Approval of the first digital loan product for women-led micro, small, and medium enterprises

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan today introduced an innovative digital financial plan aimed at enhancing women-led micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). This innovative product marks a significant milestone in efforts to increase the financial inclusion of the country’s women entrepreneurs, who have historically faced challenges in accessing formal financial services.

The newly approved financial product, aptly named “Sovereign Woman,” has been developed by Wali Financial Services Private Limited. It aims to provide financing for assets ranging from 100,000 to 1.5 million rupees, depending on credit assessment, through a fully digital and Sharia-compliant platform.

This product is set to revolutionize the financial landscape for women-owned small businesses, offering an unprecedented digital experience. The financing process is facilitated through the “Hakeem” application, where eligible entrepreneurs can complete all necessary steps without leaving their homes.

The obtained funds can be used to purchase business-related assets, sourced from an integrated marketplace, and the selected items will be directly delivered to the borrowers’ registered addresses. This service also offers the flexibility of repayment in monthly equal installments over a maximum period of twelve months, helping women entrepreneurs effectively manage their cash flow.

Wali Financial Services Private Limited, already known for providing digital nano-financing, will now extend its offerings to the MSME sector thanks to SECP’s approval. This move represents a strategic expansion from consumer financing to supporting a traditionally underserved segment.

Non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) like Wali Financial have played a crucial role in providing financial support to underserved sectors in Pakistan. From July 2025 to December 2025, such institutions provided approximately 111 billion rupees in financing to around 7.5 million micro and small businesses.

The introduction of “Sovereign Woman” is expected to further these efforts, empowering women entrepreneurs with the financial tools they need to thrive in a growing digital economy.