Latest news with #Pay
Business Recorder
14 hours ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
SECP issues Investment Finance Services licence to Alif Finance
ISLAMABAD: The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has issued an Investment Finance Services licence to Alif Finance (Private) Limited, authorizing it to operate as a Non-Banking Finance Company (NBFC) under the applicable regulatory framework. The swift and timely processing of the licence reflects SECP's ongoing commitment to regulatory efficiency, responsiveness, and facilitation of credible market entrants. Alif Finance (Private) Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of Alif Capital Holdings, a regional financial group with existing operations in Tajikistan and Uzbekistan through Alif Bank and Alif Tech. The company introduces to Pakistan a business model centered on providing Shariah-compliant digital and conventional lending, with a focus on SME financing and Buy Now Pay Later solutions. This entry signals renewed investor confidence and positive momentum in foreign direct investment (FDI) into Pakistan's regulated financial sector. The approval of Alif Finance is part of SECP's broader agenda to facilitate reputable foreign institutions investing in Pakistan and to strengthen and diversify the NBFC sector by admitting well-structured, innovation-oriented companies. The Commission remains committed to promoting financial inclusion, enabling digital transformation, and fostering a supportive regulatory environment through the expeditious processing of licences for NBFCs, capital market entities, insurance companies, and Section 42 companies — achieving notably swift turnaround times. This approach facilitates sustainable investment across Pakistan's regulated financial services landscape. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Gender pay gap
EDITORIAL: While Pakistan has made notable progress in increasing women's participation across various fields of national endeavour — including those traditionally dominated by men — the gender pay gap continues to persist. Findings from the International Labour Organisation (ILO) study titled 'Gender Pay Gap in Pakistan: An Empirical Analysis' reveal that women in Pakistan earn, on average, 30 percent less than men, even when they have similar qualifications and experience and are employed in comparable roles. This is a troubling reflection of the deeply entrenched gender bias that continues to shape the country's labour market. The report further notes that Pakistan's wage disparity is among the highest compared to other lower-middle-income countries — a stark reminder that, despite visible gains, sexism remains a major barrier to achieving genuine gender equality. This economic inequality is fuelled in large part by usual gender stereotypes that continue to devalue women's work. These biases are often implicit, embedded in workplace culture and decision-making processes, making them harder to identify and even harder to challenge. As a result, women frequently receive lower pay than men for doing the same work, not due to performance or qualifications, but due to the perceived lesser value of their work. The wage gap is particularly wide in the informal sector, where a large number of women are employed in unregulated settings with little to no labour protections. According to the ILO report, even women with higher levels of education often earn significantly less than men with similar — or in some cases, lower — qualifications. This disparity points to deeply rooted biases in hiring, salary setting, and promotion practices. In the formal private sector, the pay gap is somewhat narrower, and it is lowest in the public sector, where regulated wage structures and standardised pay scales offer a greater degree of parity. Yet, even in government employment, the 'glass ceiling' remains intact. Women are often overlooked for leadership roles and promotions, even when they meet or exceed the qualifications and experience required. This exclusion is especially visible in high-ranking, influential positions, where men continue to dominate. In other words, while women may hold roles similar to their male colleagues, they are frequently excluded from senior decision-making positions, limiting their career growth and earning potential. What these findings make clear is that the gender pay gap in Pakistan is not simply the result of women being concentrated in lower-paying sectors. Rather, it reflects systemic and ingrained gender bias in salary decisions across all levels of employment. Tackling this issue requires a comprehensive, multi-pronged approach. Legal reforms must be enacted and enforced to ensure equal pay for work of equal value. Efforts must also be made to expand women's access to higher-paying jobs and leadership opportunities across all sectors. Also, there is a pressing need to challenge societal attitudes through educational campaigns and workplace initiatives that confront gender stereotypes. Encouraging women to pursue careers of their choice on an equal footing with men is not just a matter of fairness; it is essential for building a more just, inclusive, and economically resilient society. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
IDEX Biometrics ASA – Business Update
IDEX is executing well on the strategy announced in March 2025 and outlined in the Company's presentation held on 21 May 2025- The Company's strategy is to become the world's leading biometric ID company, with a world class product portfolio in both ID & Access and Pay. IDEX has set out clear priorities, a disciplined capital allocation, and a sharp focus on building long-term value. IDEX has delivered multiple test cards as part of signing letters of intent with customers and partners; the purpose of which being to enter into distribution and purchase agreements subject to successful trials of these test cards. Testing is currently taking place. The Company believes that these sample cards will demonstrate the advantages that IDEX technology has over competitors in the field. The feedback to date is positive and IDEX expects to have further news shortly. Meanwhile, IDEX remains focused on cutting costs and accelerate time to market with its new product portfolio, both within ID & Access and Pay. Further software supporting security is underway and a further improved product line is expected to launch in Q3 2025. Having experienced a disappointing and prolonged time to market within Pay, IDEX is pleased to announce that momentum appears to have picked up somewhat: On 5 July 2025, IDEX launched together with Mastercard and EBL the world´s first biometric metal card in Bangladesh. The business activity post launch has been very positive, and IDEX expects further launches to happen in H2 2025. In