Ashraf Mahmood Wathra
Ashraf Mahmood Wathra | |
|---|---|
| Born | Error: Need valid birth date: year, month, day Pakistan |
| Occupation | Banking professional |
| Years active | 1978–present |
| Known for | 18th Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan (2014–2017) |
Ashraf Mahmood Wathra (born October 1955) is a Pakistani-Canadian banking professional who held the position of the 18th Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan from April 29, 2014, until April 28, 2017.
In his capacity representing Pakistan, Wathra participates in prominent international financial institutions, including the board of governors for the International Monetary Fund, Asian Clearing Union, and the ECO Trade and Development Bank. Beginning July 1, 2015, he undertook a two-year term as co-chair of the Financial Stability Board - Regional Consultative Group for Asia (FSB-RCG Asia). Additionally, he is an active member of the Islamic Financial Stability Board’s council.
Within Pakistan, Wathra occupies several pivotal positions such as membership in the Monetary and Fiscal Policies Coordination Board, the National Financial Inclusion Strategy (NFIS) Council, and the National Executive Committee on Anti-Money Laundering (AML). He also leads as chairman of the Institute of Bankers in Pakistan (IBP) Board, the NFIS Steering Committee, and the Agricultural Credit Advisory Committee (ACAC).
Wathra commenced his tenure at the State Bank of Pakistan as Deputy Governor on March 11, 2013, appointed for a three-year term. Prior to joining SBP, he held senior roles in both international and domestic banking sectors across Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. His board memberships included Habib Finance International Hong Kong and Habib Finance Australia; he also served as First Vice Chairman of Himalayan Bank Nepal.
His banking career originated at Grindlays Bank Plc in 1978.