need: despite contributing over 40% to GDP and employing the majority of the workforce, over 90% of Pakistan's SMEs remain financially underserved.
Through this partnership, Raqami's SME customers will be able to use Haball's platform to operationalise a digitally native finance model that empowers SME businesses with access to working capital, precisely when and where it's needed—within existing business workflows.
This initiative supports a cornerstone of the State Bank of Pakistan's financial inclusion roadmap and promotes innovation and digitisation in the sphere of Supply Chain Finance.
Key features of the Raqami-Haball partnership entail:
• End-to-end digital onboarding and Shariah-compliant KYC
• Murabaha-based financing structures for fresh purchase orders
• Seamless integration with ERPs, anchor-led ecosystems and distributor networks
• Instant disbursements through embedded Islamic financing rails, ensuring immediate liquidity and cashflow relief
• AI-powered credit assessment based on actual cash flows and transaction history, reducing dependency on static credit scoring
• Full audit trails and real-time exposure tracking, ensuring compliance, transparency, and control for both financiers and anchors
'Our mission at Raqami is to reimagine Islamic banking through innovation,' said Umair Aijaz, CEO of Raqami Islamic Digital Bank. 'This partnership with Haball enables us to bring Shariah-compliant embedded finance to the very heart of Pakistan's supply chains—empowering SMEs to enjoy real, tangible access to capital and growth, without compromising their values.'
Omer Bin Ahsan, Founder & CEO of Haball, added: 'At Haball, we've always believed that the future of finance lies in embedded, contextual offerings. By partnering with Raqami, we are embedding Islamic finance into the transactional core of the existing SME ecosystem—democratizing access to capital and accelerating supply chain transparency.'
About Raqami Islamic Digital Bank
Raqami Islamic Digital Bank Limited is Pakistan's first Islamic digital retail bank, awarded a Restricted License by the State Bank of Pakistan to commence Pilot Operations under the Licensing and Regulatory Framework for Digital Banks. Raqami aims to offer inclusive, Shariah-compliant financial solutions through a digitally innovative, tech-first approach. The bank is backed by Pakistan Kuwait Investment Company (Private) Limited and Enertech Holding Company KSC, a subsidiary of Kuwait's sovereign wealth fund, Kuwait Investment Authority. With a vision to build trust and transparency, Raqami intends to serve the evolving needs of modern retail banking customers.
About Haball
Haball is a leading Pakistani fintech transforming B2B payments and supply chains through embedded finance. Haball works with banks, corporates, and distributors to digitize transactions and enable access to credit and liquidity for SMEs through secure, real-time infrastructure.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Express Tribune
SBP injects Rs13tr into banking system via OMOs
Listen to article The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) injected a total of Rs13 trillion into the banking system through conventional and Shariah-compliant Open Market Operations (OMOs) on July 4, 2025, in a move aimed at maintaining short-term liquidity. According to official data, the conventional OMO injection amounted to Rs12.647 trillion, accepted at a return rate of 11.03%, with most of the liquidity injected via 14-day tenor instruments. In parallel, the central bank conducted a Shariah-compliant Mudarabah-based OMO, injecting an additional Rs361.6 billion through 7-day and 14-day instruments at return rates of 11.11% and 11.10%, respectively. This large-scale liquidity operation reflects massive rupee circulation and an inflationary environment that erodes public buying power. Meanwhile, the Pakistani rupee posted a slight decline against the US dollar in the interbank market on Friday, slipping by 0.04%. By the day's close, the local currency was quoted at 283.97, down by 11 paisas from the previous session's closing rate of 283.86. Moreover, gold prices in Pakistan declined on Friday, primarily due to subdued local demand amid Ashura-related closures, even as international bullion markets witnessed a rebound driven by a softer US dollar and renewed safe-haven inflows ahead of potential trade policy moves by former US President Donald Trump. According to data released by the All-Pakistan Gems and Jewellers Sarafa Association (APGJSA), the price of gold per tola dropped by Rs1,500, settling at Rs355,500. Similarly, the rate for 10 grams of gold fell by Rs1,286 to Rs304,783. The dip in domestic prices contrasts with gains earlier in the week. On Tuesday, gold had risen by Rs800 per tola, reaching Rs357,000. Adnan Agar, Director at Interactive Commodities, explained that global market activity remained subdued due to a bank holiday in the United States. 'The market is relatively inactive today, with gold trading between $3,325 and $3,344 per ounce. Current levels are hovering around $3,332,' he noted. Agar added that volatility is expected to return next week when markets reopen, particularly as attention turns to the US president's reinstatement of trade tariffs.


