SBP limits minimum profit rule for savings deposits up to Rs10 mn

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has changed its policy on the minimum profit rate for savings deposits. Under the new rule, the minimum profit rate will only apply to individual account holders with a monthly average balance of up to Rs10 million.

The SBP said the decision comes after the launch of its new digital investment platform, InvestPak, which allows both individual and corporate investors to invest directly in government securities through a secure online system.

According to the central bank, institutional and large investors can now use InvestPak to earn competitive returns by investing in government securities.

Under the new policy, individuals with savings of up to Rs10 million will continue to receive the minimum profit rate set by the SBP. However, those with balances above Rs10 million will no longer be covered by this requirement, and their profit rates will depend on their bank’s terms and conditions.

The new rule also means that companies and other institutional account holders will no longer be covered by the minimum profit rate requirement. They can choose to invest their funds through InvestPak if they want potentially higher returns.

The SBP said the changes are aimed at attracting more investors to government securities while offering competitive investment opportunities.

The revised policy will take effect from August 1, 2026. All other existing instructions related to savings deposits will remain unchanged.

For example, a person with Rs5 million in a savings account will continue to receive the minimum profit rate under the SBP’s policy. However, someone with Rs15 million in savings will not be covered by the minimum profit rate rule.

Similarly, a company with Rs100 million in a bank account will not be covered by the policy and can use InvestPak to invest directly in government securities if it chooses.