Mastercard and HBL team up to introduce business debit cards for Pakistani Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), aiming to bolster their financial independence.

HBL and Mastercard Launch Business Debit Card for SMEs in Pakistan

In a significant move to expand their presence and accelerate the adoption of digital transactions, HBL and Mastercard have partnered to launch a Business Debit Card for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Pakistan. The launch event took place at HBL Tower, Karachi, on 27 August 2025, and was attended by senior leaders from both institutions.

The Business Debit Card is a payment solution designed to help SMEs manage their day-to-day transactions more seamlessly. Aamir Kureshi, Head of Products, Transactional Services & Solution Delivery at HBL, emphasized HBL's continued commitment to SME lending and the extension of support from financing into payment solutions.

Muhammad Nassir Salim, President & CEO of HBL, expressed alignment with the government's vision of SME growth as a driver of economic stability, innovation, and employment. He also highlighted that over 5 million SMEs in Pakistan contribute nearly 40% to the national GDP and employ one-third of the country's workforce.

The Business Debit Card comes in two variants: Classic and World Business Debit Card. J.K. Khalil, Division President, East Arabia, Mastercard, reiterated Mastercard and HBL's commitment to empowering small businesses to grow and thrive. He stated that the launch of the Business Debit Card is a reaffirmation of their commitment to advancing financial inclusion and enabling businesses to transition towards a cashless future.

HBL, the largest issuer of debit cards in Pakistan, has been at the forefront of financial inclusion and a digitized ecosystem. Since 2013, HBL and Mastercard have introduced SME-specific financing and payment solutions such as digital SME credit cards, tailored loan products, and integrated payment platforms to support small and medium-sized enterprises' growth and cash flow management.

This latest collaboration between HBL and Mastercard is a major step in HBL's commitment to enabling Pakistan's businesses with innovative financial solutions. The Business Debit Card launch event was also a reaffirmation of their commitment to the national agenda of enabling businesses to grow, formalize, and contribute to Pakistan's economic progress.

HBL has surpassed PKR 100 billion in SME lending, making it the first bank to do so. The launch of the Business Debit Card represents HBL's commitment to financial inclusion and a digitized ecosystem, and it is a testament to their pioneering spirit in the non-collateralized lending space, ensuring increased access of credit to SMEs.

In conclusion, the launch of the Business Debit Card is a significant milestone in the journey of HBL and Mastercard towards financial inclusion and digital transformation in Pakistan. The card is set to revolutionize the way SMEs manage their day-to-day transactions, and it is a step towards a cashless future for businesses in Pakistan.

Mastercard and HBL team up to introduce business debit cards for Pakistani Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), aiming to bolster their financial independence.