Mobile Wallets and Digital Bank Accounts Without Biometric Verification to be Blocked From Tomorrow: What You Must Know in 2025. Starting tomorrow, millions of Pakistanis could lose access to their digital bank accounts and mobile wallets if they have not completed biometric verification. The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has mandated this new regulation to enhance security, streamline onboarding, and strengthen anti-money laundering measures. If you’re a user of digital banking services or mobile wallets, understanding these changes is crucial to avoid service disruptions.
What the SBP Biometric Verification Rule Means
The SBP’s updated guidelines, introduced under BPRD Circular No.1 of 2025, require all banks, digital banks, microfinance banks, development finance institutions (DFIs), and electronic money institutions to implement biometric verification as the primary identification method for all customers.
Key Highlights of the Rule:
- Mandatory biometric verification: All customers must provide biometric data for verification.
- Immediate consequences: Accounts without verification risk debit blocks or inability to send/receive funds starting October 25, 2025.
- Coverage: Applies to local and foreign currency accounts, including Roshan Digital Accounts.
- Unified approach: Both in-branch and remote onboarding must follow the Consolidated Customer Onboarding Framework.
This move is aimed at ensuring secure financial transactions and reducing fraud, money laundering, and terrorism financing risks.
Who Will Be Affected?
The new SBP regulation will impact a wide range of account holders across Pakistan:
- Digital Bank Users – Customers of digital-only banks must complete biometric verification.
- Mobile Wallet Users – Services like Easypaisa, JazzCash, and others require verification.
- Microfinance Account Holders – Small-scale account holders also need to comply.
- Foreign Currency Account Holders – Including Roshan Digital Accounts for overseas Pakistanis.
- Businesses and Corporates – Entities opening accounts through DFIs or banks must comply.
Experts warn that tens of millions of accounts could face temporary suspension if verification is not completed by the deadline.
Timeline and Compliance
The State Bank of Pakistan initially allowed a 60-day window for account holders to complete biometric verification. However, under the new consolidated framework, the deadline is now October 25, 2025, with no announced extensions.
| Timeline | Requirement |
|---|---|
| July 2025 | SBP issued BPRD Circular No.1 |
| July – October 2025 | Three-month compliance window for financial institutions |
| October 25, 2025 | Deadline for biometric verification for all account holders |
| Post-October 25, 2025 | Accounts without verification may face debit blocks |
Financial institutions were given three months to update their systems and ensure all customers are verified.
Why Biometric Verification is Important
The biometric verification process involves capturing unique physical attributes, such as fingerprints or facial recognition, to authenticate a customer’s identity. Here’s why it matters:
- Fraud Prevention: Reduces identity theft and unauthorized transactions.
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensures banks and mobile wallets comply with AML (Anti-Money Laundering) and CTF (Counter-Terrorism Financing) regulations.
- Streamlined Onboarding: Simplifies account opening for both local and overseas Pakistanis.
- Unified Verification: Applies to all financial products, including savings, checking, and foreign currency accounts.
How to Complete Biometric Verification
To avoid account disruption, follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Identify Your Bank or Mobile Wallet Provider
Check which services require biometric verification. This includes:
- Commercial Banks – HBL, UBL, MCB, Bank Alfalah
- Digital Banks – Keenu Bank, Finja, UBL Digital
- Mobile Wallets – Easypaisa, JazzCash, Upaisa
Step 2: Schedule Your Verification
- Visit the nearest branch for in-person biometric verification.
- For digital wallets, check if remote biometric verification via app or kiosk is available.
Step 3: Provide Required Documents
Commonly required documents include:
- CNIC or NICOP (for overseas Pakistanis)
- Valid mobile number linked to the account
- Passport (for foreign currency accounts)
Step 4: Complete Biometric Authentication
- Submit fingerprint or facial scan
- Confirm verification with a bank representative or digital wallet platform
Step 5: Confirmation
- Once verification is completed, you should receive an SMS or email confirmation.
- Ensure your account shows “verified” status in the app or banking portal.
Potential Impact on Pakistan’s Financial System
The SBP’s new framework is expected to have significant effects:
- Reduced Fraud Risk – Biometric authentication reduces fake account openings.
- Financial Inclusion – Encourages proper onboarding of underserved populations.
- Digital Banking Growth – Strengthens trust in mobile wallets and fintech platforms.
- Tightened AML/CTF Compliance – Helps banks and DFIs meet global regulatory standards.
Industry experts predict temporary transaction delays and increased support requests from users who haven’t yet completed verification.
Common Misconceptions
Misconception 1: Only New Accounts Are Affected
Fact: All existing accounts, including long-standing digital bank accounts, must be verified.
Misconception 2: Biometric Verification is Optional
Fact: SBP mandates mandatory verification. Failure to comply may result in immediate debit blocks.
Misconception 3: Foreign Currency Accounts are Exempt
Fact: No, accounts like Roshan Digital Accounts are also covered.
FAQs
1. What happens if I don’t complete biometric verification by October 25, 2025?
Your account may face a debit block, meaning you won’t be able to send or receive funds.
2. Can I complete biometric verification online?
Some digital wallets and banks provide remote biometric verification, but in-branch verification is also available.
3. Does this affect foreign currency accounts?
Yes, all local and foreign currency accounts, including Roshan Digital Accounts, must comply.
4. How long does the verification process take?
Typically, the process takes 5–15 minutes per customer at the branch or via approved digital platforms.
5. Are businesses affected too?
Yes, corporate and business accounts under SBP-regulated institutions must complete biometric verification.
Conclusion
The biometric verification rule by the State Bank of Pakistan marks a significant step toward secure and regulated digital banking in 2025. Millions of mobile wallet users and digital bank account holders must comply by October 25, 2025, to avoid disruptions. Ensure your CNIC/NICOP is updated, follow the verification steps, and safeguard your access to financial services.
