SBP doubles Minimum Capital Requirement for banks to Rs20bn
Local banks must hold Rs20 billion instead of Rs10 billion; foreign branches and DFIs face new floors, with existing institutions given until 31 December 2030.
The State Bank of Pakistan has raised the Minimum Capital Requirement for local banks, including Islamic banking subsidiaries, from Rs10 billion to Rs20 billion.
Foreign bank branches must hold Rs5 billion (up to five branches) or Rs10 billion (6–50 branches); DFIs face a Rs10 billion floor.
Existing banks and DFIs must meet the higher MCR by 31 December 2030.
Statutory reserves under Section 21 of the Banking Companies Ordinance 1962 may count toward MCR, but need SBP approval to withdraw.
Arif Habib Limited estimates listed banks it covers keep buffers of about Rs50 billion on average and sees no material dividend impact.