What 1Link does

1LINK is Pakistan's first fully licensed Payment System Operator (PSO) and Payment Service Provider (PSP), incorporated in 2004 and headquartered in Karachi. Owned by a consortium of 11 major Pakistani banks, it operates the country's largest shared financial services network, connecting 37 member banks, 13 affiliate members, non-banking financial initiators, merchant aggregators, and a white-label ATM operator, with direct reach to 54M+ account holders and 58M+ M-wallets. The company processes trillions of rupees in throughput through its shared ATM network, real-time interbank funds transfer (1IBFT), bill payment aggregation (1BILL covering 4,800+ billers), and the PayPak domestic payment scheme, which holds 28% market share and makes Pakistan the 28th country globally with its own domestic scheme.

The platform runs on NCR Authentic transaction processing with an Oracle database, is EMV-compliant, and uses ISO 20022 messaging for Raast P2M integration. Core product lines include PayPak and PayPak Edge cards, the Perso Bureau (EMV personalization at 2,000 cards/hour), Tokenization Services (with Thales), RECaaS cloud-native reconciliation, FRMS fraud management (used by 36 banks/FIs), 1TIP cyber threat intelligence, SDRS dispute resolution, and the Sohni Dharti Remittance Program (SDRP) for diaspora incentives. 1LINK also operates a Hosted Services Platform and an Open API gateway with 16 APIs targeting fintechs, EMIs, and government entities.

Revenue is generated primarily through transaction-based fees on ATM withdrawals, 1IBFT transfers, bill payments, and card transactions, supplemented by membership and affiliate fees, card personalization and issuance services, and managed hosted services. The go-to-market is enterprise B2B field sales to commercial banks, microfinance banks, EMIs, fintechs, and government entities, with recent flagship partnerships including the State Bank of Pakistan (PayPak, Raast), BISP (10M+ beneficiary digital wallets), Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay International, and JCB. The pricing schedule is not publicly disclosed, and ownership remains a private bank consortium with no public listing, no external PE/VC, and a modest 11–50 employee headcount consistent with a utility-style cost structure.

Name

1Link

Legal name

1LINK (Private) Limited

Website

https://1link.net.pk

Company type

Private

Founded year

2004

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

1LINK is Pakistan's first fully licensed Payment System Operator and Payment Service Provider, owned by an 11-bank consortium. It operates the country's largest shared payment network, serving 37 member banks and processing trillions of rupees via PayPak, 1IBFT, 1BILL, and related rails.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Payment Network Infrastructure

NAICS

Financial Transactions Processing, Reserve, and Clearinghouse Activities (522320), Financial Transactions Processing, Reserve, and Clearinghouse Activities (52232)

akta.pro primary industry

Instant Payment Scheme Connectivity & Processing (e.g., FedNow, SEPA Instant, Faster Payments) (FSAMAHAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Payment Initiation & Account-to-Account (A2A) Payments (PIS, RTP initiation) (FSAGACAI), A2A Payment Initiation Service Providers (PISPs) (FSAMAFAB), Consumer Remittances (P2P) (FSAMAIAA), Payments Operations (ACH/Wire/RTGS, SWIFT, SEPA, Checks) (FSABALAB), Remittance & Cross-Border Payment Rails (SWIFT, Local Clearing, RTP Connectivity) (FSAGAKAH)

Keywords

• Payment switch services
• Interbank funds transfer
• Domestic payment scheme
• Bill payment platform
• Fraud risk management

Headquarters

HQ city

Karachi

HQ country

Pakistan

HQ region

Asia

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Software

Cost components

Technology or R&D, Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Transaction Processing Fees: 1LINK charges transaction fees for processing ATM withdrawals, inter-bank funds transfers (1IBFT), bill payments, and card transactions across its network of member banks and affiliates. The switch processes trillions of rupees in throughput volume, generating fees per transaction.
2. Card Personalization and Issuance Services: The Perso Bureau generates revenue from providing EMV card personalization and fulfillment services for PayPak and UnionPay International cards to member banks. Services include chip data preparation, card embossing, encoding, and automated packing.
3. Hosted Services and Platform Fees: Revenue from providing PCI DSS compliant hosted infrastructure to member banks, smaller banks, and new entrants (EMIs, FinTechs, government entities) with guaranteed uptime, enabling them to leverage 1LINK's platform investment at lower TCO.
4. Membership and Affiliate Fees: Banks and non-banking entities pay fees to become member banks or affiliate members of the 1LINK network, gaining access to shared ATM, 1IBFT, and other payment rails.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels8 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

