Management Committee
Now operating as Halan Microfinance Bank, we continue our dedication to providing trusted financial services. Previously known as Advans Pakistan Microfinance Bank, we are evolving to better serve our clients and expand our reach with innovative, customer-focused solutions.
Christos Argyriou
Chief Executive Officer of Halan Microfinance Bank
Christos Argyriou is the Chief Executive Officer of Halan Microfinance Bank, where he is responsible for overseeing operations in Pakistan. With a strong background in investment management, he previously played a pivotal role at Qalaa Holding, contributing to the development and management of key investments. Notable projects include The Egyptian Refining Company, a USD 4.3 billion refining initiative in Cairo—Africa’s largest private equity project finance transaction—and Taqa Arabia, Egypt’s leading private sector utility company focusing on natural gas, electricity, and the downstream distribution of refined products. Christos holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from the American University in Cairo.
Rao Muhammad Qaisar
Chief Operations Officer
Rao Muhammad Qaisar brings over 23 years of extensive experience in business development, branch profitability, deposit growth, productive lending, recovery and collections, digital transformation, and managing nationwide sales and distribution networks. Throughout his career, he has held senior leadership roles at some of Pakistan’s most prominent financial institutions, including NRSP, Khushhali Microfinance Bank, Kashf Microfinance Bank, FINCA Microfinance Bank, and Telenor Microfinance Bank, where he successfully led nationwide retail operations.
Rao is renowned for his ability to cultivate a collaborative, high-performance culture that aligns teams with the organization’s long-term vision. His strategic mindset, coupled with his pragmatic execution, has been instrumental in driving sustainable growth and operational excellence.
A strong advocate of governance, internal controls, and innovation, Rao is committed to fostering a workplace culture rooted in mutual respect, diversity, and inclusion. He believes in building a high-value performance culture that celebrates achievements, recognizes talent, and embraces challenges.
KaleemRaza
Chief Financial Officer & Company Secretary
Kaleem Raza brings forth more than two decades of extensive experience in financial management and budgeting across various sectors. His expertise centers on fostering financial progress through strategic planning and cost-effective initiatives. Previously, he excelled as the Chief Financial Officer at Halan Wallet Pvt. Ltd. and as the Head of Planning and Budgeting at Khushhali Microfinance Bank. Kaleem is recognized for his role as a trusted strategic advisor to senior executives, providing valuable insights into the financial ramifications of key decisions. With a robust background in managerial positions, he has exhibited exemplary leadership in finance and accounting through the formulation of financial strategies, business plans, budgets, and the establishment of financial policies and controls.
Syed Haris Ali
Chief Risk Officer
Drawing upon more than 18 years of experience spanning diverse business sectors, Haris has occupied senior positions in Microfinance, Commercial Banks, and NBFCs. Notably, as the previous Chief Credit Risk Officer at HBL MFB, he oversaw lending and investment portfolios, playing a pivotal role in strategic decision-making processes. His proficiencies encompass Risk Management, Strategy formulation, Credit/Portfolio Management, and Process Re-Engineering. Haris has acquired esteemed global certifications in Credit Management and successfully completed the General Management & Leadership Program at Harvard University, underscoring his unwavering dedication to professional growth and excellence.
Farhan Babar
Head Compliance
Farhan Babar brings over twenty years of extensive experience in commercial banking, with a focus on regulatory matters. While at Summit Bank Ltd., he led the Compliance Division, establishing strong collaborations with regulatory bodies and law enforcement agencies. Holding an MBA in Finance and an MA in Economics, Farhan’s academic background underscores his deep knowledge of banking and compliance. His participation in the International Visitors Leadership Program (IVLP) by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs in the USA highlights his dedication to upholding high standards of compliance and regulatory compliance.
Zubair Hafeez
Head Internal Audit
Zubair Hafeez boasts an extensive background spanning more than two decades encompassing Finance, Compliance, Internal Audit, Risk Management, and Fraud Investigations. His impactful involvement in the microfinance domain across Pakistan and the Middle East underscores his proficiency in upholding regulatory standards and fortifying internal controls. Holding membership with ACCA UK and possessing a commerce-related academic foundation, Zubair adeptly merges theoretical acumen with hands-on practice to uphold pinnacle levels of audit and compliance within the organizational framework.
Junaid Siddiqui
Head Information Technology
Junaid Siddiqui is a seasoned IT professional boasting over 17 years of diverse experience within distinguished organizations. Armed with a foundation in Computer Science, Junaid has honed his expertise in branchless banking and digital banking, demonstrating proficiency in deploying new applications and overseeing business management initiatives. His competencies encompass IT infrastructure, system integrations, and digital evolution, instrumental in propelling organizational technological advancement and operational efficiency.
Kareem Nahas
Manager Product Development & Partnership
Karim El Nahas has over 20 years of experience in the Egyptian Stock Market, where he has held key leadership roles, including Head of Brokerage at Capital Brokerage, Sigma Brokerage, and Pioneer Brokerage. Since joining MNT Halan in 2021, Karim has driven significant growth as the E-commerce Owner and Head of the Rickshaw Industry. Currently, as the Head of Products at Halan Microfinance Bank, he leverages his expertise in personnel management, performance management, sales, and succession planning to deliver strategic results. Karim’s comprehensive experience and leadership continue to be invaluable assets to the organization.
Irfan Ali
Business Head
Irfan Ali serves as the Business Head at Halan Microfinance Bank, leveraging over 22 years of extensive experience in the microfinance sector. An MBA graduate, Irfan is a visionary leader recognized for his commitment to driving financial inclusion and fostering inclusive economic growth.
Throughout his career, Irfan has championed key initiatives in gender equity, rural banking, strategic planning, and capacity development. He has held pivotal leadership positions at Sindh Microfinance Bank, Telenor Microfinance Bank and ASA Pakistan Ltd, excelling in business expansion, product innovation, and building strategic alliances.
Under Irfan’s leadership, Halan Microfinance Bank continues to empower marginalized communities through innovative microfinance solutions, delivering a lasting social and economic impact.
Nazia Matin
Head of Human Resources
Nazia Matin, an accomplished HR professional with over 19 years of experience, serves as the Head of Human Resources at Halan Microfinance Bank. Known for her visionary leadership, she has successfully driven initiatives in talent acquisition, diversity & inclusion, employee relations, and HR analytics.
Nazia’s journey includes impactful roles at Dubai Islamic Bank, Bank Islami, and Takaful Bazaar, where she developed strategies that enhanced employee engagement and performance recognition. A three-time awardee of the “Most Influential Woman in Islamic Banking and Finance,” she is committed to building inclusive workplaces and fostering organizational growth.
An MBA graduate from SZABIST, Nazia shares her expertise as a guest speaker at academic institutions and a trainer on key HR topics, such as gender sensitization and workplace ethics. Her dedication to excellence aligns with Halan’s vision of creating a thriving workplace for all.
Babur Raza
Head Administration
Babur Raza’s career began with his service in the Pakistan Army from 1982 to 2009, where he held key positions within the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), Military Intelligence, and the Strategic Plans Division. Following his retirement, Babur transitioned into a leadership role as the Chief Coordination Officer at CBC/DHA, where he contributed to significant organizational initiatives. In 2015, he entered the banking sector with Habib Metro Bank, bringing his strategic acumen to the financial industry. In 2023, Babur joined Halan Microfinance Bank, where his extensive experience and leadership continue to make a profound impact.