The State Bank of Pakistan has opened applications for the first cohort of its Regulatory Sandbox, setting out priority themes for testing innovative financial products and associated operating models in a controlled environment. The cohort will consider use cases covering technology-enabled solutions for inward remittances, open banking, and remote onboarding of merchants. The sandbox is positioned as a mechanism to support financial-sector innovation while maintaining consumer protection and financial stability, and to inform SBP refinements to the regulatory framework as new technologies emerge. Applications will be accepted from August 25, 2025 to October 05, 2025, and SBP has published Regulatory Sandbox Guidelines on its website to support prospective applicants.