July 2025, the Company executed a share issue towards employees and board members, further strengthening the commitment to IDEX success. IDEX Biometrics' reports and presentations are available on our website: For further information, please contact: Anders Storbråten, CEO and CFO, Tel: +47 416 38 582 E-mail: ir@ About IDEX Biometrics: IDEX Biometrics ASA (OSE: IDEX) is a global technology leader in fingerprint biometrics, offering authentication solutions across payments, access control, and digital identity. Our solutions bring convenience, security, peace of mind and seamless user experiences to the world. Built on patented and proprietary sensor technologies, integrated circuit designs, and software, our biometric solutions target card-based applications for payments and digital authentication. As an industry-enabler we partner with leading card manufacturers and technology companies to bring our solutions to market. For more information, visit About this notice: This notice was issued by Kjell-Arne Besseberg, COO, on 21 July 2025 at 07:30 CET on behalf of IDEX Biometrics ASA. This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to the Norwegian Securities Trading Act section 5-12.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
IDEX Biometrics ASA – Business Update
IDEX is executing well on the strategy announced in March 2025 and outlined in the Company's presentation held on 21 May 2025- The Company's strategy is to become the world's leading biometric ID company, with a world class product portfolio in both ID & Access and Pay. IDEX has set out clear priorities, a disciplined capital allocation, and a sharp focus on building long-term value. IDEX has delivered multiple test cards as part of signing letters of intent with customers and partners; the purpose of which being to enter into distribution and purchase agreements subject to successful trials of these test cards. Testing is currently taking place. The Company believes that these sample cards will demonstrate the advantages that IDEX technology has over competitors in the field. The feedback to date is positive and IDEX expects to have further news shortly. Meanwhile, IDEX remains focused on cutting costs and accelerate time to market with its new product portfolio, both within ID & Access and Pay. Further software supporting security is underway and a further improved product line is expected to launch in Q3 2025. Having experienced a disappointing and prolonged time to market within Pay, IDEX is pleased to announce that momentum appears to have picked up somewhat: On 5 July 2025, IDEX launched together with Mastercard and EBL the world´s first biometric metal card in Bangladesh. The business activity post launch has been very positive, and IDEX expects further launches to happen in H2 2025. In July 2025, the Company executed a share issue towards employees and board members, further strengthening the commitment to IDEX success. IDEX Biometrics' reports and presentations are available on our website: For further information, please contact: Anders Storbråten, CEO and CFO, Tel: +47 416 38 582 E-mail: ir@ About IDEX Biometrics: IDEX Biometrics ASA (OSE: IDEX) is a global technology leader in fingerprint biometrics, offering authentication solutions across payments, access control, and digital identity. Our solutions bring convenience, security, peace of mind and seamless user experiences to the world. Built on patented and proprietary sensor technologies, integrated circuit designs, and software, our biometric solutions target card-based applications for payments and digital authentication. As an industry-enabler we partner with leading card manufacturers and technology companies to bring our solutions to market. For more information, visit About this notice: This notice was issued by Kjell-Arne Besseberg, COO, on 21 July 2025 at 07:30 CET on behalf of IDEX Biometrics ASA. This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to the Norwegian Securities Trading Act section 5-12.
Leader Live
6 days ago
- Business
- Leader Live
Iceland Food Club Card offers £75 interest free food loan
In total, £553 million extra will be spent per week across British households through the summer holidays, as families need more food at home, as well as extra extra snacks and drinks to keep the kids going. This comes as UK inflation rose to a near 18-month high this month, with food prices shooting up across the country for the third month running. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said Consumer Prices Index inflation rose to 3.6% in June, up from 3.4% in May and the highest since January 2024. The rise in food prices has been described as a 'hammer blow' for shoppers. HOLD UP! Greggs Sausage Bean & Cheese Melts are now HALF PRICE! 😍 NOW £1.75, was £3.50! Offer ends 21.07.25. More than a quarter of parents (26%) say they've used Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services just to get by with their grocery shopping in summer. One in ten parents (10%) have also relied on loans to manage their food bill, with 21% selling personal items to cover the cost. Iceland is once again offering a more flexible and interest-free alternative through the Iceland Food Club. Delivered in partnership with not-for-profit lender Fair for You, the Food Club provides an initial interest-free loan of up to £75 to eligible applicants, loaded onto a pre-paid card for use in-store or online at Iceland or The Food Warehouse. The loan is repaid at £10 per week, helping families spread the cost of essentials without falling into a cycle of debt. Returning customers can load up to £100 onto their Food Club card during school holiday top-up windows, once they have paid back their previous loan. The details of how to apply are here. Richard Walker, Executive Chairman of Iceland Foods, says: 'The summer holidays should be a time for families to relax and make memories, not worry about how they're going to afford their next food shop. But the reality for millions is very different. When we hear that nearly a quarter of parents are skipping meals so their children can eat, we know we have to step in. Recommended reading: 'Our Food Club will be available this summer, offering real, practical support that helps people stock up their fridges and freezers without falling into debt traps.' Simon Dukes, CEO of Fair for You, adds: 'The summer break is always one of the most financially stressful times of the year for families and with the rising cost of living, we're expecting this six-week break to be our busiest period to date. 'Our Food Club with Iceland offers a safe, flexible alternative to high-cost credit, allowing parents to put food on the table now and repay in a way that works for them, especially when many will be preparing for the next set of back-to-school costs."