1LINK operates Pakistan's first fully licensed Payment System Operator (PSO) and Payment Service Provider (PSP), running the country's largest payment switch and shared financial services network. It delivers interbank funds transfer (1IBFT), the domestic PayPak payment scheme, a shared ATM network, bill payment rails (1BILL), merchant QR payments (1GO), fraud and cyber threat management, reconciliation, and card personalization services to member banks, financial institutions, and government entities.

Product overview

1LINK operates as Pakistan's first fully licensed Payment System Operator (PSO) and Payment Service Provider (PSP), offering a comprehensive payments platform with core products including 1BILL (bill payment), 1IBFT (real-time interbank funds transfer), and PayPak (domestic payment scheme). The platform provides a portfolio of sub-products and modules covering the full payment lifecycle: card personalization (Perso Bureau), tokenization, dispute resolution (SDRS), fraud management (FRMS, FTDH), reconciliation (RECaaS), and cyber threat intelligence (1TIP). Additional services include Shared ATM network, IPS Connectivity for international schemes, 1GO Raast P2M for merchant payments, and Sohni Dharti Remittance Program (SDRP) for diaspora incentives. 1LINK also provides hosted services platform, ancillary services (CDM, CCRS), and Open APIs for developer access.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• PayPak: Pakistan's first and only domestic payment scheme (DPS), making Pakistan the 28th country in the world to have its own domestic payment scheme. PayPak is owned and operated by 1LINK and was launched under the aegis of the State Bank of Pakistan with the objective to spur financial inclusion and digitization across the country.
• PayPak Edge
• Sohni Dharti Remittance Program (SDRP)
• 1BILL
• 1IBFT
• 1GO
• RECaaS

Products and services

• 1BILL Unified bill payment service allowing 1LINK member banks and non-banks to collect payments from utilities, telecommunication, government bodies, and education institutions through OTC and ADC channels. Supports invoice/fixed payments, top-up/variable, credit card, and package subscriptions.
• 1IBFT (Inter Bank Funds Transfer) 24/7 real-time interbank funds transfer service, Pakistan's first IBFT system enabling instant online transaction processing across different banks. Supports C2C, C2B, B2C, B2B, G2C, C2G, G2P, and P2G transfers.
• PayPak Domestic Payment Scheme Pakistan's first and only domestic payment scheme (DPS), making Pakistan the 28th country in the world to have its own domestic payment scheme. Owned and operated by 1LINK under the aegis of State Bank of Pakistan to spur financial inclusion and digitization.
• Perso Bureau State-of-the-art EMV card personalization and fulfillment service for PayPak and UnionPay International cards. Features Matica S7000e card issuance system with throughputs up to 2000cph and automated Matica 7020 mailing system.
• Tokenization Service Digital payment tokenization service enabling contactless mobile payments through smartphones at Point-of-Sale terminals. Developed in partnership with Thales and payment schemes VISA, Mastercard, and UPI.
• 1LINK Hosted Services Platform Centralized multi-institution platform enabling member banks, NBFIs, EMIs, Fintechs, and government entities to leverage shared infrastructure with PCI DSS compliance and guaranteed uptime.
• SDRS (Switch Dispute Resolution System) Automated centralized platform for members to track complaint status and handle disputes for ATM withdrawals, 1IBFT, bill payments, PayPak POS, and industry-wide PayPak card issuance.
• 1TIP (Cyber Threat Intelligence Platform) Local purpose-built threat intelligence platform developed in partnership with Trillium Information Security Systems/Cydea Tech, providing 24/7 SOC, malware analysis sandbox, and external brand monitoring.
• 1GO Raast P2M Innovative interoperable digital payment platform for Person to Merchant payments developed with Raast Instant Payment System. Supports in-store payments, bill payments, e-commerce, dynamic and static QR codes, and request to pay functionality.
• FRMS (Fraud Risk Management Services) Complete fraud detection and prevention suite for member banks enabling monitoring of suspicious activity on debit/credit/prepaid/gift cards and account portfolios across all delivery channels. Currently used by 36 banks/FIs.
• IPS Connectivity Gateway services for International Payment Schemes enabling licensed banks and affiliates to issue/acquire cards for Global Payment Network. Supports VISA, Mastercard, UnionPay International, and JCB.
• Shared ATM Network Leading shared ATM network in Pakistan connecting all commercial and microfinance banks with branch banking through collaboration with VISA, Mastercard, UPI, JCB, and PayPak. Enables customers to access funds from any participating bank's ATMs.
• SDRP (Sohni Dharti Remittance Program) Government of Pakistan initiative in collaboration with State Bank and 1LINK as strategic partner. Point-based loyalty program for non-resident Pakistanis earning rewards on remittances sent through official banking channels with redemption at public sector entities.
• RECaaS (Reconciliation as a Service) Cloud-native reconciliation platform featuring zero-touch automation, universal data ingestion, omni-format processing, and intelligent exception management for B2B, B2C, and P2P transactions.
• Bulk 1IBFT OTC Bulk Payouts module enabling large-scale fund transfers with process up to 5000 transfers per batch, API-driven bulk transfers for salary disbursements, vendor payments, refunds, and tax payments.
• FTDH (Fraudulent Transaction Dispute Handling) 24x7 fraudulent transaction dispute lodgment system with centralized user management, maker-checker concept, and real-time dashboard for member banks.
• 1LINK Open APIs Open API Gateway offering 16 APIs for 1BILL, 1IBFT, 1ID (Biometric cash withdrawal), 1QR (QR code generation), and OTP Based Debit Service targeting freelance developers, startups, FinTechs, Banks, and Government Entities.

