HBL is reshaping the future by repositioning itself as a ‘technology business with a banking license.’ The Bank’s objective is to establish ecosystem alliances and to provide customers with scalable solutions. The overall goal remains to be a customer-centric bank that is agile in responding to opportunities through a mobile-first, data-driven, inclusive, and agile organization.
Katalyst Labs is a technological accelerator and innovation hub founded by Jehan Ara, who, with her team, has been instrumental in developing Pakistan’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Katalyst Labs will build and manage a cohort-based fellowship programme for women entrepreneurs, professionals, and aspiring business leaders with the goal of training and developing them into a high-powered network of women leaders across the country.
Additionally, an acceleration programme will be offered with the goal of promoting collaboration between start-ups and corporations for the purpose of knowledge sharing and market research, with a particular emphasis on Fintech, Food & Agri Tech, eCommerce, EdTech, and Health Tech, among other verticals. Ali Habib, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer of HBL, commented on the partnership, “We are happy to embark into this cooperation with Katalyst Labs.” The programmes will enable HBL to cultivate and support a community of start-up founders, technology developers, and service design professionals, with a particular emphasis on female entrepreneurs. Collaboration and knowledge sharing between the top individuals within and outside of HBL will help ignite innovation.
Jehan Ara, Founder & CEO of Katalyst Labs, commented on the agreement, “When ecosystem builders like ourselves want to continue supporting and enabling dreamers and innovators out to conquer the world via the use of technology, we look for partners who can help us realize our goal.” And we’ve never had to look far because HBL has always been the first to grasp our mission and offer unwavering support. This cooperation with Katalyst Labs demonstrates our unwavering and ongoing support.”