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Finvolution Pakistan Expansion to Boost Digital Lending and Financial Inclusion
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Finvolution Pakistan Expansion to Boost Digital Lending and Financial Inclusion

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Finvolution Pakistan is set to reshape the country’s digital lending landscape as Finvolution Group, together with its local subsidiary Finleap Financial Services (Pvt.) Ltd., plans to expand its operations across the country. The move is expected to strengthen financial inclusion and provide technology-driven credit solutions to underserved segments of society. Pakistan’s fintech sector has been gaining traction in recent years, with regulators encouraging innovation and foreign investment. The expansion by Finvolution Pakistan reflects growing confidence in the country’s digital financial ecosystem and signals potential growth in alternative lending models. SECP Support Strengthens Finvolution Pakistan Entry The expansion plans come after Dr. Kabir Ahmed Sidhu, Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan, highlighted emerging opportunities in digital finance, mortgage lending, and leasing. He emphasized that Pakistan offers a business-friendly regulatory environment designed to attract fintech investment and innovation. According to the regulator, reforms are being introduced to encourage responsible digital lending while protecting consumers. This approach is expected to create a balanced ecosystem where companies like Finvolution Pakistan can scale operations while maintaining compliance and transparency. How Finvolution Pakistan Will Improve Access to Credit Finvolution Pakistan’s local subsidiary, Finleap Financial Services, operates the digital lending platform Daira. The platform provides short-term and installment-based credit solutions, particularly targeting individuals who face difficulties accessing traditional banking services. Through data-driven credit assessment tools, Finvolution Pakistan aims to streamline the lending process and reduce approval times. Instead of relying solely on traditional credit history, the company uses alternative data points to evaluate borrower profiles. This approach can help expand credit availability to freelancers, small traders, and salaried individuals without formal banking records. The expansion is expected to deliver multiple benefits to Pakistan’s financial ecosystem. These include faster loan processing, improved transparency in lending, and broader access to formal credit channels. It also supports the government’s goal of reducing reliance on informal lending sources. Global Experience Behind Finvolution Pakistan Strategy Headquartered in Shanghai, Finvolution Group is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and operates across several international markets, including China, Australia, and Indonesia. The company brings global expertise in fintech innovation and digital credit assessment to Pakistan’s evolving financial sector. By leveraging its international experience, Finvolution Pakistan plans to introduce scalable lending solutions tailored to local market conditions. The company has also expressed appreciation for regulatory reforms introduced by SECP and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Pakistan’s digital economy. Finvolution Pakistan and the Future of Digital Lending The entry and expansion of Finvolution Pakistan is expected to play a key role in promoting financial inclusion. Millions of Pakistanis remain outside the formal banking system, and fintech-based lending solutions can bridge this gap by offering accessible credit options. Industry experts believe that increased competition in digital lending will also encourage innovation among local fintech players. As more companies adopt technology-driven credit models, consumers are likely to benefit from improved services, competitive pricing, and transparent loan structures. Finvolution Pakistan’s expansion aligns with broader economic objectives, including digitization of financial services, SME growth, and consumer empowerment. With regulatory backing and global expertise, the company’s presence could accelerate Pakistan’s transition toward a more inclusive and technology-enabled financial system.

No More Typing: Google Search Live is Now Global in All Languages
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No More Typing: Google Search Live is Now Global in All Languages

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Karachi: Today, Google announced that it is expanding Search Live globally to all languages and locations where AI Mode is available. Now, people in more than 200 countries and territories can have interactive conversations with Search in AI Mode, using both voice and camera. Read More: https://theboardroompk.com/wto-chief-says-global-trade-faces-worst-crisis-in-80-years-due-to-war/ This expansion is enabled by Google’s new audio and voice model, Gemini 3.1 Flash Live, which delivers even more natural and intuitive conversations. The new model is also inherently multilingual, which means that people around the world can now speak with Search in their preferred language. Bringing Search Live to more people Search Live is designed for those moments when people need real-time help, and typing out a query just won’t cut it. To go Live with Search, simply open the Google app on Android or iOS and tap the Live icon under the Search bar. From there, anyone can ask your question out loud to get a helpful audio response, then continue the conversation with follow-up questions or dive deeper with helpful web links. People can also enable the camera to add visual context for instance if they want to ask about something in front of them, like how to install a new shelving unit. This way, Search can see what the camera sees and offer helpful suggestions, plus links to more information on the web. Search Live also works with Google Lens — just tap the Live option at the bottom of the screen to have a real-time, back-and-forth conversation. The global expansion of Search Live marks a significant shift in how information is accessed, moving from static queries to dynamic, multimodal assistance. By combining voice, sight, and the vast knowledge of the web, Google continues to evolve Search into a more personal and capable tool for learning and exploration.