Business Recorder
3 days ago
- Business Recorder
CBD introduces smart pedestrian crossing system
LAHORE: Central Business District (CBD Punjab) has introduced a cutting-edge smart pedestrian crossing system on CBD Route 47, reaffirming its commitment to modernise Lahore's urban infrastructure and prioritise public safety through walkable urbanism. Two smart pedestrian crossings have been strategically installed on the route, featuring international-standard technology selected after extensive research by the CBD Punjab technical team. Each crossing is equipped with automated pedestrian signals, a user-friendly push-button mechanism, and brick-embedded lights to ensure optimal visibility and safety, especially during low-light hours. In addition, each smart pedestrian crossing is equipped with digital screen panels that display awareness messages, Islamic quotes, sayings of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and important traffic safety guidelines for both pedestrians and motorists. These screens also provide real-time updates on temperature and time, adding a modern and informative feature to the system. The embedded lights are engineered for long-term durability, being fully waterproof and capable of withstanding up to 50 tons of weight. This integration of strength and innovation ensures that the crossings remain functional and safe in all conditions. Functionally, the system allows pedestrians to activate a red signal for vehicles by pressing a button, offering a 30-second window to cross safely. A 60-second interval between activations is programmed to maintain smooth vehicular flow on the busy corridor. In addition to the crossings, CBD Punjab has also implemented speed rudders, digital speed meters and visible speed limit signage to regulate traffic and enhance overall road discipline. Speaking on the development, Imran Amin, CEO of CBD Punjab, said, 'CBD Punjab continues to lead by example in integrating smart mobility solutions within its developments, contributing to a safer and more sustainable urban environment.' Copyright Business Recorder, 2025


Business Recorder
3 days ago
- Business Recorder
Russia becomes first country to recognise Taliban government of Afghanistan
Russia said on Thursday it had accepted the credentials of a new ambassador of Afghanistan, making it the first nation to recognise the Taliban government of the country. In a statement, the Russian Foreign Ministry said Moscow saw good prospects to develop ties and would continue to support Kabul in security, counter-terrorism and combating drug crime. "We believe that the act of official recognition of the government of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan will give impetus to the development of productive bilateral cooperation between our countries in various fields," the ministry said. Taliban diplomat to take role as Moscow ambassador Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi said in a statement: "We value this courageous step taken by Russia, and, God willing, it will serve as an example for others as well." No other country has formally recognised the Taliban government that seized power in August 2021 as U.S.-led forces staged a chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan after 20 years of war. However, China, the United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan and Pakistan have all designated ambassadors to Kabul, in a step towards recognition. The Russian move represents a major milestone for the Taliban administration as it seeks to ease its international isolation. It is likely to be closely watched by Washington, which has frozen billions in Afghanistan's central bank assets and enforced sanctions on some senior leaders in the Taliban that contributed to Afghanistan's banking sector being largely cut off from the international financial system. COMPLEX HISTORY Russia has been gradually building relations with the Taliban, which President Vladimir Putin said last year was now an ally in fighting terrorism. Since 2022, Afghanistan has imported gas, oil and wheat from Russia. The Taliban was outlawed by Russia as a terrorist movement in 2003, but the ban was lifted in April this year. Russia sees a need to work with Kabul as it faces a major security threat from Islamist militant groups based in a string of countries from Afghanistan to the Middle East. In March 2024, gunmen killed 149 people at a concert hall outside Moscow in an attack claimed by Islamic State. U.S. officials said they had intelligence indicating it was the Afghan branch of the group, Islamic State Khorasan (ISIS-K), that was responsible. The Taliban says it is working to wipe out the presence of Islamic State in Afghanistan. Western diplomats say the Taliban's path towards wider international recognition is blocked until it changes course on women's rights. The Taliban has closed high schools and universities to girls and women and placed restrictions on their movement without a male guardian. It says it respects women's rights in line with its strict interpretation of Islamic law. Russia has a complex and bloodstained history in Afghanistan. Soviet troops invaded the country in December 1979 to prop up a Communist government, but became bogged down in a long war against mujahideen fighters armed by the United States. Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev pulled his army out in 1989, by which time some 15,000 Soviet soldiers had been killed.