State Bank of Pakistan

State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), in consultation with Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) issued “Regulations for Mobile Banking Interoperability” vide BPRD Circular No. 03 of 2016 dated May 16, 2016. The objective of these regulations was to create an enabling regulatory environment, bring systemic harmony, introduce standardization and set benchmarks for mobile / branchless banking interoperability.

2. Asaan Mobile Account (AMA) scheme has emerged as one of the important use cases of Third Party Service Provider (TPSP), as such, integration/interconnection of Authorized Financial Institutions (AFIs) and Telecom Operators with TPSP(s) is essential for the successful implementation of AMA Scheme.

3. Keeping in view the above and especially for achieving National Financial Inclusion Strategy (NFIS) objectives and targets, it has been decided to amend clause 9(3) of aforesaid regulations with immediate effect, as follows: -

“It is mandatory for AFI (s) and Telecom Operator (s) to join with one of the TPSP to facilitate each other in the provision of interoperable Branchless Banking services including AMA Scheme. For this purpose, TPSP(s) shall sign interconnect agreements/SLAs with all the telecom operators and AFIs”.

4. All other instructions on the subject matter shall remain unchanged.

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