AI Infrastructure Investment Surges as Global Tech Giants Bet on the Future
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AI Infrastructure Investment Surges as Global Tech Giants Bet on the Future

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AI Infrastructure Investment is rapidly becoming one of the biggest financial trends shaping the global technology landscape. Despite unprecedented spending levels, experts believe these investments are economically justified but only if companies can successfully monetize artificial intelligence services in the coming years. A new industry report suggests that the world is entering a decisive phase where massive funding for AI data centers, hardware, and cloud platforms must translate into real revenue growth. Otherwise, the market could face financial pressure and strategic recalibration. AI Infrastructure Investment Could Generate Trillions in Revenue The outlook for AI services remains highly optimistic. Analysts estimate that annual revenues from artificial intelligence could reach between $800 billion and $1.4 trillion by 2030. Interestingly, the majority of this opportunity lies in business-to-business (B2B) applications, which are expected to account for more than 95% of total earnings. This growth is largely driven by two key areas: • Enterprise AI, where companies adopt automation and data-driven tools to reduce operational costs• Embedded AI, where artificial intelligence is integrated into products and services to generate additional revenue Direct consumer subscriptions for AI services, while growing, are expected to remain relatively small in comparison. This means corporations not individuals will play the biggest role in shaping AI adoption globally. How AI Infrastructure Investment Supports the Entire Tech Ecosystem The revenue generated by AI services doesn’t stay confined to software providers. Instead, it flows through multiple layers of the technology ecosystem. Cloud platforms, AI developers, chip manufacturers, and data center operators all benefit from this expanding market. As companies deploy more AI solutions, they require: • Advanced data centers• High-performance computing hardware• Increased energy capacity• Improved networking infrastructure Under stable market conditions, analysts believe the AI ecosystem could support annual capital expenditure ranging from $430 billion to $700 billion, which aligns closely with current spending trends. Record Spending by Cloud Providers Signals Confidence Major hyperscale cloud providers are already making bold moves. Collectively, leading technology companies have announced approximately $650 billion in capital expenditure for 2026, with AI-focused cloud investments alone potentially exceeding $500 billion this year. This surge reflects strong confidence that AI will become a foundational layer for digital economies worldwide. However, this aggressive spending also increases pressure on companies to generate sustainable returns. Monetization: The Biggest Test for AI Infrastructure Investment While growth projections are impressive, success ultimately depends on monetization. AI service providers must ensure they capture meaningful value instead of losing revenue through intense competition and price reductions. If monetization falls short, two major risks could emerge: • Counterparty risk, particularly affecting cloud computing providers heavily reliant on large customers• Volume risk, which could impact hardware manufacturers and equipment suppliers if demand slows Additionally, data center operators face varying risk levels depending on how diversified their customer base is and how projects are financed. Enterprise Adoption Will Drive the Future of AI Infrastructure Investment The long-term sustainability of AI infrastructure spending depends heavily on enterprise adoption. Businesses adopting AI for productivity, automation, and analytics will ultimately determine whether the investment boom continues. If corporate users see measurable cost savings and revenue growth, the AI ecosystem will remain financially stable. However, weak adoption or delayed monetization could lead to market adjustments. The Bottom Line: A High-Stakes AI Investment Cycle The global AI Infrastructure Investment boom represents both a massive opportunity and a calculated risk. With trillions in potential revenue and hundreds of billions already committed, the industry stands at a crucial turning point. The coming years will determine whether AI delivers sustainable profits or whether companies must rethink their spending strategies. For now, the momentum remains strong, fueled by enterprise demand and technological innovation.

