Biography of Naureen Hyat: Founder and CEO of Zood Pakistan- Entrepreneur
Naureen Hyat: A Visionary Leader in Digital Finance and E-commerce
Naureen Hyat is an influential entrepreneur and leader who
has made significant strides in the financial and technology sectors in
Pakistan. Currently serving as the CEO of Zood Pakistan, she is a prominent
figure in the digital lending and e-commerce space. Zood, under her leadership,
has become a key player in enabling seamless access to financial services
through a unique combination of FinTech, e-commerce, and logistics. With over a
decade of experience in the financial services industry, Naureen's journey is a
testament to her commitment to creating inclusive, impactful solutions for
underserved populations
Educational Journey and Early Career
Naureen’s educational background is as impressive as her
professional journey. She pursued Strategic Leadership in Inclusive Finance at
Harvard Business School, where she honed her skills and insights into how
financial services can be made more accessible to diverse communities. Before
that, she earned her CFA certification between 2010 and 2012, which gave her a
strong foundation in financial analysis. These academic credentials played a
pivotal role in shaping her vision and approach to the financial services
sector.
The Genesis of Zood and Its Vision
In June 2022, Naureen became the CEO of Zood Pakistan,
taking the reins of a platform that combines FinTech, e-commerce, and logistics
services. Zood aims to empower millions of consumers and businesses by
providing accessible credit solutions, particularly to those without
traditional banking services. With the launch of Zood Pay, Zood Mall, and Zood
Ship, the company is dedicated to transforming the financial landscape by
offering a range of digital lending products, including inventory financing and
Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) options.
Driving Innovation in Financial Inclusion
Zood’s vision is deeply rooted in financial inclusion,
particularly for unbanked and underbanked populations. Naureen’s leadership
focuses on bridging the gap between digital finance and consumers who often
lack access to traditional financial systems. The core product offerings of
Zood, like BNPL plans and SME inventory financing, are designed to cater to a
wide array of needs in the emerging markets of Pakistan, Uzbekistan, and
Lebanon. These services enable businesses and individuals to access essential financial
resources at their fingertips, which is especially crucial in fast-growing
markets.
Pioneering Digital Lending in E-Commerce
Zood Pakistan’s platform is a groundbreaking digital lending
ecosystem that integrates FinTech, e-commerce, and logistics. The company’s
goal is to create a "Swiss quality" shopping experience for its users
while offering seamless cross-border services. Zood Pay offers flexible lending
products such as zero-interest installment plans and credit options, giving
consumers the ability to make purchases in manageable installments. These
offerings not only empower consumers but also drive economic growth by providing
businesses with the financial tools to scale and grow in a digital-first environment.
Co-Founding Tez Financial Services
Before taking charge of Zood, Naureen co-founded Tez
Financial Services, a platform aimed at revolutionizing financial inclusion for
millennials, the unbanked, and underbanked individuals. Tez used powerful
algorithms and simple interfaces to provide frictionless access to credit,
savings, insurance, and investments. Under her leadership, Tez created a
positive impact in transforming the lives of many by offering timely and
reliable financial services through a smartphone app.
Biography of Naureen Hyat: Founder and CEO of Zood Pakistan- Entrepreneur/ age/net worth/startup/FinTech, e-commerce, and logistics/Zood Pakistan story
A Focus on Financial Empowerment
Naureen's work at Tez Financial Services was driven by her
commitment to empowering marginalized communities. The platform targeted a
demographic that was largely excluded from conventional banking services and
offered them an opportunity to manage their finances efficiently through
technology. By providing easy access to credit and financial services, Tez was
able to help individuals achieve greater financial stability and independence.
Founding CheckIn Solutions
Naureen's entrepreneurial journey began with CheckIn
Solutions, which she co-founded in 2014. The company aimed at accelerating
economic growth by introducing innovative technology solutions and risk
measurement tools for financial service providers, especially microfinance
institutions. CheckIn Solutions played a pivotal role in improving the
efficiency of financial services and enhancing the accessibility of credit for
people in underserved communities, furthering Naureen’s mission to bring
financial inclusion to all.
Financial Leadership at Shopistan
Naureen also served as the Head of Finance and Planning at
Shopistan, a managed e-commerce service provider, between 2014 and 2015. In
this role, she was responsible for supporting large retail brands in Pakistan
by helping them set up and grow their online presence. Her work here provided
her with valuable insights into the e-commerce space, which she later leveraged
to scale Zood Pakistan’s digital lending platform.
A Strong Financial Foundation at PACRA
Naureen’s early career also included a role as a Senior
Financial Analyst at the Pakistan Credit Rating Agency (PACRA). Here, she was
responsible for assigning credit ratings to various sectors, including
microfinance, commercial banking, and energy. This experience gave Naureen a
deep understanding of financial risk and analysis, further shaping her
expertise in financial planning and strategy.
Zood’s Expanding Ecosystem and Future Prospect
With Naureen at the helm, Zood is expanding rapidly, serving
over 10 million users across multiple countries. The platform’s ecosystem is
designed to be inclusive, offering products that cater to both consumers and
businesses. The future of Zood looks promising, with plans to scale its
services and increase its footprint across emerging markets. Naureen’s vision
is to continue revolutionizing digital finance and ensuring that millions of
people have access to the financial tools they need to thrive in a digital
economy.
Conclusion: A Leader with Impact
Naureen Hyat’s journey from a financial analyst to the CEO
of Zood Pakistan showcases her leadership, vision, and commitment to financial
inclusion. Through her work, she has demonstrated that technology can be a
powerful tool in empowering underserved communities. As she continues to lead
Zood to new heights, Naureen remains a driving force behind the digital
transformation of the financial services industry in Pakistan and beyond.
A timeline for Naureen Hyat’s journey:
2010-2012: Earned CFA certification, laying the foundation
for her career in finance.
2014: Co-founded CheckIn Solutions, innovating financial
services for microfinance institutions.
2014-2015: Served as Head of Finance and Planning at
Shopistan, gaining insights into e-commerce.
2017: Co-founded Tez Financial Services, revolutionizing
financial inclusion for unbanked populations.
June 2022: Became CEO of Zood Pakistan, integrating FinTech,
e-commerce, and logistics.
2022-Present: Led Zood’s growth, expanding its ecosystem
across Pakistan, Uzbekistan, and Lebanon, serving over 10 million users.
Ongoing: Continues to drive financial inclusion and
empowerment through innovative digital lending solutions.
