December 18, 2024- Karachi: Standard Chartered Bank (Pakistan) Limited (“Standard Chartered”) has partnered with Haball, the leading provider of digital supply chain payments solutions and Hutchison Ports KICT, to automate and digitalise its payment systems.
This mandate has positioned Standard Chartered as one of the core banks for KICT, enabling it to provide real-time, API driven reporting and account rationalisation. The new payment platform with Haball will further enhance the ease, efficiency and security of payment processes at KICT. Customers will now benefit from an automated payment system that allows direct payments around the clock, complementing KICT’s Online-Trade Portal which was launched in 2023 to facilitate cargo clearance at Karachi Port.
The agreement was signed by Rehan Shaikh, CEO & Head of Coverage, Standard Chartered, Alvin Chow, CEO of Hutchison Ports KICT and Omer Ahsan, CEO Haball.
Commenting on the agreement, Rehan Shaikh stated, “At Standard Chartered Pakistan innovation is a cornerstone of our strategy as we continually invest in advancing our digital capabilities. By combining in-house expertise with strategic partnerships, we aim to deliver tailored solutions that empower our clients and drive efficiency. This collaboration reflects our commitment to enhancing liquidity management and streamlining collection processes, ultimately creating value for our clients, and fostering growth for Pakistan’s financial ecosystem.”
Alvin Chow, CEO of Hutchison Ports KICT commented, “KICT has been Pakistan’s trade gateway for the past 25 years, and we are proud to take another meaningful step in enhancing our customer experience. Through our Online Trade Portal, and with the support of our partners Standard Chartered and Haball, this new 24/7 digital payment solution makes payments simpler and more accessible anytime, anywhere. We are aligned with Pakistan’s vision to simplify trade and promote ease of doing business. Our commitment remains steadfast in delivering innovative solutions that cater to the evolving needs of our customers and their businesses.
Hutchison Ports KICT is located at the West Wharf of Karachi Port Trust and is a part of Hutchison Ports, the port and related services division of CK Hutchison Holdings Limited (CK Hutchison). Hutchison Ports operate 53 ports in 24 countries.”
Omer Ahsan stated, CEO Haball said, “This partnership aligns with our mission to empower businesses through innovative and efficient financial solutions. In collaboration with KICT and SCB, we are driving the advancement of the digital economy and enhancing efficiency within the trade value chain, enabling seamless, uninterrupted, and secure financial operations.”