HBL Microfinance Bank (HBL MfB) announced the appointment of Maya Inayat Ismail as the new Chairperson of the Board of Directors, succeeding Rayomond H. Kotwal. Maya Inayat Ismail played a pivotal role in establishing HBL MfBs predecessor, FMFBthe first microfinance bank in Pakistanbringing to life His Highness the Aga Khans vision of expanding financial access to underserved communities. A member of HBL Microfinance Banks Board since 2016 and Chair of the FISC Committee, she has been instrumental in advancing financial inclusion. With over 25 years of experience in the financial sector, she brings deep expertise in financial services institutions, strategic partnerships, and grassroots-focused strategy development.
Outgoing Chairman Rayomond H. Kotwal reflected on his tenure, stating, It has been an honor to serve as Chairman of HBL Microfinance Bank. I am proud of our collective achievements in driving financial inclusion across Pakistan. I have full confidence that Maya Inayat Ismails leadership will usher in a new era of innovation, and I look forward to witnessing the Banks continued growth under her guidance.
Sultan Ali Allana, Chairman of HBL, also expressed his confidence in the appointment, saying, Maya Inayat Ismails expertise and unwavering commitment to financial inclusion will further strengthen HBL Microfinance Banks ability to serve underserved communities across Pakistan. Her appointment as the first woman to Chair an Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED) institution is a significant milestone, reflecting our commitment to breaking leadership barriers. I would also like to extend my sincere appreciation to Rayomond H. Kotwal for his outstanding leadership and contributions during his tenure.
On her appointment, Maya Inayat Ismail shared, I am deeply honored to take on the role of Chairperson at HBL Microfinance Bank. This marks a full-circle moment for me, building on my long-standing association with HBL MfB for over two decades. Our mission remains steadfastto create a financially inclusive Pakistan. I look forward to working with the Board, Management, and employees to further the Banks impact and drive meaningful change that empowers individuals and strengthens communities.
About HBL Microfinance Bank
Founded in 2002 as Pakistans first private sector microfinance bank, HBL Microfinance Bank (HBL MfB) was established through the structured transformation of the credit and savings division of the Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP). This pioneering initiative, which began in 1982 in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral, laid the foundation for Pakistans microfinance sector.
Today, HBL MfB serves over 4 million customers with a nationwide presence spanning 225 locations and 133 ATMs. The Bank remains committed to alleviating poverty and promoting socio-economic well-being by offering tailored financial products and services that empower underprivileged households. By enabling clients to build financial, physical, and human capital, HBL MfB continues to drive financial inclusion and economic progress across Pakistan.