MMBL partners with IBP to launch Industry-first Branch Management Development Program

MMBL partners with IBP to launch Industry-first Branch Management Development Program to empower front-line warriors

Islamabad: Pakistan’s largest digital bank, Mobilink Microfinance Bank Limited (MMBL) has partnered with The Institute of Bankers Pakistan (IBP) to launch the ‘Branch Management Development Program’ which is aimed at fostering employees’ development and upskilling for optimizing key business operations and enhancing organizational sustainability.

Ghazanfar Azzam, President & CEO MMBL, and Khawlah Usman, Director Marketing and Sales at IBP signed the MoU in Islamabad to officially launch the joint venture in presence of senior officials from both organizations. This learning & development program is the first of its kind in the microfinance industry that will facilitate the professional progression of MMBL branch staff, starting from Regional Business Managers (RBMs) to tellers. Furthermore, the course content can be used by all microfinance banks and institutions as the model is easily replicable. The collaboration will enable MMBL core and extended teams to effectively contribute towards realizing its long-term commitment of promoting financial inclusion, and consequently economic growth, in the country. 

Sharing thoughts on the development Ghazanfar Azzam, President & CEO MMBL said: “Capacity building, uplifting skills, and professional development of employees are the key focus areas for us at MMBL, as these are the primary pillars that build resilient organizations in today’s ever-evolving, competitive, and fast-paced professional landscape. Our human capital is our greatest asset and we aim to enhance our employees’ skillset and increase their productivity to serve our customers better, through this partnership.”

Samiha Ali Zahid, Chief Human Resources Officer, MMBL said: 

“Our collaboration with IBP is not new. In 2017, we were the first in the microfinance industry to implement e-learning solutions for our employees companywide, jointly with IBP. After 10 months of extensive work and staying true to our passion of devising innovative capacity-building programs for our employees, we are now pioneering yet another prolific Branch Management Development Program, to empower our front-line staff which plays a major role in driving the business.”

Speaking at the event, Khawlah Usman, Director Marketing and Sales at IBP, apprised that:

“The Institute of Bankers Pakistan has always been at the forefront of human capital development for the Banking Sector since 1951. Using its industry-tailored tools for recruitment, assessment, and capacity-building programs, IBP offers job-oriented competency development programs for all cadres. This has a two-pronged impact; at one end it ensures service delivery per global standards as well as the regulatory framework defined by the State Bank of Pakistan. On the other end, it caters for the leadership development necessary to face upcoming challenges. This collaboration with MMBL is a testament to IBP’s continued commitment towards its mission and vision and shall set a precedent for the rest of the sectors to follow this model.”

Mobilink Microfinance Bank Limited (MMBL) is recognized far and wide as an ‘Employer of Choice’ for its outstanding employee development initiatives, especially those focused on enabling female staff and reducing inequalities. The bank is progressive at the core and strives for mutual growth by implementing employee-centric policies and preparing them for taking up leadership roles in their careers. The continuous upskilling coupled with the opportunity for growth inspires long-term commitment, thereby giving MMBL remarkably high employee retention in the industry.