Biography of Sima Kamil : President & CEO at UBL Pakistan - Third largest Bank in Pakistan
Biography of Sima Kamil :
Early Academic & Professional Foundations
Sima Kamil’s academic journey laid the groundwork for her
distinguished banking career. She earned a business degree from Kingston
University in the United Kingdom and later an MBA from City University, London.
Her formal education equipped her with the skills to operate in both local and
international banking environments.
Early Career in Banking & Risk Management
Sima began her professional career in Pakistan’s banking
sector, working first at American Express Bank, then progressing through roles
at ANZ Grindlays Bank and later at Standard Chartered Bank. These early roles
in corporate banking, risk management and global institutions gave her exposure
to international banking practices and prepared her for senior leadership in
Pakistan
Biography of Sima Kamil : President & CEO at UBL Pakistan - Third largest Bank in Pakistan/Life Story/ Struggle/serves on boards of government/Journey
Growth at Habib Bank Limited & Major Achievements
In 2001, Sima joined Habib Bank Limited (HBL) and over the
next decade rose to lead key divisions—first corporate & investment
banking, then branch and retail banking. Under her leadership of HBL’s branch
network starting in 2011, the bank significantly expanded its footprint and
achieved strong growth in current-account deposits. She also launched HBL’s
“Women’s Market Programme”, a notable initiative aimed at making banking more
accessible for women.
Historic Appointment at United Bank Limited
In a landmark moment for Pakistan’s corporate sector, Sima
Kamil was appointed President & CEO of United Bank Limited (UBL) starting
June 1, 2017—making her the first woman to lead a major commercial bank in
Pakistan. Her appointment represented a major breakthrough in gender barriers
within Pakistan’s banking industry.
Role as Deputy Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan
On August 25, 2020, Sima was appointed Deputy Governor of
the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) for a three-year term, becoming the first
woman to hold such a position. In this role, she is responsible for key areas
including Digital Financial Services, Financial Inclusion, Information
Technology and Human Resources. Her leadership in central banking underscores
her influence on Pakistan’s financial sector and regulatory landscape.
Vision for Inclusive Banking & Digital Innovation
Throughout her career, Sima Kamil has championed
inclusion—especially women’s representation in finance—and embraced digital
innovation in banking. As Deputy Governor of SBP, she has overseen initiatives
such as Pakistan’s instant payment system “Raast”, and policies promoting
fintech growth and digital-customer onboarding. Her strategic outlook is
integral to Pakistan’s evolving financial ecosystem.
Contributions Beyond Banking: Governance & Education
Beyond her banking roles, Sima serves on boards and
governance bodies, including as Chairperson of the Board of Governors at
Karachi Grammar School and member of the governing body of the Notre Dame
Institute of Education. Her engagement with educational institutions reflects
her commitment to shaping future leaders and reinforcing corporate-social
responsibility in Pakistan.
Legacy & Inspiring Future Generations
Sima Kamil’s journey—from early roles in risk management to heading Pakistan’s largest banks and ascending to central bank leadership—is a powerful narrative of perseverance, skill and leadership in a steeply competitive field. Her achievements not only pave the way for more women in finance but also redefine what inclusive and forward-looking banking leadership in Pakistan can look like.
