Norwegian telecom giant Telenor ASA is reportedly considering selling its majority stake in Easypaisa Bank, a move that could mark the company’s full departure from Pakistan after more than 20 years of operations.
According to a Bloomberg report, Telenor has hired Citigroup to explore the sale of its 55 percent stake in Easypaisa Bank. The stake is believed to be worth several hundred million dollars, although discussions are still in the early stages and no final decision has been made.
The company is expected to invite initial offers from potential buyers in the coming months as it reviews strategic options for the digital banking business.
Easypaisa Has Become a Major Digital Finance Platform
Originally launched as Telenor Microfinance Bank, Easypaisa has evolved into one of Pakistan’s largest digital financial services platforms. The company provides mobile wallets, money transfers, bill payments, digital banking, and other financial services to millions of users across the country.
The remaining stake in Easypaisa Bank is owned by Ant Group, one of the world’s leading financial technology firms.
Follows Telenor’s Telecom Exit
The potential sale comes shortly after Telenor completed its exit from Pakistan’s telecom market by selling its local mobile operations in a deal valued at around $490 million.
If the Easypaisa transaction goes ahead, it would end Telenor’s remaining business presence in Pakistan and close a chapter that began more than two decades ago.
Part of a Wider Strategy
Industry observers believe investors may view the move positively as part of Telenor’s broader strategy to streamline its operations and focus on priority markets across Asia and Europe.
While no buyer has been identified publicly, the future ownership of Easypaisa is likely to attract strong interest given the platform’s significant position in Pakistan’s growing digital payments and fintech sector.
For now, the sale remains under consideration, and Telenor has not announced any final decision regarding its stake in Easypaisa Bank.
