Malik Muhammad Babar Ayyaz has assumed charge as the President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Bank of Azad Jammu & Kashmir (BAJK), the other day.
A seasoned banking professional with over 27 years of diverse experience in Pakistan’s financial sector, Mr. Ayyaz brings extensive expertise in corporate banking, commercial banking, Islamic banking, SME finance, strategic planning, business transformation, and institutional leadership. Prior to joining BAJK, Mr. Ayyaz served for nearly 17 years at The Bank of Punjab (BOP), where he held several key leadership positions after serving at other private banks. During his tenure at BOP, he played a pivotal role in restructuring the Bank’s Corporate & Investment Banking and was instrumental in establishing and strengthening its SME & Commercial Banking businesses, contributing significantly to the Bank’s growth and strategic transformation.
Mr. Ayyaz holds an Executive MBA from the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS), graduating with distinction and earning a place on the Dean’s Honour Roll. His academic background, combined with extensive leadership experience, reflects a strong commitment to excellence and continuous professional development.
Speaking on the occasion of assuming office, Chief Secretary Azazd Govt. of the State of Jammu & Kashmir & Chairman BAJK, Mr. Khushkal Khan said:
“I congratulate the BAJK team on having a professional banker with extensive experience in priority sector lending. We look forward to BAJK’s enhanced role in financial inclusion, SME empowerment and taking the bank to the next level. I also see this as an important first step in BAJK’s journey towards a nationwide commercial banking license.”
President & Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Ayyaz added:
“I am honoured to join the Bank of Azad Jammu & Kashmir at an important stage in its journey of growth and transformation. BAJK has earned a distinguished reputation as the premier stateowned financial institution of Azad Jammu & Kashmir, built on the trust of its customers and the dedication of its people. Together with the Board of Directors, management, employees, and all our stakeholders, we will work to further strengthen the Bank’s financial performance, accelerate digital transformation, expand Islamic and SME banking, enhance customer experience, reinforce governance and risk management practices, and promote greater financial inclusion across the region. Our focus will remain on innovation, operational excellence, sustainable growth, and creating lasting value for our customers, communities, and the economy of Azad Jammu & Kashmir.”
