Economics alumnus transforms the workplace and communities as leader of the National Bank of Pakistan

Rehmat Ali Hasnie ’91 came to The College of Wooster as an international student majoring in computer science. But when he chose an economics course to fulfill an elective credit within the College’s liberal arts curriculum—and found it more invigorating than computer science—he followed his instincts. 

 “Changing my major was perhaps one of the best decisions I’ve made, and I don’t think it would have been possible without being in a liberal arts environment,” said Hasnie, emphasizing the ability to try other disciplines and even fall in love with unexpected subjects. The decision has led to more than 25 years of work experience in economics research, capital markets, investment banking, treasury, and credit markets at various institutions in Pakistan. Then in August 2023, Hasnie was appointed president of the National Bank of Pakistan (NBP), the oldest government-owned bank in Pakistan. Since Hasnie took over as acting president in May 2022, NBP has grown to become Pakistan’s largest and strongest ​​bank.   

 As a strong proponent of the Wooster experience, Hasnie said the real magic happens when you embrace the curriculum and electives as a whole. “Thinking beyond one discipline makes you a better human being when you approach the job market,” said Hasnie. “I’ve taken courses in sociology, philosophy, math, English, and theater, and they all enable you to look beyond your major to get a more holistic mental picture of what you’re doing and how to approach a problem or situation.”  

 According to Hasnie, he’s better at his job when he’s not just looking at it from the lens of economics. When Pakistan’s financial system regulators and the government have encouraged banks to be a lot more inclusive in terms of customer and employee bases, Hasnie and his team were already engaged in raising diverse participation in the workforce by committing to hire more women, people of different religions, and people with disabilities.  

 Hasnie sees great opportunity to transform the workplace and the community through his role at NBP. As Pakistan’s largest bank, NBP operates a network of more than 1,500 domestic and 18 international branches across 14 countries (including two branches in the U.S.) and currently employs more than 15,000 people worldwide. 

 “Profits are a consequence of what you do, not the reason why you do what you do,” said Hasnie. “In some way or another, we are touching lives in the communities where we are present. Whether it’s providing financial services, donating for various social programs, offering student scholarships, or running awareness programs for various focus groups, NBP has established itself as a bank that serves the nation.”  

 In some ways, his efforts to drive the bank and the people there to become inclusive agents of change are reflective of the community experience he received at Wooster. The vibrant community he experienced on campus—including classmates from around the world who he remains friends with today—and his supportive I.S. advisors “certainly contributed to who I am today,” Hasnie said. 

Featured photo: Speaking as the head of Pakistan’s largest and strongest bank, Hasnie attended the UnionPay International Conference in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Posted in Alumni on April 16, 2024.