Quantifiable outcome

• 28% market share in Pakistan's payment ecosystem via PayPak
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers15 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

Yes

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration5 records

AI capability7 records

Feature19 records

Partnerships

26 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• BISP (Benazir Income Support Programme)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 June 2026BISP signed agreements with 1LINK and multiple partner banks to launch interoperable digital wallet payment system enabling women beneficiaries to withdraw stipends from any participating bank's retailers or agents nationwide. Initiative targets 10+ million beneficiary families.
• MastercardflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 24 December 20251LINK Personalization Bureau received Mastercard certification for PCI-compliant card personalization supporting Mastercard and PayPak card issuance. This enhances security, scalability, and operational resilience for banks issuing various card types.
• VISAflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner1LINK Signs Strategic Partnership with VISA to Transform Digital Payments in Pakistan. VISA collaboration enables international card acceptance and enhances 1LINK's global payment connectivity for member banks.
• UnionPay International (UPI)coreTechnology or Integration1LINK provides connectivity to UnionPay International for international card acceptance, alongside Visa, Mastercard, and JCB payment schemes.
• JCB (Japan Credit Bureau)coreTechnology or Integration1LINK provides gateway services for JCB international payment scheme enabling international card acceptance in Pakistan.
• Raast (Instant Payment System)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner1GO Raast P2M developed in collaboration with Raast Instant Payment System using international standard APIs (ISO 20022) for seamless person-to-merchant digital payments.
• Trillium Information Security Systems (via Cydea Tech)coreTechnology or Integration1TIP (Cyber Threat Intelligence Platform) developed in partnership with Trillium/Cydea Tech for local, purpose-built threat intelligence, 24/7 SOC, data feeds, and malware analysis capabilities.
• ThalescoreTechnology or Integration1LINK partnered with Thales for tokenization service enabling digital payments through tokenization in collaboration with VISA, MC and UPI payment schemes.
• TrustDecisioncoreTechnology or Integration1LINK and TrustDecision partnered for Device Fingerprinting and Anti-Fraud Solutions, including Enterprise Fraud Defense solutions for Pakistan's financial industry.
• PaysyscoreGTM or Marketing Partner1LINK and Paysys partnership to offer 1GO Raast Person to Merchant Acceptance, accelerating Pakistan's cashless vision.
• FinnectcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFinnect partnered with 1LINK for Pakistan Railways digitization of collections in a landmark agreement with SBP support.
• PayFastcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPayPak and PayFast partnered to launch nationwide PayPak eCommerce campaigns to expand merchant acceptance.
• Dubai Islamic Bank PakistancoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDubai Islamic Bank Pakistan partnered with 1LINK to implement RECaaS (Reconciliation as a Service) for revolutionizing reconciliation processes.
• Mashreq PakistancoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMashreq's groundbreaking partnership with 1LINK to enhance digital banking services in Pakistan through various payment solutions.
• Raqami Islamic Digital BankcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRaqami Islamic Digital Banking and 1LINK joined forces to revolutionize digital financial services in Pakistan.
• MCB Arif HabibcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMCB Arif Habib signed agreement with 1LINK as First PayPak Affiliate Member for card issuance services.
• Khushhali BankcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorKhushhali Bank became 36th Member Bank of 1LINK, expanding the shared ATM and payment network.
