Ccp Approves Eve Holdings Acquisition Of First Women Bank

On February 23, 2026, the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) approved the acquisition of First Women Bank Limited (FWBL) by Abu Dhabi-based Eve Holdings RSC Limited, marking a significant development in Pakistan's financial sector. The approval followed a Phase-I competition assessment under the Competition Act, 2010, where the CCP concluded that the transaction would not adversely affect market competition. "The transaction is unlikely to create or strengthen a dominant position, substantially lessen competition or adversely affect the competitive structure of the market," the CCP stated, emphasizing that FWBL has a limited presence in the commercial banking sector. Eve Holdings, which has no existing operations in the relevant market, will acquire 100% of FWBL from the Government of Pakistan and several institutional shareholders, including Habib Bank Limited and MCB Bank Limited.