SBP Enforces Strict Biometric ID Rule, Threatening Service Block for Millions of Account Holders
October 25, 2025, millions of Pakistani citizens risk having their digital bank accounts and mobile wallets blocked.
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) is enforcing its new, stringent biometric verification regulations, giving financial institutions the mandate to immediately restrict access to accounts that have not completed the required identification process.
Issued in July under BPRD Circular No.1 of 2025, the SBP’s new 'Consolidated Customer Onboarding Framework' makes biometric verification the primary and mandatory method for customer identification across the entire financial sector. This includes commercial banks, digital banks, microfinance banks, and all electronic money institutions.
No Funds Movement for Unverified Accounts
The key change is the elimination of the previous 60-day grace period. Customers who fail to complete biometric verification by the deadline will face an immediate service interruption, which includes the inability to send or receive funds.
This move is a critical component of the SBP's strategy to enhance security, streamline account opening, and significantly strengthen the country's defense against anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CFT).
Industry analysts estimate that this policy shift could temporarily freeze access for tens of millions of users, affecting a wide range of accounts, including both local and foreign currency accounts, such as Roshan Digital Accounts.
Since the SBP has granted no extension to the three-month compliance window given to financial institutions, customers are strongly urged to contact their bank or wallet provider today to complete their biometric verification and ensure uninterrupted access to their funds.
