Pakistan’s latest digital bank HugoBank names Atyab Tahir as CEO
Pakistan’s HugoBank, a newly formed digital banking start-up, has named financial services veteran Atyab Tahir as its new CEO.
HugoBank’s new CEO Atyab Tahir
Following the company’s incorporation – the firm received its NOC (No Objections Certificate) from The State Bank of Pakistan in January this year – Tahir will help set-up and lead HugoBank with the aim to promote financial inclusion and literacy in the country, offering products and services at “accessible” price points.
HugoBank aims to help Pakistan achieve an 85% level of bank account penetration within five years, up from the current 16.29%, and it hopes to see 34 million new accounts opened by 2027.
Tahir brings more than 20 years of experience to the firm. Prior to HugoBank, he led mobile wallet Jazzcash and served as country head for Mastercard.
He has also held senior positions at Tameer Bank, now known as Telenor Microfinance Bank, and Pakistani multinational Habib Bank, where he focused on innovation and growth.
Tahir’s deep experience in banking and fintech in Pakistan, the Middle East and New York affords him a “rich understanding” of the local market and its needs, HugoBank says.
Speaking on his appointment, Tahir says he plans to build out a team focused on providing customer-centric banking and offering accessible and secure digital financial services to underserved individuals and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), adding he believes HugoBank will “catalyse financial inclusion and wellness for the people of Pakistan”.
