Digital Bank Accounts to Be Blocked Without Biometric Verification: SBP Issues Final Warning
KARACHI The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has issued a crucial alert for all digital and mobile banking users, warning that accounts without biometric verification will soon be blocked
The new **biometric verification regulations** officially come into effect **from today**, under which all **mobile wallets and digital bank accounts** must complete the verification process or face suspension.
According to sources, under **BPRD Circular No. 1 (July 2025)**, biometric verification has been made **mandatory** for all **commercial banks, microfinance banks, digital banks, development finance institutions (DFIs), and electronic money institutions (EMIs)**.
As per the new rules, account holders who **fail to complete their biometric verification by October 25** will have **all transaction privileges suspended**, including the ability to **send or receive funds**.
Experts have warned that this directive could affect **millions of accounts**, including **foreign currency accounts** and **Roshan Digital Accounts**.
The SBP stated that the new **“Consolidated Customer Onboarding Framework”** applies to both **individual and corporate clients**, regardless of whether the account was opened **physically at a branch** or **digitally online**.
According to the central bank, these regulations aim to **strengthen anti–money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing (CTF) measures**, while also **enhancing transparency** across the financial system.
The SBP had previously granted **a three-month compliance period** to all financial institutions to implement the new biometric requirements. However, **no extension** has been announced, making compliance **immediately mandatory** for all users.
