Technology Risk Management (TRM) for Payment Companies in Pakistan
Apprise Cyber helps payment businesses meet Pakistan’s banking regulations. Digital payment platforms deal with constant threats from cyberattacks and system failures, and companies need expert support to create secure operations that can handle these challenges.
The firm provides several core services: governance structure development, security implementation, fraud prevention, disaster recovery planning, and regulatory compliance support. All services align with the State Bank of Pakistan’s Technology Risk Management Framework established under the PS&EFT Act of 2007. This legislation applies to Payment Systems Operators, Payment Service Providers, and Electronic Money Institutions.
Most companies find the regulatory requirements confusing. We struggle to evaluate their security posture or address vulnerabilities properly. Apprise Cyber bridges this gap by deploying consultants who understand regulatory expectations and practical implementation.
What Services Does Apprise Cyber Provide?
Apprise Cyber supports companies through each compliance stage. Services begin with evaluating existing capabilities, then move to building better systems, monitoring for issues, and preparing for regulatory audits
Gap Assessment and Readiness Evaluation
The process starts with analyzing current operations. Consultants examine technology infrastructure, security measures, policies and procedures. This assessment identifies gaps that must be closed before obtaining a license.
Companies pursuing In-Principle Approval receive detailed implementation roadmaps. These documents demonstrate to regulators that the company can fulfill all requirements, We also give internal teams clear direction.
Pilot Operations Support
Apprise Cyber helps companies prove operational readiness. We assist with deploying wallet platforms, transaction monitoring tools, security systems, fraud detection capabilities and complaint handling processes. Consultants verify these components function correctly before pilot launch.
Commercial Operations Preparation
Full scale operations require additional preparation. Apprise Cyber develops disaster recovery frameworks, cybersecurity programs, incident response protocols and testing procedures. This work enables companies to transition from pilot to commercial status.
Policy and Procedure Development
Apprise Cyber creates customized policy documents for each client. These cover governance structures, risk management, cyber incident handling, outsourcing controls, fraud management and business continuity. Policies incorporate industry frameworks like ISO 27001 and NIST while satisfying regulatory mandates.
Technology Audit Support
Apprise Cyber prepares organizations for mandatory audits. We conduct pre-audit reviews to identify weaknesses before external auditors arrive. This proactive approach minimizes findings and demonstrates control effectiveness to regulators
Vendor Management and Outsourcing Compliance
Apprise Cyber helps companies manage third party relationships safely. We assess service providers, review contractual agreements and establish monitoring processes. We also help determine which vendor arrangements require regulatory notification or approval.
Training and Awareness Programs
Apprise Cyber trains staff on maintaining compliance. Training covers board members, management teams, IT personnel, security staff and general employees. Everyone learns their responsibilities in managing technology risk.
How Does Apprise Cyber Build Strong Leadership?
Strong governance forms the foundation of risk management. Apprise Cyber works with boards and executives to establish clear structures, define roles and create accountability.
Board Composition Advisory
Apprise Cyber helps companies recruit board members with appropriate technology backgrounds. We clarify required qualifications, evaluate candidates and educate boards on technology risks specific to payment operations.
Committee Structure Design
Apprise Cyber establishes board committees to oversee technology risks. We recommend committee charters, membership criteria, meeting frequency and reporting structures. Typical committees include Technology and Cyber Risk Committees, Audit Committees or Risk Management Committees.
Senior Management Role Definition
Apprise Cyber clarifies accountability for technology risk policies. We work with executives to define responsibilities for the Head of IT and Head of Information Security, We also establish reporting lines and allocate resources.
Policy Framework Development
Apprise Cyber produces comprehensive policy documentation. Policies address customer data protection, threat management, system availability, dispute resolution, cyber incident response and outsourcing oversight. Boards must formally approve these policies.
Governance Metrics and Reporting
Apprise Cyber builds dashboards that give boards and management visibility into technology risk. Reports track security control performance, incident trends, audit findings, vendor performance, system uptime and compliance status. Regular reporting supports informed decision making.
What Security Controls Does Apprise Cyber Add?