Pakistan Digital Payments Growth accelerates as SBP reports 92% retail transactions going digital
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Pakistan Digital Payments Growth accelerates as SBP reports 92% retail transactions going digital

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Pakistan Digital Payments Growth is rapidly transforming how people and businesses handle money, and the latest quarterly report from the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) confirms just how fast this shift is happening. Covering the period from October to December 2025, the report highlights a clear move away from cash toward a digital-first economy. Read More: https://theboardroompk.com/gold-price-in-pakistan-drops-sharply-latest-gold-silver-rates-today-shock-investors/ Digital Payments Now Dominate Everyday Transactions Pakistan Digital Payments Growth has reached a new milestone, with 92% of all retail transactions now conducted digitally, up from 88% last year. This signals growing trust in digital platforms among consumers and businesses alike. During the quarter: • Retail transactions hit 3.4 billion, marking an 8% increase from the previous quarter• Total transaction value rose to PKR 167 trillion, up by 7% Out of these, 3.1 billion transactions were digital, contributing PKR 64 trillion to the economy an impressive indicator of Pakistan’s evolving financial habits. Mobile Apps Lead Pakistan Digital Payments Growth One of the strongest drivers behind Pakistan Digital Payments Growth is mobile app usage. Banking apps, branchless banking platforms, and EMIs are now the go-to tools for millions. • 2.6 billion transactions were made via mobile apps• These accounted for 83% of all digital payments• Total value reached PKR 40 trillion From sending money to paying bills and shopping online, mobile apps are reshaping daily financial interactions across urban and rural Pakistan. Meanwhile, internet banking also gained traction, with transaction volumes rising by 11% and value increasing by 22%, showing that users are exploring multiple digital channels. Raast System Accelerates Instant Transfers Across Pakistan Pakistan Digital Payments Growth is also being powered by the country’s instant payment infrastructure, Raast Instant Payment System. In Q2 FY26: • 645.7 million transactions were processed• Total value reached PKR 18.5 trillion Person-to-person (P2P) transfers dominated: • 603 million transactions, up 13%• Value of PKR 15.7 trillion Business and government adoption is also rising. Over 9 million bulk transactions worth PKR 2.6 trillion were processed, highlighting Raast’s growing role in corporate and public sector payments. Cards, ATMs, and Retail Payments Still Hold Ground Despite the digital boom, traditional payment methods remain relevant in Pakistan’s hybrid financial ecosystem. • Total payment cards reached 66.7 milliono 87% debit cardso 5% credit cards Card usage at retail outlets and online platforms is increasing steadily, with around 1.7 million transactions happening daily. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s ATM network: • 20,976 machines nationwide• Processed 277 million transactions worth PKR 4.9 trillion These figures show that while digital is growing, cash and card-based systems still support a significant portion of the economy. Branch Banking and Agents Continue Serving Millions Pakistan Digital Payments Growth doesn’t mean traditional banking is fading. Instead, it’s evolving. • 20,143 bank branches handled 138 million transactions worth PKR 102 trillion• 763,262 banking agents facilitated 135 million transactions worth PKR 0.9 trillion These channels remain essential, especially in rural and underserved areas, ensuring financial inclusion across the country. What This Means for Pakistan’s Financial Future The latest data from the State Bank of Pakistan paints a clear picture: Pakistan is steadily moving toward a digitally inclusive economy. Pakistan Digital Payments Growth is not just about convenience it’s about: • Expanding financial access• Improving transparency• Enabling faster business transactions• Supporting economic growth As platforms like Raast, mobile banking, and fintech solutions continue to evolve, Pakistan’s payment landscape is expected to become even more efficient and accessible in the coming years.

Attacking Cheap, Defending Expensive: Drones Redefine Global Conflicts
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Attacking Cheap, Defending Expensive: Drones Redefine Global Conflicts

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The Israel-US war on Iran highlights how inexpensive attack drones are fundamentally transforming aerial warfare. Read More: https://theboardroompk.com/pakistans-coal-provider-exxaros-profit-jump-8-amid-war/ By enabling smaller or less affluent forces to challenge traditional air dominance, these low-cost unmanned systems are shifting the economics and tactics of conflict. This is evident in ongoing wars involving Ukraine, Russia, Iran, the U.S., and allies in the Middle East, where drones provide high-volume, affordable strikes that strain expensive defenses. The Rise of Affordable Drone Swarms Cheap drones, such as Iran’s Shahed-136 (costing $20,000–$50,000), have become a game-changer. Unlike high-end fighter jets like the U.S. F-35 or B-2 bombers, which require massive investments and trained pilots, these one-way attack drones can be produced at scale—Iran reportedly manufactures around 10,000 per month. They function like low-cost cruise missiles, carrying payloads and traveling long ranges (up to 2,000 km) before detonating on impact. This allows attackers to overwhelm air defenses through sheer numbers rather than precision alone. Economic Imbalance in Modern Conflicts The cost disparity is stark. A single Patriot missile interceptor can cost $3–4 million, enough to buy over 100 Shahed drones at lower estimates. In the Red Sea and Middle East operations, the U.S. Navy has spent over $1 billion countering Houthi drones and missiles since late 2023. Pentagon officials, including weapons buyer Bill LaPlante, have criticized this unsustainable equation, noting that defending against $50,000 drones with multimillion-dollar missiles is inefficient. Emerging countermeasures like lasers (costing $1–$10 per shot) and reusable interceptors offer hope, but traditional systems remain dominant for now. In Ukraine, drones account for roughly 70% of Russian casualties, enabling remote strikes that minimize human risk. Russia counters with its own Shahed fleets, while Ukraine adapts consumer quadcopters for warfare. The article warns that this trend lowers barriers to aerial attacks, forcing major powers to rethink procurement and embrace “affordable mass” strategies.

