HABIBMETRO Bank selects BPC SmartVista to power next-generation issuing and payments innovation in Pakistan

Habib Metropolitan Bank (HABIBMETRO), one of Pakistan’s leading trade finance banks, has selected BPC’s next-generation SmartVista platform to power its issuing capabilities and enhance transaction processing. This move is part of a broader digital transformation journey to creating a scalable, future-ready technological foundation for payments and digital services growth.
The transition comes at an important time for both the bank and the wider Pakistani market. With SBP Vision 2028 initiative to continue the digitalisation and build a technologically advanced financial system for inclusive and sustainable economic development, banks are pressured to keep pace to modernise and deliver new services without the cost and complexity of legacy environments.

As a leading institution, HABIBMETRO has opted for BPC’s next-generation payments technology. The Bank selected SmartVista as the most suitable platform to address both its immediate operational needs and its longer-term growth plans, providing a standardised, modern architecture that can evolve with the market.

Through the project, HABIBMETRO is set to offer a broader suite of products and services via the integrated SmartVista platform. The Bank is enhancing its transaction processing and upgrading its issuing business line, enabling the launch of modern card programmes, including physical debit cards and virtual cards. Leveraging this platform, HABIBMETRO will also comply with latest certifications and mandates for multiple international payment schemes and PayPak, strengthening its acceptance readiness across its ATM and branch POS network.

With the introduction of SmartVista Integeration Platform – a payment specific enterprise bus, the Bank aims to open its banking rails to conventional and non-conventional entities. HABIBMETRO will secure end-to-end card-based transactions by introducing tokenisation through the new platform.

The new platform offers stronger scalability, quicker transaction response times, improved compliance, and greater standardisation across payments operations. The Bank already reports reaching over 3.25 Mln transactions per day, with volumes continuing to grow. The initiative enables HABIBMETRO to efficiently introduce new services, ranging from international card ATM acquiring to card-based loyalty programmes, the introduction of GooglePay, and faster integration with fintechs, bill aggregators and remittance companies.

For HABIBMETRO’s 850,000+ cardholders, the impact lies in everyday banking. Cardholders will benefit from advanced card propositions, the flexibility of day-to-day payments with internationally branded cards, and improved transaction performance. The new environment also positions the bank in improving service continuity and reliability as volumes grow exponentially.

Mr. Khurram Shahzad Khan, President & CEO – HABIBMETRO, remarked: “The introduction of next-generation products and solutions is an important step in HABIBMETRO’s journey to build an agile, customer-focused banking environment. This project is built on trust, and we are pleased to have selected BPC as our partner for this digitalisation journey. With SmartVista, we are creating a stronger foundation for growth, compliance and innovation, positioning HABIBMETRO to deliver digital-first experiences and further strengthen our ambition to be the bank of choice across Pakistan.”

Furrukh Ali-Baig, Managing Director, Pakistan, BPC, said: “We are proud to support HABIBMETRO on this important transformation programme. With a perfect blend of globally proven products and totally localised services, HABIBMETRO is in absolute position to achieve their digital payments initiatives swiftly. This is a prominent step in enabling inclusive, personalised and innovative banking services for people across Pakistan.”

This upgrade builds on an established partnership between HABIBMETRO and BPC. Following the successful go-live of the Bank’s Digital Fraud Management System within just six months, the Bank gained strong confidence in BPC’s technology, delivery approach and team professionalism. With the expanded programme now underway, HABIBMETRO is well-positioned to further modernise its payments business and deliver secure, innovative, and convenient banking experiences nationwide.