Karachi: The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Monday (December 13) has launched Asaan Mobile Account (AMA) to provide branchless banking services for low-income segments with non-digital phones and no access to the internet, according to news sources.
According to SBP Governor Dr Reza Baqir, Asaan Mobile Account will bring 50 million Pakistanis under digital banking with its ease of use. He went on to say that people will not be required to have smartphones and the internet to avail the financial services. Accounts can be opened by dialing an Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) code ‘*2262#’ from any mobile and any network.
Additionally, it was highlighted the customers will have the option to choose from any 13 branchless banking service providers. Mr Baqir added that Asaan Mobile Account plays a vital role in enhancing digital access and the use of formal financial services. Through this initiative, Pakistani women customers will also get on board as they were unable to access financial services due to several hurdles like cultural, mobility, and documentation issues. The said scheme will help to achieve the National Financial Inclusion Strategy (NFIS) target of promoting digital financial inclusion.
Moreover, Asaan Mobile Account is in line with the government’s approach of Digital Pakistan – which enhances access, connection, innovation, and digital infrastructure. The government can also use this initiative to disburse money for Ehsaas Programme. Reportedly, the initiative was launched with the collaboration of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), cellular mobile operators, National Data Registration Authority, Virtual Remittance Gateway, and branchless banking providers.
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