Jazz Activates 5G in Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi and Others; Initial Deployment Covers ~180 Sites
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Jazz Activates 5G in Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi and Others; Initial Deployment Covers ~180 Sites

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ISLAMABAD: Jazz, Pakistan’s leading digital operator under JazzWorld, has officially launched 5G services following the award of the Next Generation Mobile Services (NGMS)/5G license by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA)—marking a defining moment in Pakistan’s digital journey. Read More: https://theboardroompk.com/foreign-profit-repatriation-surges-10-52-in-fy26-reaching-1-73-billion/ The license agreement was signed by DG Licensing PTA Brig. (Retd.) Aamir Shahzad and CEO JazzWorld Aamir Ibrahim at a ceremony attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Federal Minister for IT & Telecom Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Chairman PTA Maj. Gen. (Retd.) Hafeez Ur Rehman, and senior public and private sector leadership—reflecting a strong, unified commitment to accelerating Pakistan’s digital future. In its first phase, 5G is already live across ~180 sites, spanning Islamabad, all provincial capitals, and key metropolitan hubs including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, Quetta, Multan, and Faisalabad. Powered by its strengthened spectrum portfolio, Jazz is delivering ultra-fast speeds, low latency, and enhanced reliability at scale. At the same time, the company continues to expand and upgrade its nationwide 4G network—ensuring that the benefits of connectivity reach every Pakistani, everywhere. Speaking at the occasion, Aamir Ibrahim, CEO JazzWorld, said: “Today marks the beginning of Pakistan’s 5G era—unlocking a new wave of innovation, opportunity, and growth. As we lead this transition, our focus remains clear: delivering faster, more reliable connectivity while ensuring that no Pakistani is left behind. At Jazz, our purpose is to enable a Better Life for All—and this is a significant step forward in that journey.” In the recent spectrum auction, Jazz emerged as the only operator to secure spectrum across all key bands—700 MHz, 2300 MHz, 2600 MHz, and 3500 MHz—giving it a uniquely powerful, multi-layered network capable of delivering both deep coverage and high-capacity performance. Backed by a recently announced USD 1 billion commitment to Pakistan’s digital future—adding to over USD 11 billion invested over three decades—Jazz continues to build and scale the infrastructure powering the country’s digital economy.

Zong Launches Commercial 5G in 16+ Cities; Plans 1,000+ Nationwide Sites in 2026
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Zong Launches Commercial 5G in 16+ Cities; Plans 1,000+ Nationwide Sites in 2026

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Karachi: At a defining moment in Pakistan’s digital evolution, Zong, Pakistan’s leading technology service enterprise, has officially attained its 5G license and commercially launched its 5G services in more than 16 cities including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, and Quetta. Read More: https://theboardroompk.com/foreign-profit-repatriation-surges-10-52-in-fy26-reaching-1-73-billion/ Ushering in a new era of digital connectivity, innovation, and economic acceleration, Zong has a strategic commitment to deploy and upgrade 1,000+ 5G sites nationwide in 2026, driving scale, speed, and impact across Pakistan’s digital ecosystem. This launch reflects a clear strategic commitment: to lead Pakistan’s transition into a fully digital, intelligent, and connected future. It marks the culmination of Zong’s journey from pioneering Pakistan’s first 5G trial in 2019 to deploying a robust, multi-city 5G infrastructure today. Backed by globally benchmarked infrastructure, Zong has already demonstrated speeds exceeding 1.4Gbps in trials, reinforcing its position at the forefront of technological excellence and network innovation. At the core of Zong’s 5G strategy are three transformative pillars. Ultimate Customer Experience remains the top priority delivering low latency, high reliability, consistency and seamless performance to power next-generation use cases such as immersive gaming with customized bundles, ultra-HD video streaming, and advanced digital lifestyles. Moreover, Zong ensure to deliver faster issue resolution and a smooth, consistent experience across app, touchpoints, and social channels. Diversified Products & Services Portfolio will extend 5G beyond connectivity, enabling integrated solutions including cloud platforms, enterprise digitization tools, smart homes & IoT ecosystems, CCTV solutions and tailored offerings for startups, SMEs and large industries. Complementing this, is a strong focus on AI Enablement, personalized products and bundles recommendations, embedding intelligent automation across the network to enable predictive network optimization and proactive problem detection. As a subsidiary of China Mobile Limited, the world’s largest telecommunications enterprise, Zong brings global expertise and innovation leadership to build a world-class digital ecosystem in Pakistan, aligned with national growth priorities. In line with the Government’s Digital Pakistan vision and Pakistan Vision 2030, its 5G rollout positions the country as a rising global technology hub while strengthening the CPEC agenda, enabling high-speed, low-latency connectivity to power smart industries, transform healthcare, and drive precision agriculture, accelerating sustainable growth and nationwide digital innovation Zong is not just launching a network. It is enabling a future where every individual, business, and industry can thrive in a truly Digital Pakistan. The era of 5G is live with Zong 5G – Aisa hai future!

