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POLICY & REGULATIONBank of Canada joins BIS Project Agorá to test tokenised cross-border payments
The Bank of Canada has joined the BIS-led Project Agorá, which has tested a multi-currency unified ledger for atomic settlement of wholesale cross-border payments using tokenised deposits and central bank money.
- POLICY & REGULATION
OCC sets waiver route for existing stablecoin issuers before 2027 deadline
The OCC says existing US payment stablecoin issuers must file substantially complete applications and request a waiver in writing before the GENIUS Act takes effect on Jan. 18, 2027.
NEWSPakistan's balance of payments swings to $4.39bn deficit in September
State Bank of Pakistan data show the overall balance of payments moved to a $4.39 billion deficit in September from $118 million in August, as the current account gap widened and the quarterly goods trade deficit grew 21.1%.
NEWSWall Street banks frame tokenisation as growth opportunity, not threat
Goldman Sachs, Wells Fargo and Morgan Stanley used third-quarter earnings calls to outline how tokenisation could expand trading, payments and advisory work, though none gave revenue figures.
- MARKETS
Pakistan's current account deficit widens 16pc in first quarter on import bill
The State Bank of Pakistan reported a current account deficit of USD 874 million for July-Sep of FY27, up from USD 755 million a year earlier, as goods imports rose to USD 17.7 billion.
- POLICY & REGULATION
World Bank's USD70 million Connected Punjab programme yet to become effective
The World Bank's USD70 million Connected Punjab Programme has yet to become effective, with financing and implementation agreements still unsigned, delaying broadband, AI and cashless transaction targets.
POLICY & REGULATIONPakistan seeks Alibaba cooperation for cashless economy and SME exports
Finance minister Muhammad Aurangzeb met Alibaba International Digital Commerce leadership in Bangkok to discuss digital payments, e-commerce and technology, the finance ministry said.
FINTECHPakistan digital payments reach 14.3bn retail transactions in FY26
The State Bank of Pakistan reports retail payments through formal banking channels hit 14.3 billion transactions worth PKR 673 trillion in FY26, with digital channels accounting for 92 per cent of the total.
NEWSPakistan remittances rise 12.7% year on year to $3.6bn in September
State Bank of Pakistan data show overseas workers' remittances reached $3.6bn in September 2026, up 12.7% year on year but 1.9% lower than August, with Jul-Sept FY27 inflows up 14.74% to $10.9bn.
POLICY & REGULATIONIMF and Pakistan reach staff-level deal on $1.21bn disbursement
The IMF has reached a staff-level agreement with Pakistan on the fourth EFF review and the third RSF review, giving Pakistan access to about $1.21bn once the Executive Board approves.
- MARKETS
Mian Zahid Hussain urges reliable energy supply for export industries as deficit widens
Mian Zahid Hussain of the Pakistan Businessmen and Intellectuals Forum sought reliable, competitively priced energy and faster tax refunds as Pakistan's first-quarter trade deficit widened to USD 10.79 billion.
POLICY & REGULATIONPakistan financial inclusion index climbs to 59.5, central bank says
The State Bank of Pakistan says the Pakistan Financial Inclusion Index rose to 59.5 in 2025 from 58.1 in 2024, led mainly by growth in its usage sub-index.
BLOCKCHAINCardano launches token standard with built-in freeze and seizure powers
The Cardano Foundation says CIP-0113 is live after independent audits, letting issuers of stablecoins and tokenised funds block, freeze or seize holdings to meet regulatory rules.
FINTECHState Bank reports 58% rise in retail payment volume
The State Bank of Pakistan's annual Payment Systems Review shows retail payment volumes rose 58% in financial year 2025-26, with digital channels handling 92% of transactions.
FINTECHDigital payments reach 92pc of Pakistan's retail transactions, SBP says
The State Bank of Pakistan's annual payments report says digital channels carried 13.2 billion transactions in FY26, 92 per cent of all retail payments, as mobile banking and card infrastructure expanded.
FINTECHState Bank of Pakistan to launch image-based cheque clearing in October 2026
The State Bank of Pakistan's Pakistan Express Clearing System will clear cheques using digital images instead of physical instruments, starting as a pilot on 15 October 2026.
POLICY & REGULATIONPakistan enters final year of IMF programme with chance to avoid another
As Pakistan enters the final year of its $7 billion, 37-month IMF programme, a senior fellow argues it has a credible chance to graduate from repeated bailouts, though weak exports and external shocks remain risks.
POLICY & REGULATIONPakistan at a crossroads: trade and industrial policy dilemma
Record remittances have reduced debt pressures and foreign exchange reserves reached highest-ever levels above $21 billion, but an analysis argues export competitiveness and industrial reform remain unresolved.
POLICY & REGULATIONSBP opens applications for second regulatory sandbox cohort
The State Bank of Pakistan is inviting applications for the second cohort of its Regulatory Sandbox, covering AI in finance, payments, inward remittances and an open theme. Proposals are due by 30 November 2026.
REIT & PROPTECHPM Shehbaz urges focus on exports and technology-driven growth
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif used a Pakistan Stock Exchange listing ceremony to call for a shift from stabilisation to sustainable growth, citing reserves, remittances and IT exports.
