A 4 September State Bank of Pakistan circular established a guarantee mechanism under the Women Inclusive Finance Sector Development Programme. A trust with the SBP as trustee will support banks and development finance institutions that lend to microfinance companies for onward lending to women entrepreneurs.

The guarantee covers up to 25% of an eligible credit portfolio on a first-loss basis. The SBP encouraged financial institutions to apply within 30 days; the circular does not announce an approved facility or guarantee amount for any specific lender.