Pakistan's growing technology and banking sector offers many opportunities for MGN.

ISLAMABAD -- The Nation has conducted the interview of Sharmeen Niaz, Head, Mashreq Global Network-Pakistan.

Q: A brief history of Mashreq Global Network in Pakistan and globally? When did the group begin operations in Pakistan?

A: Mashreq Global Network (MGN) is a wholly owned subAsidiary and one of the leading innovation-led global excellence arms of Mashreq that was esAtablished to support the bank's global expansion through digitalization, innovation, and seamless customer experience.

In line with the evolving customer requirements, at Mashreq, we developed a conAcept of a centralised innovaAtion center backed by cutting-edge technology and diverse talent pool. As this concept was not new for us, we drew expertise from our world-class employees, across multiple locations, provided them with digital skills and best-in-class facilities. With this thought, our teams in India, Egypt, and Pakistan, collectively called the MGN uniquely collaborates with colleagues based in the Middle East and other counAtries of operations including global financial hubs.

MGN Pakistan was estabAlished in March 2021, with an overall aim to directly tap into the nation's prestigious bankAing talent pool who are also well recognized globally. Today, MGN Pakistan continues to grow into a diverse group of the most talAented banking professionals in the world. We are working with Mashreq teams across different business and functional groups towards building products and services that deliver an unAmatched customer experience via market-leading innovation.

Q: Briefly compare Pakistan with the banking industry in the region and on a global scale.

A: Overall, the industry's growth has largely been driven by economic recovery and rise in business. At the same time, we have witnessed a surge in investments, increased govAernment support, rise in govAernment securities and ourAcountry's sheer resilience to withstand challenges. As per a recent report by State Bank, the banking industry in PakiAstan grew during the first half of 2022 with both assets and income registering a strong growth. Recently, the State Bank of Pakistan rolled out Digital Banking framework that saw huge interest from the internaAtional banks and investors. Over 20 applications were received from across the world showcasAing huge interest in Pakistan's banking sector. Amidst all this, Pakistan is also emerging as a preferred destination for innoAvation centers, fintechs, given its unique mix of an...