Security controls protect systems, networks and data from attacks. Apprise Cyber implements controls for identity management, network security, data protection and security monitoring.
Identity and Access Management Implementation
Apprise Cyber deploys systems that control access privileges. We disable default credentials, implement least privilege access, add multi-factor authentication for privileged accounts and conduct periodic access reviews. We also deploy centralized identity management platforms that govern access across all applications.
Network Security Architecture
Apprise Cyber segments networks based on function and location. We isolate production environments from development and testing. We deploy firewalls and intrusion prevention systems, We implement Security Information and Event Management platforms to detect anomalies. We also deploy anti-malware solutions across endpoints and servers.
Data Security Controls
Apprise Cyber protects information assets. We encrypt data at rest and in transit, We classify data by sensitivity. We implement database activity monitoring, We deploy data loss prevention tools. We establish backup procedures and maintain encrypted offline copies. For companies handling card data, we implement Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard controls.
API Security Implementation
Apprise Cyber secures interfaces between payment systems and external parties. We assess API risks, implement authentication controls, configure encryption, enforce rate limiting, log API transactions and conduct security testing before deployment.
Vulnerability Management Programs
Apprise Cyber identifies and remediates security weaknesses. We conduct regular vulnerability scanning, perform penetration testing on external facing services, apply security patches promptly and implement compensating controls during patch testing.
How Does Apprise Cyber Stop Fraud?
Fraud management requires multiple processes to monitor, prevent, detect, respond to and remediate fraud. Apprise Cyber helps payment companies build comprehensive fraud management capabilities.
Fraud Management Governance
Apprise Cyber establishes structures to manage fraud risks. We define fraud team roles, establish reporting relationships, allocate resources based on risk and develop fraud policies that boards approve.
Customer Verification Systems
Apprise Cyber implements biometric verification and device controls. We integrate NADRA biometric verification during account opening, device registration and contact information changes. We deploy device fingerprinting to identify devices and limit the number of devices per account.
Transaction Monitoring Solutions
Apprise Cyber builds systems to detect suspicious activity. We configure rule based monitoring that generates alerts for risky transactions, We implement machine learning to identify anomalous behavior. We set velocity limits to prevent rapid fire attacks, We design investigation workflows for fraud cases.
Multi-Factor Authentication Implementation
Apprise Cyber strengthens authentication beyond passwords. We deploy one time password systems, implement biometric verification on registered devices, establish secure password reset processes and design backup authentication methods.
Transaction Limit Frameworks
Apprise Cyber establishes limits that reduce fraud exposure while maintaining usability. We set default limits based on risk profiles, allow customers to modify limits after verification, configure different limits for transaction types and adjust limits based on risk indicators.
Fraud Investigation Processes
Apprise Cyber develops investigation methodologies. These cover evidence collection, pattern analysis, root cause identification, loss recovery, remediation, case documentation and regulatory reporting. We train fraud teams and provide case management tools.
What Disaster Recovery Services Does Apprise Cyber Offer?
Business continuity determines how well companies maintain operations during disruptions. Apprise Cyber designs, implements and tests disaster recovery and business continuity plans.
Business Impact Analysis Facilitation
Apprise Cyber analyzes how disruptions affect operations. We interview business and technology stakeholders to identify critical functions, assess impact severity, determine acceptable downtime, document resource requirements and map dependencies. This analysis drives recovery planning.
Recovery Strategy Development
Apprise Cyber determines optimal approaches for different systems. We evaluate options ranging from instant failover to cold sites that take hours to activate. We recommend strategies that balance recovery speed, cost and complexity while meeting regulatory requirements. For designated payment institutions, We design systems that achieve the mandated two hour recovery time objective.
Disaster Recovery Facility Design
Apprise Cyber establishes backup data centers in geographically dispersed locations. We select sites considering seismic zones, distance from primary facilities, infrastructure availability and connectivity options. We specify capacity requirements, environmental controls, physical security and network architecture.
Business Continuity Plan Development
Apprise Cyber documents detailed recovery procedures. Plans address complete outages, full failovers and partial failures. Plans include emergency contacts, system recovery sequences, data restoration procedures, vendor notifications, customer communications and escalation protocols.
