KARACHI
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has announced to launch a new initiative ‘Asaan Mobile Account’ programme on Monday (today).
In a press statement issued on Sunday, the central bank said the initiative has been developed under the National Financial Inclusion Strategy aimed at facilitating the customers for remote account opening under branchless banking. Through Asaan Mobile Account (AMA) initiative, the customers would be able to open and operate their accounts in the comfort of their homes, without having to visit the branches, the SBP added.
The solution has been developed through collaboration of SBP, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), 13 Branchless Banking (BB) Providers, all cellular mobile operators (CMOs) and Virtual Remittance Gateway (VRG).
For AMA, the branchless banking providers and cellular mobile operators are collaborating to deliver an interoperable platform, allowing any Pakistani to open an account with a bank.
“AMA will play a crucial role in reaching out to the low-income segments that do not have access to the internet. Moreover, AMA will be a perfect conduit to onboard women customer segments as well,” according to the statement.