The State Bank of Pakistan Banking Services Corporation (SBP BSC) Peshawar and HBL are bringing together stakeholders for an online discussion on youth financial inclusion and financial literacy. Titled “Smart Money, Smart Future: Empowering the Next Generation through Financial Inclusion,” the webinar is scheduled for November 4, 2026, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm Pakistan time through Zoom. The session will focus on equipping young people with the knowledge, access and confidence needed to participate in an increasingly digital financial ecosystem. Salman Shehzad, a strategic leader in financial inclusion, education and programme management, announced his participation as one of the panelists. The discussion is intended to address how financial institutions and other stakeholders can improve young people’s understanding of financial services while expanding their ability to use digital banking and payment channels safely.
The webinar will cover four key areas: improving digital access for young people, increasing financial literacy, promoting safe and secure digital banking and payment practices, and expanding awareness of digital investment opportunities. These topics reflect the importance of helping young consumers understand both the opportunities and responsibilities associated with using financial services. Access to digital accounts and payment platforms can make financial services more convenient, but users also need the knowledge to manage their money, recognise potential risks and make informed financial decisions. The session will therefore bring attention to the role of financial education in helping young people engage with digital financial products and services. Investment awareness is also part of the agenda, with the discussion expected to consider how young people can become more familiar with available investment opportunities and the information required to assess them.
Shehzad said he was looking forward to sharing insights from his experience in financial literacy and engaging with fellow panelists on practical ways to improve financial capability among Pakistan’s youth. His professional background includes work in financial inclusion, governance, education and large-scale programme leadership, including experience associated with the British Council and the National Institute of Banking and Finance Pakistan (NIBAF-P). His participation is expected to contribute a programme and financial education perspective to the discussion. The webinar also provides an opportunity for stakeholders to consider how financial institutions can make financial education more accessible and relevant to younger audiences. By discussing digital access alongside financial knowledge and security, the session aims to address several factors that influence young people’s participation in the formal financial system.
The initiative by SBP BSC Peshawar and HBL places youth financial capability within the broader discussion around digital financial services in Pakistan. As banking and payment activities increasingly move to digital channels, awareness of account management, transaction security and investment options becomes an important part of financial inclusion. The organisers are bringing together participants to discuss how young people can be better prepared to use these services and make informed financial choices. The webinar will take place on Zoom on November 4, between 11:00 am and 12:00 pm, and interested participants can join through the link shared by the organisers using passcode 435592. The discussion is expected to contribute perspectives on the practical steps needed to improve financial literacy and encourage responsible participation in Pakistan’s evolving digital financial ecosystem.
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