Afghan United Bank (AUB) has stood tall as a beacon of innovation, trust, and financial empowerment. Since its inception in 2007, AUB has carved a legacy as Afghanistan’s pioneering private commercial bank, transforming traditional banking and championing financial inclusion across the country. Today, the institution is not only a cornerstone of the nation’s financial ecosystem but also a catalyst in Afghanistan’s journey toward economic revival and international integration.
From Vision to Venture: The Founding Story
In 2007, Afghanistan was navigating a period of reconstruction, grappling with economic challenges but ripe with opportunity. Recognizing the critical role a robust banking infrastructure could play in stabilizing and growing the national economy, Mr. Matiullah Faeeq, Chief Executive Officer, and Mr. Javid Jaihoon, Owner, laid the foundation of Afghan United Bank in Kabul. With a vision steeped in ethical banking, inclusion, and sustainability, they began with a focused capital investment and an unshakable commitment to national development.
AUB was formally incorporated on October 4, 2007, under the aegis of the Central Bank of Afghanistan (Da Afghanistan Bank) and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. From the outset, it differentiated itself through a hybrid model—offering both conventional and Islamic banking products to cater to the diverse cultural and economic landscape of Afghanistan.
Ground Realities, Global Ambitions
From a single office in Kabul to a nationwide network of 35 branches and 15 banking booths, AUB’s footprint now spans across urban centers and into rural heartlands. But what truly sets AUB apart is its branchless banking model, an innovative and highly impactful initiative that leverages technology and partnerships with telecom providers. Over 200+ sub-agent centers make banking accessible even in the remotest provinces—bringing financial services to millions who were previously excluded from the formal financial system.
What started with a dream to modernize banking in Afghanistan has evolved into a movement—a banking revolution that aligns with global best practices, fosters digital governance, and prioritizes social and economic upliftment.
Driving Financial Inclusion at Scale
Afghan United Bank’s commitment to financial inclusion is not just strategic—it is deeply human. In a country where a significant percentage of the population lives in remote or underserved areas, AUB has designed services that break barriers rather than build them.
By partnering with leading telecom firms, the bank provides mobile-based financial solutions such as m-wallets, QR payments, and mobile transfers. These services, along with system-to-system integrations, enable customers to access financial services with just a mobile phone, circumventing the traditional limitations of infrastructure.
Beyond convenience, this model has contributed to women’s financial inclusion, created employment for banking agents, and empowered small entrepreneurs to grow their businesses.
A Trusted Partner in Global Trade
At the macroeconomic level, AUB has been instrumental in facilitating international trade—especially with India. In FY 2024 alone, the bank executed trade transactions exceeding 3 billion INR with Indian counterparts. With a global correspondent bank network spread across Bahrain, UAE, Spain, China, Turkey, Uzbekistan, India, and more, AUB enables seamless, secure, and timely international financial transactions.
This has fostered bilateral trade relations, boosted foreign exchange reserves, and offered Afghan traders a stable platform to expand globally. AUB’s services range from Letters of Credit (LC) and Bank Guarantees (BG) to Foreign Exchange (FX) and Fund Transfers—all tailored to the unique needs of importers and exporters.
Humanitarian Banking: Partnering with the UN
One of the bank’s most lauded achievements is its partnership with UNICEF and other United Nations agencies for humanitarian aid disbursement. Through long-term agreements (LTAs), AUB has disbursed over 890 million Afghanis to beneficiaries, ensuring that the aid reaches the right hands—on time, transparently, and in a safe environment.
This unique fusion of commercial banking with humanitarian service delivery exemplifies AUB’s ethos: that banking can be a force for good. The bank’s contributions have been formally recognized by UN agencies for their efficiency, security, and accountability.
Awards & Accolades: Recognizing Excellence
Afghan United Bank’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. Over the years, the bank has been honored with prestigious awards, including:
- International Business Award for Best Commercial Bank in Afghanistan
- Certificate of Achievement from the International Peace Achievement Award Council for its outstanding role in humanitarian work
- International Peace Achievement Award by the International Accreditation Quality Management Council (IAQMC)
These accolades reflect not just the bank’s operational success but also its impact-driven leadership and commitment to excellence.
Technology & Transparency: Hallmarks of Modern Banking
In the 21st century, a successful bank must be digital-first. AUB has embraced this truth by embedding cutting-edge banking technology in its services. From ATMs and mobile banking apps to automated credit scoring, the bank continues to invest in secure and customer-friendly platforms.
Digital transformation has also enabled better compliance with global regulatory frameworks, ensuring that the bank operates with transparency, integrity, and security. In a volatile environment, these attributes have earned AUB the trust of over one million customers and international financial institutions alike.
The Unique Proposition: Why Afghan United Bank?
Amidst a competitive banking landscape, AUB’s Unique Selling Proposition (USP) is its deep-rooted connection to the Afghan people. Where others saw obstacles, AUB saw opportunities to serve. Whether through rural outreach, Islamic banking, or trade facilitation, the bank has consistently prioritized community welfare alongside profitability.
Its strength lies in:
- Inclusive Growth: Banking for all, regardless of geography or economic status
- Digital Adoption: Modern banking tools for a tech-savvy generation
- Strategic Vision: Partnerships and networks that expand beyond borders
- Social Impact: Banking that makes a difference
Looking Forward: The Road Ahead
As Afghanistan continues to navigate its development path, Afghan United Bank stands poised to play an even more transformative role. The future will focus on:
- Expanding Branch and Agent Networks to cover all 34 provinces more comprehensively
- Enhancing Digital Infrastructure to launch AI-driven financial tools, credit platforms, and fraud protection systems
- Deepening Trade Relationships, particularly with India and Central Asia
- Collaborating with Government & NGOs to further social and financial goals
In short, the vision is clear: to become the most trusted, innovative, and impactful bank in Afghanistan.
Identifying Opportunity Amidst Challenge
What makes Afghan United Bank’s story remarkable is its ability to identify and act on market needs—even in challenging circumstances. When international trade began surging, especially with India, AUB moved swiftly to position itself as a trusted partner for traders. When it saw the banking gap in rural areas, it pioneered branchless banking. When humanitarian agencies needed secure aid distribution, AUB delivered.
This foresight, combined with a passion for nation-building, continues to be the driving force behind every AUB initiative.
Legacy in the Making
Afghan United Bank is more than a financial institution—it is a story of courage, innovation, and commitment. Under the visionary leadership of Mr. Matiullah Faeeq and Mr. Javid Jaihoon, AUB has not only earned profits but has earned the trust of a nation, the respect of global institutions, and the hope of millions.
As it moves toward the future, one thing is certain: Afghan United Bank will remain a cornerstone of Afghanistan’s economic rebirth—banking not just for business, but for people, purpose, and progress.
Website: www.afghanunitedbank.com
Head Office: Zarghona Maidan, Shahre-e-Naw, Kabul, Afghanistan
CEO: Mr. Matiullah Faeeq
Owner: Mr. Javid Jaihoon
Turnover: USD 450 million PA
Trade with India: INR 3+ Billion FY2024
