Mobile Wallets & Digital Bank Accounts Without Biometric Verification to Be Blocked From Tomorrow. Starting October 25, 2025, millions of Pakistanis risk losing access to their digital bank accounts and mobile wallets. The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has mandated that all accounts undergo biometric verification to remain active. This new regulation affects banks, digital banks, microfinance banks, development finance institutions (DFIs), and electronic money institutions.
The purpose of this move is to strengthen anti-money laundering measures, prevent fraud, and streamline onboarding processes for all types of financial accounts.
SBP Biometric Verification Rules Explained
The SBP’s updated rules, issued in July under BPRD Circular No.1 of 2025, require financial institutions to make biometric verification the primary method for identifying customers.
Previously, account holders had 60 days to complete biometric verification. Under the new framework:
- Accounts without biometric verification by October 25, 2025, may face immediate debit or transaction blocks.
- This applies to all types of accounts, including local currency, foreign currency, and Roshan Digital Accounts.
- Both in-branch and remote onboarding are now covered under the SBP’s consolidated framework.
Why Biometric Verification Is Mandatory
Biometric verification strengthens Pakistan’s financial system by:
- Preventing fraud: Ensures the account holder’s identity is verified accurately.
- Enhancing AML controls: Helps fight money laundering and terrorist financing.
- Streamlining onboarding: Makes opening accounts faster and safer.
- Protecting customers: Prevents unauthorized transactions and misuse of accounts.
Who Will Be Affected
Millions of Pakistanis could face service disruptions if they haven’t completed biometric verification. This includes:
| Type of Account | Impact |
|---|---|
| Regular Bank Accounts | Debit, withdrawal, or fund transfer may be blocked |
| Mobile Wallets | Sending/receiving money blocked until verification |
| Digital Bank Accounts | Online transactions suspended |
| Roshan Digital Accounts | Both inward and outward transactions may stop |
| Foreign Currency Accounts | Transactions restricted without verification |
Financial experts warn that tens of millions of accounts may be affected if customers fail to comply before the deadline.
How the SBP Consolidated Customer Onboarding Framework Works
The ‘Consolidated Customer Onboarding Framework’ ensures a unified approach for both local and foreign currency accounts, and applies to individuals and entities. Key points include:
- Mandatory Biometric Verification: Must be completed for all account types.
- Unified Customer Due Diligence: Applies to every account, regardless of whether it was opened in-branch or remotely.
- Immediate Enforcement: Accounts failing verification can face blocks or restrictions from October 25, 2025.
This ensures that all SBP-regulated entities, including banks, DFIs, microfinance banks, and digital banks, comply with a single standard for customer verification.
Steps to Avoid Service Disruption
To ensure your account remains active, follow these steps:
- Check your account status with your bank or digital wallet provider.
- Complete biometric verification immediately if pending. This may include fingerprint scans, facial recognition, or CNIC verification.
- Update mobile numbers and emails linked to your account to receive verification alerts.
- Contact your bank’s customer service for guidance if you face any issues.
- Verify all linked wallets or accounts under your CNIC to avoid accidental blocks.
Tip: Banks and mobile wallets are required to facilitate verification before enforcing restrictions.
SBP Deadlines and Compliance
Financial institutions were given three months to implement biometric verification after the circular was issued in July 2025. The SBP has not announced any extension beyond October 25, 2025.
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| July 2025 | SBP issued updated rules under BPRD Circular No.1 of 2025 |
| July–Oct 2025 | Three-month compliance window for banks and wallets |
| October 25, 2025 | Accounts without biometric verification may face immediate service disruption |
It’s crucial for account holders to act before the deadline to avoid losing access to funds.
Impact on Digital Banking
With Pakistan’s growing digital banking ecosystem, this step has major implications:
- Digital wallets: Easier to block fraudulent accounts but may inconvenience legitimate users.
- Roshan Digital Accounts: Overseas Pakistanis need to ensure biometric verification to avoid transaction failures.
- Microfinance and FinTech apps: Must integrate verification systems urgently to comply with SBP rules.
Experts say: The regulation improves the integrity of the financial system but may temporarily slow digital transactions due to high verification demand.
Key Takeaways
- Biometric verification is now mandatory for all SBP-regulated accounts.
- October 25, 2025, is the final deadline.
- Failure to verify may result in immediate service blocks, including fund transfers.
- Both domestic and foreign currency accounts are affected.
- Banks and wallet providers are legally obligated to implement verification systems.
FAQs About Biometric Verification
1. What happens if I don’t complete biometric verification by October 25?
Your account or wallet may be blocked, preventing transactions like sending or receiving funds.
2. Which accounts are affected?
All bank accounts, digital wallets, microfinance accounts, and Roshan Digital Accounts under SBP regulation.
3. Can I still use my account after a block?
Only after completing biometric verification with your bank or wallet provider.
4. How can I complete biometric verification?
Through bank branches, mobile wallet apps, or designated verification centers using CNIC verification, fingerprint, or facial recognition.
5. Will SBP extend the deadline?
Currently, no extension has been announced, and the rules will be enforced strictly from October 25, 2025
Conclusion
Millions of Pakistanis must complete biometric verification to avoid losing access to digital bank accounts and mobile wallets. The SBP’s rules are aimed at protecting financial systems and enhancing anti-fraud measures, but failure to comply can cause immediate disruptions.
Check your accounts, complete verification, and ensure all your digital wallets and bank accounts are updated before October 25, 2025. Acting now ensures uninterrupted access to your funds and digital banking services.