Disaster Recovery Testing Coordination
Apprise Cyber validates plans through realistic exercises. We design test scenarios, coordinate execution, observe performance, document outcomes, measure results against objectives, identify gaps and recommend improvements.
Recovery Time and Recovery Point Objective Analysis
Apprise Cyber establishes appropriate targets. We work with companies to define objectives for different systems based on criticality, customer impact and regulatory expectations. We design technical architectures that can achieve defined objectives within budget constraints.
How Does Apprise Cyber Help With Vendors?
Outsourcing transfers work to external companies, but the payment institution retains accountability. Apprise Cyber helps payment companies manage outsourcing risks through structured vendor management programs.
Outsourcing Policy Development
Apprise Cyber creates frameworks for managing external relationships. Policies define responsibilities, materiality assessment criteria, vendor selection processes, due diligence requirements, contract standards, monitoring procedures, incident management and exit strategies. Boards must approve these policies.
Materiality Assessments
Apprise Cyber determines which vendor relationships require regulatory notification or approval. We evaluate arrangements based on operational criticality, substitutability, customer data access and systemic importance.
Vendor Due Diligence
Apprise Cyber helps secure appropriate contract terms. We review vendor agreements to verify inclusion of service level agreements, performance metrics, confidentiality provisions, security requirements, audit rights, regulatory access provisions, business continuity commitments, liability terms and exit clauses.
Contract Negotiation Support
Apprise Cyber documents detailed recovery procedures. Plans address complete outages, full failovers and partial failures. Plans include emergency contacts, system recovery sequences, data restoration procedures, vendor notifications, customer communications and escalation protocols.
Ongoing Vendor Monitoring
Apprise Cyber tracks vendor performance and risk. We monitor performance metrics, review financial health, assess security incidents, evaluate audit reports and conduct periodic site visits. Monitoring identifies emerging risks requiring attention.
Critical Vendor Assessment
Apprise Cyber applies enhanced oversight to the most critical vendors. For designated payment institutions, We conduct annual assessments using regulatory templates covering business continuity planning, control documentation, performance indicators, financial condition, data breaches, cyber risks and supply chain dependencies.
What Value Does Apprise Cyber Deliver?
Apprise Cyber’s services deliver benefits beyond regulatory compliance. Companies working with Apprise Cyber achieve faster approvals, reduced costs, improved security and stronger regulatory relationships.
Faster Licensing and Approvals
Quality applications lead to quicker approvals. Apprise Cyber’s experience with State Bank requirements helps prepare complete submissions that address regulator concerns upfront. This reduces iteration, shortens approval timelines and increases approval probability.
Lower Implementation Costs
Proven methodologies and reusable assets reduce expenses. Rather than developing everything from scratch companies benefit from Apprise Cyber’s templates, tools and approaches refined across multiple engagements. This reduces consulting time and accelerates implementation.
Risk Reduction
Comprehensive controls implemented by experts reduce risk exposure. Apprise Cyber identifies vulnerabilities companies might overlook, we implement proven controls that prevent breaches, fraud losses and operational disruptions. Strong security protects customer data, preserves reputation and avoids regulatory penalties.
Knowledge Transfer
Training builds internal capabilities for sustained compliance. Apprise Cyber’s training programs and documentation enable company staff to maintain and enhance controls after consultant departure. Companies develop in house expertise for managing technology risks independently.
Better Regulatory Relationships
Regulators recognize Apprise Cyber’s work quality and technical expertise. This creates favorable perceptions of companies engaging the firm, it produces constructive interactions with regulators and demonstrates commitment to compliance.
Competitive Advantage
Superior security and reliability help attract customers. Companies with strong technology risk management win customers who prioritize security. We retain customers through reliable service, we differentiate from competitors. Strong risk management becomes a business asset rather than just a compliance expense.
Ready to Achieve SBP TRM Compliance with Apprise Cyber ?
Apprise Cyber’s Technology Risk Management Framework services help payment companies meet State Bank of Pakistan requirements. Services include assessing current capabilities, developing policies, implementing technical controls, preventing fraud, planning disaster recovery, managing vendors and preparing for audits.
