Central Directorate of National Savings: Outstanding Contribution to Financial Inclusion Pakistan 2017

Administering the savings of over seven million individuals, Pakistan’s Central Directorate of National Savings (CDNS) is the country’s largest financial institution in terms of deposits with a balance in excess of $32bn. CDNS maintains a nationwide presence through a network of 376 branch offices.

National Savings – as the directorate is known – traces its history back to 1873 with the enactment of Government Savings Bank Act. Today, National Savings offers an exceptionally comprehensive array of products from saving accounts and certificates to prize bonds, ranges from 3 months to 10 years, from Youth/ Students to Senior Citizens, from Individuals to Employee Contributory Funds.. CDNS also offers a number of special purpose products that caters to the specific needs of senior citizens, widows, pensioners, etc.

The directorate adheres strictly to its long-time mission to further financial inclusion and strengthen social security by promoting thrift and mobilising the resulting savings for the common good. Almost half of CDNS clients are women. whereas in commercial banks, women represent barely 4% of depositors. National Savings emphasises the institution’s role in empowerment of women. CDNS also aims to help reduce the number of people outside the financial system.

The CFI.co judging panel commends National Savings on its proactive approach to its mission. The judges are pleased to offer the Central Directorate of National Savings the 2017 Outstanding Contribution to Financial Inclusion Pakistan Award.