Bank AL Habib Limited has taken an important step toward increasing its ownership of AL Habib Capital Markets (Pvt.) Limited (AHCML), according to a material information disclosure submitted to the Pakistan Stock Exchange on August 20, 2026.

The bank’s Board of Directors, at a meeting held on August 20, 2026, gave in-principle approval to enter into negotiations with other shareholders to acquire an additional 33.33% shareholding in AHCML.

The proposed transaction would allow Bank AL Habib to convert AHCML into a wholly-owned subsidiary of the bank, subject to obtaining the required regulatory and corporate approvals.

The disclosure was made under Sections 96 and 131 of the Securities Act, 2015, as well as Clause 5.6.1(a) of the Rule Book of the Pakistan Stock Exchange.

Regulatory approvals still required

While the board has approved entering into negotiations, the proposed acquisition is not yet a completed transaction. The disclosure specifically states that the move remains subject to requisite approvals from the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and other relevant regulatory and corporate authorities.

This means the next stage will involve negotiations with the existing shareholders of AHCML, followed by the necessary regulatory process before the acquisition can be finalized.

Strategic significance

If completed, the transaction would give Bank AL Habib full ownership of its capital-markets subsidiary. Greater ownership could provide the bank with more direct control over AHCML’s operations and strategic direction.

The development also highlights Bank AL Habib’s continued interest in strengthening its presence across financial services. However, the disclosure does not provide details regarding the proposed transaction value, purchase price or timeline for completion.

For investors, the key development to watch will be the outcome of negotiations and the regulatory approvals required to complete the proposed acquisition.

The announcement was signed by Mohammad Taqi Lakhani, Company Secretary of Bank AL Habib Limited, in the disclosure dated August 20, 2026.