In an economy defined by turbulence and transformation, few institutions have risen with as much resilience and purpose as Afghan United Bank (AUB). Headquartered in Kabul, Afghanistan, and established in 2007, AUB has evolved into a force for financial inclusion, cross-border trade, and digital innovation.
While the country’s financial ecosystem continues to face immense structural and geopolitical challenges, AUB has steadily built a business model rooted in trust, access, and scalable technology. With a turnover of USD 450 million annually and trade relationships spanning from India to the UAE, the bank isn’t just surviving Afghanistan’s uncertain economic climate—it’s helping shape its future.
A Vision Born in Complexity
The story of Afghan United Bank begins with two visionaries: Mr. Javid Jaihoon, Owner, and Mr. Matiullah Faeeq, CEO. When they founded AUB in 2007, Afghanistan was at a pivotal crossroads. Infrastructure was rebuilding, private enterprise was cautiously re-emerging, and the need for reliable banking was urgent.
Recognizing a gap in both urban and rural financial access, the founders designed a dual-model approach—conventional and Islamic banking—a first for Afghanistan at the time. But they weren’t just replicating western banking structures. They were building a system calibrated to the unique cultural and economic needs of the Afghan population.
“We didn’t start this bank to be the biggest—we started it to be the most relevant,” Faeeq says. “We wanted every Afghan, no matter where they lived, to have access to the tools of economic freedom.”
Scaling with Strategy
Fast forward to today, AUB operates a network of 35 full-service branches and 15 banking booths. But its real competitive edge lies in its branchless banking model—a highly strategic initiative that allows financial services to reach the country’s remotest districts through a network of 200+ sub-agents.
By partnering with telecom operators and leveraging mobile technologies, AUB has extended banking access to millions of Afghans who previously relied solely on cash economies. This isn’t just financial innovation—it’s social infrastructure.
In a country where traditional banks struggled to scale beyond urban centers, AUB bet on mobile wallets, QR code payments, and agent-based banking—and that bet paid off.
A Trusted Name in Trade
Beyond domestic growth, AUB has become a trusted partner in international trade, facilitating seamless cross-border transactions. Its trade portfolio with India alone crossed 3 billion INR in FY 2024, driven by a robust correspondent banking network that spans Bahrain, China, UAE, Spain, Turkey, Central Asia, and beyond.
“Our trade solutions aren’t just about financing,” explains Jaihoon. “We provide a strategic platform for Afghan businesses to grow internationally—compliant, secure, and fast.”
This positioning has made AUB a preferred partner for import-export businesses in Afghanistan, particularly those navigating trade corridors with India, the Middle East, and Central Asia.
Humanitarian Finance with Global Impact
In an unprecedented move for a commercial bank in Afghanistan, AUB entered the humanitarian finance space by partnering with UNICEF and other UN agencies. Through a long-term agreement, the bank has disbursed over 890 million Afghanis in aid—directly to beneficiaries, through a network built for security and transparency.
This ability to pivot into humanitarian banking without sacrificing compliance or scale has earned AUB global recognition, including the International Peace Achievement Award and a Certificate of Achievement from the International Peace Achievement Award Council.
“When the world looks at Afghanistan, they often focus on the challenges,” Faeeq says. “We focus on solutions—and being the bridge between international aid and Afghan families is one of the most meaningful roles we can play.”
Innovation in Islamic and Digital Finance
AUB isn’t just digitizing banking—it’s modernizing it through the lens of cultural relevance. By offering both Shariah-compliant Islamic finance products and digitally enabled services, AUB meets the needs of a deeply traditional society while preparing for a digitally connected future.
From foreign telegraphic transfers and FX services to QR code integrations and system-to-system remittances, the bank continues to invest in secure, customer-first digital solutions.
The bank’s MoneyGram International partnership alone has served over one million beneficiaries, with remittance volumes reaching $400 million annually—a testament to AUB’s operational efficiency and deep local trust.
Differentiation: The AUB DNA
In a region where banking services are often either inaccessible or distrusted, AUB’s USP is clarity itself: bring modern finance to every Afghan household, regardless of geography, gender, or income level.
It’s a mission-driven, customer-centric approach that combines:
- Nationwide physical presence with deep rural penetration
- Islamic and conventional finance under one umbrella
- Digital onboarding, m-wallets, and real-time transfers
- Strong compliance and international correspondent banking frameworks
- A low-risk rating in an often volatile environment
While others focused on profitability, AUB focused on relevance—and in doing so, built a profitable, sustainable, and socially impactful enterprise.
Looking Ahead: Strategy Meets Scalability
As AUB enters its next phase of growth, its roadmap includes:
- Expanding its digital banking suite—including AI-driven analytics, credit scoring, and fraud prevention
- Strengthening international partnerships, particularly in trade corridors linking India, Central Asia, and the Gulf
- Widening its agent network to touch every province and district
- Becoming a key player in digital financial literacy, particularly for women and youth
More importantly, AUB aims to be a model for emerging market banks looking to blend profitability with purpose.
The Takeaway: Banking Beyond Business
Afghan United Bank is not just a financial institution—it is a case study in purpose-driven banking. In a world increasingly focused on ESG metrics and inclusive finance, AUB was doing it long before it became fashionable.
As Afghanistan rebuilds, AUB will play a critical role—not just in enabling commerce, but in redefining trust, access, and resilience in financial systems.
With strong leadership, deep local insight, and a global mindset, Afghan United Bank isn’t just navigating complexity—it’s building through it.
Website: www.afghanunitedbank.com
CEO: Mr. Matiullah Faeeq
Owner: Mr. Javid Jaihoon
Headquarters: Zarghona Maidan, Shahre-e-Naw, Kabul, Afghanistan
Annual Turnover: USD 450 million
Key Markets: India, UAE, Central Asia
Awards: International Business Award | Peace Achievement Award | UNICEF Recognition
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