Some stories are about growth.

Others are about survival.

But once in a generation, a story emerges about resurrection.

When TPL and ABHI came together to enter the banking sector, they were not searching for an easy acquisition. They were stepping into one of the most challenging institutional recovery situations in Pakistan’s financial services industry.

FINCA International, the outgoing shareholder, had built an institution that had served thousands with dedication over many years. However, the devastating aftermath of COVID-19 created losses that could no longer be sustained. Even during the transition, one principle remained central to FINCA’s approach: ensuring that the institution was entrusted to a group that would not merely restore the balance sheet, but would also protect its people, preserve livelihoods, and rebuild its future responsibly.

What was inherited was not simply a struggling financial institution. It was an organisation that had lost momentum, confidence, morale, and direction. The atmosphere was burdened by uncertainty. Fear had replaced ambition, culture had weakened and belief in the future had diminished.

Its reputation had suffered. Collections had collapsed. Statutory audits had not been completed for three years. The institution’s rating stood suspended. More than 100,000 customers had effectively ceased repaying their obligations and the existing business model was no longer suited to sustainable growth.

Yet within little more than a year, one of the most remarkable turnarounds in Pakistan’s banking history was achieved, made possible through the collective commitment of investors, the steadfast support of shareholders and the close guidance of the regulator.

The foundation of this transformation rested upon three pillars: unwavering capital commitment from shareholders, strategic regulatory support from the State Bank of Pakistan and an uncompromising commitment to performance from management and employees. Each pillar was indispensable. Without investor confidence, the institution could not survive. Without regulatory trust, it could not operate effectively. Without disciplined execution, it could not recover.

Alongside these pillars sat a fourth principle that........

© Dawn