Success
Afghan United Bank (AUB). Established in 2007, AUB has positioned itself at the forefront of Afghanistan’s banking evolution—bridging gaps in financial services, fostering international trade, and driving financial inclusion across the nation. Today, under the dynamic leadership of Mr. Matiullah Faeeq, CEO, and Mr. Javid Jaihoon, Owner, the bank is setting a new standard for banking excellence, positioning itself as a pillar of both national stability and economic growth.
The Visionary Foundations: A Bank for Afghanistan’s Future
Afghan United Bank’s story begins with an ambitious vision to transform the Afghan banking system, which, at the time, was deeply underserved and largely inaccessible to vast swathes of the population. In October 2007, the bank was officially incorporated with a focus on offering both conventional and Islamic banking products—a unique proposition in a country where faith-based banking was a vital consideration for many customers. Licensed by Da Afghanistan Bank, the country’s central bank, and with the endorsement of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, AUB entered the market with a strong foundation and a clear mission: to provide world-class financial services tailored to the needs of the Afghan population.
With a starting capital and a clear roadmap for growth, AUB quickly built a reputation for trust, innovation, and social impact. The initial goal of transforming the banking experience for Afghan citizens soon expanded to a broader mission: to empower the country’s economy and to integrate Afghanistan into the global financial landscape.
Innovative Banking for a Changing Afghanistan
Fast forward to today, and Afghan United Bank is a standout player in the Afghan financial ecosystem. Operating 35 branches and 15 banking booths nationwide, AUB is redefining what it means to bank in Afghanistan. But the bank’s real innovation lies in its branchless banking model, which allows it to extend its services to even the most remote corners of the country. Partnering with leading telecommunication companies, AUB has become a pioneer in mobile banking, allowing customers to access financial services through mobile phones, m-wallets, and even QR codes.
With over 200 sub-agent centers spread across Afghanistan’s provinces, AUB has brought the convenience of banking to millions who had previously been excluded from the formal financial system. The bank’s outreach initiatives are reshaping the narrative around financial inclusion, ensuring that even Afghanistan’s rural population has access to critical services, such as savings accounts, remittance transfers, and loans.
AUB’s ability to connect Afghanistan’s urban and rural populations has earned it widespread admiration and trust from customers and partners alike. The bank’s digital governance initiatives have set a new benchmark for efficiency and transparency, streamlining operations and reducing barriers to entry for customers.
Catalyzing International Trade: Strengthening Ties Between Afghanistan and India
In the realm of international trade, Afghan United Bank is playing a pivotal role in expanding Afghanistan’s economic footprint. In FY 2024, the bank facilitated trade transactions worth over 3 billion INR between Afghanistan and India, marking a critical milestone in fostering cross-border trade relations. AUB’s international correspondent bank network spans Bahrain, UAE, Spain, China, Turkey, Uzbekistan, and India, among other global hubs, providing its customers with the tools and infrastructure necessary for secure and efficient cross-border transactions.
By offering trade financing services such as Letters of Credit (LC) and Bank Guarantees (BG), AUB is playing a central role in facilitating smoother trade operations for Afghan businesses. The bank’s global presence provides Afghan exporters and importers with the financial tools they need to thrive in international markets, and AUB’s strategic partnerships are strengthening Afghanistan’s position on the global trade map.
The bank’s commitment to supporting bilateral trade between Afghanistan and India is a testament to its broader mission of economic development and regional integration. The success of these efforts reflects AUB’s ability to act as a bridge between local businesses and global financial markets, contributing to long-term economic stability and growth.
A Humanitarian Commitment: Delivering Aid Where It’s Needed Most
Beyond profit and trade, Afghan United Bank has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to humanitarian work, a commitment that has earned it both local and international recognition. Through strategic partnerships with UNICEF and other UN agencies, AUB has disbursed over 890 million Afghanis in humanitarian aid, ensuring that funds reach vulnerable populations on time and in a secure environment.
This unique blend of commercial banking and social responsibility underscores AUB’s ethos: that financial institutions should not only be profit-driven but also serve as instruments for positive social change. The bank’s humanitarian contributions have been widely praised for their transparency, efficiency, and security, further solidifying AUB’s reputation as a trusted and socially responsible institution.
Recognition: Accolades and Global Recognition
AUB’s sustained efforts to transform the Afghan banking sector have been recognized with numerous awards and accolades, solidifying its position as the leading commercial bank in Afghanistan. Notable recognitions include:
- International Business Award: Best Commercial Bank in Afghanistan
- International Peace Achievement Award: Recognizing the bank’s role in humanitarian efforts
- Certificate of Achievement: From the International Peace Achievement Award Council for excellence in humanitarian aid distribution
These accolades reflect the impact of AUB’s operations, not only in terms of financial performance but also in the social value it generates for Afghan society.
The Unique Selling Proposition: Why Afghan United Bank Stands Apart
AUB’s Unique Selling Proposition (USP) lies in its unwavering focus on social inclusion, technological innovation, and economic development. In an environment marked by challenges, AUB has consistently embraced forward-thinking solutions—whether it’s through digital banking innovations, mobile financial services, or its partnerships with international organizations.
What truly differentiates AUB is its ability to seamlessly blend Islamic and conventional banking solutions, offering a comprehensive suite of services that cater to the diverse financial needs of Afghanistan’s population. Moreover, its branchless banking model has made it a trailblazer in expanding financial accessibility to remote and underserved regions.
The bank’s commitment to transparency, customer-centric services, and community impact has built a deep reservoir of trust among customers, positioning AUB as a pillar of Afghanistan’s economic transformation.
Looking Ahead: A Bank Poised for Future Growth
As Afghanistan continues to evolve economically, Afghan United Bank’s outlook remains incredibly positive. The bank is committed to expanding its network of branches and agents, enhancing its digital banking capabilities, and further strengthening its role in promoting international trade. With a clear roadmap for growth, AUB is well-positioned to continue driving Afghanistan’s financial future and empowering its people through greater access to financial resources.
In the years ahead, Afghan United Bank will focus on:
- Expanding its digital infrastructure to offer cutting-edge banking services such as AI-driven credit scoring and automated financial tools.
- Increasing its partnerships with global trade entities to further facilitate cross-border business.
- Continuing its work with humanitarian agencies to ensure that aid reaches those who need it most.
Afghan United Bank is more than just a financial institution; it is a transformative force that is helping to reshape Afghanistan’s future.
In just over a decade, Afghan United Bank has established itself as a vital institution in Afghanistan’s banking sector. With its vision of inclusivity, commitment to innovation, and strong social values, AUB is not only driving business growth but also empowering its customers to thrive. As it continues to evolve, the bank is poised to play an even more significant role in shaping the economic future of Afghanistan and beyond.
Website: www.afghanunitedbank.com
Head Office: Zarghona Maidan, Shahre-e-Naw, Kabul, Afghanistan
CEO: Mr. Matiullah Faeeq
Owner: Mr. Javid Jaihoon
Turnover: USD 450 million PA
Trade with India: INR 3+ Billion FY2024