40% of Pakistan Still Lacks 4G- Jazz Grabs 190 MHz, Becomes Sole 700 MHz Owner of 5G Spectrum, Vows Inclusive Growth
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40% of Pakistan Still Lacks 4G- Jazz Grabs 190 MHz, Becomes Sole 700 MHz Owner of 5G Spectrum, Vows Inclusive Growth

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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s transition toward next-generation connectivity must ensure that millions of citizens are not left behind, according to JazzWorld CEO Aamir Ibrahim, who said expanding nationwide mobile broadband access remains as important as enabling the country’s transition to 5G. Read More: https://theboardroompk.com/us-troop-wounded-in-iran-war-surge-to-150-pentagon-confirms-140/ In Pakistan’s latest spectrum auction, Jazz emerged as the largest acquirer of additional spectrum, securing 190 MHz across all four newly introduced bands including 700, 2300, 2600 and 3500 MHz. The acquisition positions Jazz as the only operator with strategic spectrum holdings across all available frequency ranges, enabling a comprehensive approach to network development that balances coverage, capacity and future technologies. While investments in mid and high bands strengthen network capacity and support the gradual rollout of 5G services, Jazz’s acquisition of the 700 MHz band, for which it was the sole bidder, highlights a parallel focus on expanding wide-area coverage and improving connectivity in underserved regions. The 700 MHz band is widely regarded as one of the most effective frequencies for extending mobile broadband coverage due to its superior propagation characteristics. Signals in this band travel longer distances and penetrate buildings more effectively, making it particularly well suited for expanding connectivity in rural and remote communities. Speaking after the spectrum auction, Ibrahim said that while 5G represents an important technological milestone, the country’s digital progress must remain grounded in inclusion by continuing to extend reliable mobile broadband to communities that still lack access to high-speed connectivity. “Pakistan’s digital future must be both forward-looking and inclusive,” Ibrahim said. “As we move toward 5G, we must also ensure that millions of Pakistanis who remain outside the digital connectivity layer are brought online. Connectivity should expand opportunity, not deepen the divide.” Despite rapid growth in mobile data usage, Pakistan continues to face significant connectivity gaps. Industry estimates indicate that around 40 percent of mobile subscribers still lack access to 4G services, while nearly a quarter remain outside mobile broadband altogether. Ibrahim said addressing these gaps requires a strategic mix of spectrum resources that allows operators to extend coverage while strengthening network capacity. “Higher-capacity spectrum enables the evolution toward 5G, while low-band spectrum plays a critical role in expanding nationwide coverage,” he said. “Using the right mix of frequencies allows operators to improve connectivity while extending mobile broadband to communities that might otherwise remain outside the reach of high-speed networks.” He added that continued investment in network infrastructure will be essential to support Pakistan’s rapidly expanding digital ecosystem, where mobile connectivity increasingly underpins services ranging from digital payments and online commerce to enterprise cloud platforms and digital entertainment. On Tuesday, Jazz also announced plans to invest $1 billion over the next three years to support the rollout of 5G services, strengthen its network and digital infrastructure, and meet the country’s rapidly growing demand for data and digital services.

The Boardroom PK delivers trusted business news, analysis, and insights from Pakistan and beyond, keeping readers informed, inspired, and ahead in the evolving world of business and leadership.

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