Fintech24 Nov 2025 2m theazb.com

Mashreq Launches NEO: Pakistan’s First Islamic Digital Banking Platform

Mashreq has launched NEO in Pakistan, the first Islamic-first digital banking platform, aiming to serve 10 million people with innovative banking solutions.
Mashreq Launches NEO: Pakistan’s First Islamic Digital Banking Platform

Key Takeaways

  • 1.Under the patronage of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, NEO aims to provide seamless and secure banking experiences, ultimately targeting 10 million customers over the next five years.
  • 2.“Mashreq’s mission has always been to advance how people bank, save, and grow,” said Fernando Morillo, Group Head of Retail Banking at Mashreq and Chairman of Mashreq Bank Pakistan.
  • 3.Among its standout features is a Shariah-compliant current account offering a profit rate of up to 5% per annum, alongside Islamic savings accounts providing competitive returns of up to 10%.

On November 24, 2025, Mashreq Bank officially launched NEO, a revolutionary digital banking platform designed specifically for Pakistan. Under the patronage of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, NEO aims to provide seamless and secure banking experiences, ultimately targeting 10 million customers over the next five years.

With its unique offering, Mashreq NEO is the first Islamic-first digital banking platform in the country. It introduces Shariah-compliant banking services that cater to the needs and lifestyles of Pakistanis, both locally and among the diaspora. “Mashreq’s mission has always been to advance how people bank, save, and grow,” said Fernando Morillo, Group Head of Retail Banking at Mashreq and Chairman of Mashreq Bank Pakistan. This reflects Mashreq’s commitment to evolving banking strategies while addressing diverse consumer needs.

NEO enables users to open accounts in minutes, access profit-bearing current and savings accounts, and enjoy free digital transactions, all while eliminating the cumbersome paperwork traditionally associated with banking. Among its standout features is a Shariah-compliant current account offering a profit rate of up to 5% per annum, alongside Islamic savings accounts providing competitive returns of up to 10%.

Muhammad Hamayun Sajjad, CEO of Mashreq Bank Pakistan, emphasized the significance of adapting to consumer needs, stating, “Pakistanis have always found a way to adapt, innovate, and move forward. It’s time their banking did the same.” The platform is designed to be inclusive, specifically targeting salaried professionals, freelancers, and women entrepreneurs, while providing personalized banking journeys and lifestyle rewards.

Importantly, the platform caters to Non-Resident Pakistanis with instant account opening options through a secure and efficient process. This innovation marks a significant leap in fostering financial connectivity for expatriate communities. Customers also benefit from exclusive discounts at over 30,000 outlets, thanks to NEO’s debit cards powered by leading payment networks.

Mashreq NEO has adopted a modern cloud-based infrastructure that meets the regulations of the State Bank of Pakistan, ensuring high standards of security and transparency. This positions NEO as not just another banking option, but a comprehensive solution for customers looking for reliability and ease.

As Pakistan embarks on a journey toward enhanced financial inclusion, the launch of Mashreq NEO signals a pivotal change in how banking can serve the population. By bridging global financial innovations with local insights, NEO aspires to drive economic empowerment and cater to the aspirations of everyday Pakistanis.

In conclusion, the introduction of Mashreq NEO marks a significant milestone in the evolution of banking in Pakistan. It promises to offer a more inclusive and adapted financial service landscape tailored to modern consumer preferences, setting a benchmark for future developments in the sector.