In the rapidly evolving world of fintech, cross-border collaborations are becoming the cornerstone of global financial inclusion. On September 4, 2025, Beijing hosted the Second China-Pakistan B2B Investment Summit, a pivotal event that brought together key stakeholders from both nations to foster investment and technological partnerships. Among the highlights was FinVolution Group (NYSE: FINV), the parent company of Pakistan’s emerging fintech platform Daira, holding productive talks with Pakistan’s Ministry of IT & Telecom. This interaction not only underscores FinVolution’s commitment to expanding in South Asia but also signals exciting developments for fintech in Pakistan.
As a tech blog dedicated to exploring the intersections of technology, finance, and innovation, we’re diving deep into this story. We’ll cover the summit’s key moments, the discussions’ implications, FinVolution’s journey in Pakistan, and what this means for the future of digital finance. Whether you’re a fintech enthusiast, investor, or entrepreneur, this post will provide insights into how such high-level engagements are shaping the industry.
The China-Pakistan B2B Investment Summit: Setting the Stage
The Second China-Pakistan B2B Investment Summit was more than just a gathering—it was a strategic platform designed to align policies, encourage bilateral investments, and promote economic cooperation between two long-standing allies. Held in Beijing, the event attracted hundreds of enterprises, government officials, and business leaders from both countries.
Key Attendees and Opening Highlights
The summit kicked off with a keynote address from Pakistan’s Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, who emphasized the importance of strengthening ties with China in areas like technology and finance. Other notable attendees included:
- Jameel Ahmad, Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan.
- Relevant federal ministers from Pakistan.
- Representatives from Chinese government departments focused on trade and investment.
This high-profile lineup set a tone of optimism and collaboration, with discussions centering on how Chinese expertise could accelerate Pakistan’s digital transformation. For fintech companies like FinVolution, events like this provide a golden opportunity to network, share insights, and explore partnerships that can drive real-world impact.
Why Summits Like This Matter for Fintech
In an era where digital economies are booming, summits facilitate the exchange of ideas and resources. Pakistan, with its young population and growing internet penetration, is ripe for fintech growth. According to a report by the World Bank, over 100 million Pakistanis remain unbanked, highlighting the need for inclusive financial services. Collaborations with Chinese firms, known for their advanced fintech ecosystems (think Alipay and WeChat Pay), can bridge this gap.
FinVolution’s participation exemplifies how global players are eyeing Pakistan’s potential. By attending, they not only gained visibility but also positioned themselves as key contributors to Pakistan’s digital agenda.
FinVolution’s Productive Discussions with Pakistan’s IT Ministry
At the heart of FinVolution’s summit experience were the high-level talks with Zarrar Hasham Khan, Federal Secretary of IT and Telecommunications. These discussions were described as productive, focusing on Pakistan’s push towards digital finance and the role of foreign enterprises in this evolution.
Key Takeaways from the Talks
Secretary Khan highlighted Pakistan’s accelerated efforts in digital finance development. He welcomed Chinese companies like FinVolution to invest in the local ecosystem, emphasizing contributions to:
- Financial inclusion: Making banking accessible to underserved populations.
- Digital infrastructure: Enhancing payment systems, data security, and tech integration.
FinVolution, with its extensive experience, shared insights on how their technologies could support these goals. This dialogue wasn’t just ceremonial; it laid the groundwork for potential policy alignments and joint initiatives.
The Broader Implications for Bilateral Relations
Such talks strengthen the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project under China’s Belt and Road Initiative. Fintech integration could add a digital layer to CPEC, enabling faster cross-border transactions and economic growth. For Pakistan, attracting firms like FinVolution means job creation, tech transfer, and innovation in sectors like e-commerce and remittances.
If you’re interested in similar international fintech stories, check out our related article on How Chinese Fintech is Revolutionizing Southeast Asia or this authoritative source from the Asian Development Bank on digital finance in Asia.
Introducing Daira: FinVolution’s Fintech Platform in Pakistan
FinVolution didn’t just attend the summit—they brought tangible progress to the table through their localized platform, Daira. Launched officially in 2024, Daira is tailored to Pakistan’s market, offering secure and efficient inclusive financial services.
Milestones in Regulatory Compliance
Daira’s journey in Pakistan has been marked by significant regulatory achievements:
- NBFC License in 2024: Granted by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), this license allowed Daira to operate as a non-banking financial company, ensuring compliance with local laws.
- BNPL License in June 2025: This Buy Now Pay Later approval from SECP is a game-changer, enabling Daira to offer flexible payment options for consumers.
These licenses are more than paperwork; they build trust with users and regulators, accelerating business rollout. In a market where regulatory hurdles can stifle innovation, Daira’s compliance framework positions it as a reliable player.
What is BNPL and Why It Matters in Pakistan
Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) is a financing model that lets consumers purchase goods and pay in installments without traditional credit checks. Popularized by companies like Affirm and Klarna globally, BNPL is exploding in emerging markets.
In Pakistan, where credit card penetration is low (less than 2% of the population), BNPL fills a critical void. Benefits include:
- Affordability: Allows low-income earners to access essentials like electronics or education without upfront costs.
- Economic Boost: Stimulates e-commerce, with Pakistan’s online market projected to reach $10 billion by 2025.
- Financial Literacy: Encourages responsible borrowing through transparent terms.
Daira’s BNPL services, backed by FinVolution’s tech, incorporate AI-driven risk assessment and secure data handling to minimize defaults and fraud.
FinVolution’s Legacy: From Pioneer to Global Leader
To understand Daira’s potential, let’s look at FinVolution’s broader story. Founded in 2007 and listed on the New York Stock Exchange in 2017, FinVolution has pioneered credit technology across Pan-Asia.
Core Strengths and Expansion Strategy
With 18 years of expertise, FinVolution excels in:
- Technological Innovation: Using AI, big data, and blockchain for personalized lending.
- Localization: Adapting platforms to local languages, regulations, and cultural nuances.
- Market Presence: Successful operations in Indonesia (via AdaKami), the Philippines (JuanHand), and now Pakistan.
This pan-Asian footprint has served over 100 million users, disbursing billions in loans. In Pakistan, FinVolution leverages this experience to partner with local banks, e-commerce platforms, and telecoms, creating a robust ecosystem.
Challenges and Opportunities in Pakistan’s Fintech Landscape
Pakistan’s fintech scene is vibrant but faces hurdles like cybersecurity threats and low digital literacy. FinVolution addresses these through:
- Secure Platforms: Implementing end-to-end encryption and biometric verification.
- Partnerships: Collaborating with entities like the State Bank of Pakistan for seamless integrations.
Opportunities abound: With mobile penetration at 80% and government initiatives like the Digital Pakistan Policy, fintech investments could grow exponentially. FinVolution’s entry via Daira aligns perfectly, potentially capturing a share of the $36 billion remittance market.
Looking Ahead: Daira’s Future and FinVolution’s Vision
Post-summit, Daira plans to deepen local collaborations, leveraging FinVolution’s tech stack to advance digital inclusive finance. Future goals include:
- Expanding product offerings beyond BNPL to micro-loans and digital wallets.
- Investing in talent development through training programs.
- Contributing to sustainability by promoting paperless finance.
This forward-looking approach could transform Pakistan’s economy, reducing poverty and empowering small businesses. As Secretary Khan noted, Chinese involvement will enhance infrastructure, paving the way for a fintech boom.
In summary, FinVolution’s engagement at the summit is a testament to the power of international cooperation in fintech. By combining global expertise with local needs, platforms like Daira are set to redefine financial access in Pakistan.