• Kaizen HiveminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor1LINK onboarded Kaizen Hive as an Aggregator on 1BILL Services for bill payment collections.
• State Bank of PakistanflagshipOthersSBP is the regulatory authority overseeing 1LINK operations and is a strategic partner for payment system development including PayPak domestic scheme and Raast instant payments.
• Ministry of Finance PakistancoreOthersGovernment partner for Sohni Dharti Remittance Program along with State Bank of Pakistan and 1LINK.
• World BankcoreOthersWorld Bank participated in BISP digital payment system signing ceremony representing international development support for financial inclusion initiatives.
• Pakistan International Airlines (PIA)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerPIA is a Public Sector Entity partner for SDRP loyalty points redemption for international and domestic tickets, seats, and extra baggage.
• FBR (Federal Board of Revenue)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerFBR is PSE partner for SDRP loyalty points redemption for mobile phone duty and vehicle import duty payments.
• Utility Stores CorporationminorGTM or Marketing PartnerUtility Stores Corporation is PSE partner for SDRP loyalty points redemption at retail stores across Pakistan.
• PTCLminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPTCL partnered with 1LINK as an exchange company for remittance services.
• Member Banks (37 Banks)flagshipChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor37 member banks including HBL, MCB, NBP, UBL, Standard Chartered, Bank Alfalah and others participate in shared ATM, 1IBFT, and payment services.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI): NPCI operates India's national payment rails (UPI, RuPay, IMPS) under central bank oversight, making it the closest functional analogue to 1LINK as a consortium/government-aligned payment switch and domestic card scheme operator.
• Networks International (Network International / NGenius): MENA-based payment switch and processor serving banks with switching, card processing and merchant acquiring; directly comparable to 1LINK's PSO/PSP and PayPak scheme role in a regional market.
• Interswitch: Pan-African payment switch, card scheme (Verve) and digital payments operator; comparable to 1LINK as an emerging-market payment infrastructure provider combining switching, scheme ownership and value-added services.
• NETS (Network for Electronic Transfers): Singapore-headquartered payment network operator providing EFT, card and digital payment infrastructure; comparable as a domestic payment switch expanding into merchant and digital services.
• Saudi Payments (Mada / mada Pay): Operator of Saudi Arabia's national payment scheme Mada and instant payment rails under SAMA supervision; the most direct GCC peer to 1LINK's PayPak and IBFT equivalent within Saudi Arabia.
• PROSA: Mexico's leading payment processor and switch serving banks with acquiring, ATM and value-added services; comparable as a domestic switch operating under central bank oversight in an emerging market.

Broad incumbents

• Vocalink (a Mastercard company): Operates the UK's Faster Payments and Bacs infrastructure, the established real-time and bulk payment rails. Directly analogous to 1IBFT at scale, though now embedded inside Mastercard's broader portfolio.
• The Clearing House Payments Company: US banking-owned operator of RTP (Real-Time Payments) and CHIPS, analogous to 1LINK as a bank-consortium payment infrastructure provider delivering real-time and wire-class services.

Regional players

• ATM Bersama / Prima (印尼ATM交換網): Indonesia's shared ATM and interbank switching network connecting domestic banks; closely analogous to 1LINK's Shared ATM and 1IBFT in another large Muslim-majority emerging market.

Emerging players

• Tranglo: Cross-border remittance and payment hub serving emerging markets including South Asia; comparable to 1LINK's remittance loyalty and payout infrastructure via SDRP and exchange company partners.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@1linkpvt.ltd.237
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/1linkpvtltd

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles20 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about 1Link