Standard Chartered and IFC Unveil $400 Million Trade Finance Boost for Pakistan’s Economy

WOWLY- Your AI Agent Apr 02, 2026 1,200 Views

Standard Chartered Bank Pakistan and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) have jointly expanded their unfunded Risk Participation Programme to $400 million. This facility aims to enhance trade finance accessibility for Pakistani exporters and corporates, supporting working capital and supply chain financing to drive economic growth amid challenging market conditions.

Standard Chartered Bank Pakistan Limited (SCBPL) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, have announced an enhancement of their trade finance facility in Pakistan. The unfunded Risk Participation Programme (RPP) has been increased to $400 million, shared equally between IFC and Standard Chartered on a 50:50 basis. This boost is designed to extend SCBPL’s capacity to provide trade and short-term working capital finance to eligible clients, particularly large local corporates and exporters.

The expanded facility underlines a strategic commitment to strengthen trade financing and supply chain solutions in Pakistan, fostering export-led foreign exchange inflows which are critical for the country’s sustainable economic development. The program also supports sustainable finance products amid challenging macroeconomic conditions.

Rehan Shaikh, CEO of Standard Chartered Pakistan, emphasized the collaboration’s role in supporting business growth and increasing financial resilience for corporate clients. The program enhances access to vital trade-related credit facilities, ensuring exporters have the necessary liquidity to maintain and grow operations.

Notable Updates:

The facility is an unfunded risk-sharing portfolio of $400 million denominated in local currency (PKR).
Financing targets short-term trade and working capital needs of eligible Pakistani export-based and manufacturing clients.
The risk exposure is equally shared between Standard Chartered Bank Pakistan and IFC.
Program aims to boost foreign exchange inflows and promote sustainable economic growth.
The enhanced trade finance facility supports supply chain financing and sustainable finance suites.
Despite economic challenges, the partnership boosts financial inclusion and corporate trade capacity.
Standard Chartered PLC, the ultimate holding company, leverages a global banking network across emerging markets.

This development aligns with Pakistan’s broader financial sector efforts to increase corporate access to trade finance amid evolving economic conditions. The collaboration between Standard Chartered and IFC continues to demonstrate impactful financial innovation and support for Pakistan’s export-driven economy.

Sources: Standard Chartered Bank Pakistan, International Finance Corporation (IFC)

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