About:
Bank AL Habib Limited (BAHL) is one of Pakistan’s leading commercial banks, owned by the Dawood Habib Family. Headquartered in Karachi, the bank was incorporated as a Public Limited Company in October 1991 and commenced operations in 1992. BAHL’s legacy stems from the Habib Group, whose roots in banking date back to the 1930s. Following the privatization policy of the Government of Pakistan in 1991, BAHL became the first bank established under private sector ownership.
Today, Bank AL Habib operates an extensive network of 1,113 branches across Pakistan and maintains a global presence with wholesale branches in Bahrain and Malaysia, along with representative offices in the UAE, Turkey, China, and Kenya.
Diverse Portfolio:
Bank AL Habib provides a wide range of financial products and services tailored to meet the needs of individuals, businesses, and corporations.
- Retail Banking: Loans, savings accounts, and consumer banking solutions.
- Corporate Banking: Business loans and working capital solutions.
- Digital Services: Internet banking and digital account management.
- International Operations: Correspondent relations with major banks worldwide.
Historical Highlights
- 1941: The original Habib Bank started operations in Bombay.
- 1947: At the request of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Habib Bank relocated its operations to Karachi after the independence of Pakistan.
- 1991: Habib Group received approval to establish Bank AL Habib following the privatization policy.
- 1992: BAHL officially started operations under the leadership of Hamid D. Habib, the founding Chairman.
- 2005: BAHL launched internet banking to provide customers with online access to their accounts and financial records.
- 2013: Awarded “Strongest Bank Balance Sheet in Pakistan” by The Asian Banker.
- 2018: Expanded global operations by opening a representative office in Kenya.
Leadership and Governance
Bank AL Habib has benefitted from a strong leadership legacy:
- Founder: Hamid D. Habib, grandson of the Habib Group’s founder.
Key Leaders:
- Abbas D. Habib (Chairman) – Serving since 2016, closely associated with BAHL since inception.
- Mansoor Ali Khan (CEO) – Leading the bank’s operations and strategic direction.
Global Reach and Partnerships
BAHL has established a strong international presence with wholesale branches and representative offices in key financial hubs:
- Bahrain
- Malaysia
- UAE
- Turkey (Istanbul)
- China (Beijing)
- Kenya
The bank maintains correspondent banking relationships with globally recognized institutions, including American Express Bank (USA), Banco di Roma (Italy), Commerzbank (Germany), The Royal Bank of Canada (Canada), and HSBC (Hong Kong).
Innovation and Growth
Bank AL Habib has consistently embraced technological advancements to enhance its services. The launch of internet banking in 2005 marked a major step in providing customers with convenient, digital solutions. BAHL continues to expand its infrastructure, including acquiring the Centrepoint building in Karachi to accommodate its growing operations.
Commitment to Excellence
With a legacy of over three decades, Bank AL Habib stands as a trusted financial institution in Pakistan. The bank is known for its robust financial performance, customer-centric approach, and global outreach. Its recognition by Forbes Asia as one of the “Top 200 Best Under A Billion Companies” in 2005 reflects its strong market position.