Companies gain faster licensing, reduced costs, lower risks, capability building, improved regulatory relationships and competitive differentiation. Payment companies face increasing complexity balancing innovation with security. Apprise Cyber’s expertise provides value.
The firm’s consultants understand regulatory expectations and practical realities. We deliver approaches that satisfy regulators while supporting business objectives. Payment companies partnering with Apprise Cyber position themselves for success in Pakistan’s expanding digital payments sector. We protect customers, preserve reputation and build sustainable operations through sound technology risk management practices.
Our Trusted Clients in Pakistan and Beyond
Ready to Start Your Technology Risk Management (TRM) Compliance?
We help Pakistan-based banks meet SBP Technology Risk Management (TRM) standards with ease and confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
The State Bank of Pakistan Technology Risk Management (TRM) Framework is a set of cybersecurity and risk management requirements for payment system operators and providers. It covers information security, business continuity, disaster recovery, third-party management, and technology infrastructure controls. Organizations handling payment transactions in Pakistan must comply with this framework to maintain their operating licenses.
Payment system operators, payment service providers, electronic money institutions, digital wallet providers, fintech companies offering payment services, and third-party service providers working with these organizations must comply. If your business processes payments, transfers funds, or provides payment infrastructure in Pakistan, you likely fall under SBP TRM requirements.
The timeline varies based on your current security posture. A complete process typically takes 6 to 12 months. This includes gap assessment (4 to 6 weeks), policy development (6 to 8 weeks), technical work (3 to 6 months), testing and validation (4 to 6 weeks), and audit preparation (2 to 4 weeks). Organizations with existing security programs may achieve compliance faster.
The State Bank of Pakistan can impose penalties including monetary fines, license suspension or revocation, restrictions on business operations, mandatory security audits at your expense, and reputational damage through public disclosure. Non-compliance also prevents new license applications and service expansions. Prevention costs significantly less than penalties.
Costs depend on organization size, current security maturity, required technical controls, and scope of operations. Small payment providers typically spend PKR 2 to 5 million, medium organizations PKR 5 to 15 million, and large operators PKR 15 to 50 million or more. This includes consulting fees, technology investments, staff training, audit costs, and ongoing maintenance. View this as protection rather than expense.
While not mandatory, consultants provide real value. They bring regulatory knowledge, proven methods, faster compliance achievement, audit readiness preparation, and reduced internal resource burden. Most organizations lack in-house knowledge for all TRM requirements. Consultants help avoid costly mistakes and failed audits. The investment typically pays for itself through speed and risk reduction.
The State Bank of Pakistan requires annual compliance audits conducted by approved external auditors. Organizations should also perform internal audits quarterly, vulnerability assessments monthly, and continuous security monitoring. After major system changes or security incidents, special audits may be required. Regular auditing demonstrates ongoing compliance and catches issues before regulators find them.
An assessment starts with documentation review of policies, procedures, and technical controls. Consultants then conduct interviews with management and technical staff, perform technical testing including vulnerability scans and penetration tests, review business continuity plans, assess third-party relationships, and evaluate incident response capabilities. The process concludes with a gap analysis report identifying areas needing improvement and a remediation roadmap with priorities and timelines.
Yes, but it requires dedicated resources. You need security staff with regulatory knowledge, ongoing training programs, continuous monitoring systems, regular policy updates, vendor management processes, and incident response capabilities. Many organizations use a hybrid approach with external consultants for specialized tasks like penetration testing and annual audits while handling day-to-day compliance internally. This balances cost and knowledge.
SBP TRM is designed for Pakistan's payment sector and includes requirements beyond general security standards. ISO 27001 provides broad information security management and PCI DSS focuses on card data protection. SBP TRM addresses payment system operations, local regulatory requirements, disaster recovery for financial services, and State Bank oversight expectations. Organizations often need multiple frameworks. ISO 27001 or PCI DSS compliance helps with SBP TRM but doesn't guarantee it. Each framework serves different purposes and regulatory requirements.
