Afghan United Bank (AUB) has emerged as one of Afghanistan’s most resilient and strategically significant financial institutions, distinguished by its sustained contribution to cross-border trade facilitation under exceptionally complex operating conditions. Its recognition at the Global Business Awards underscores not only institutional strength but also AUB’s proven capability to manage international financial flows with transparency, discipline, and scale—particularly through its leadership in Foreign Telegraphic Transfers (FTTs).
Enabling High-Value International Transactions
A defining hallmark of AUB’s performance is its ability to handle large volumes of high-value international transactions with consistency and reliability. During the financial year 2025, the Bank successfully processed over 5,300 Foreign Telegraphic Transfers, with an aggregate value exceeding USD 1 billion. These transactions played a critical role in facilitating legitimate international trade payments, import settlements, humanitarian funding flows, and cross-border commercial obligations. The scale of activity highlights AUB’s capacity to function as a dependable financial conduit connecting Afghanistan with regional and global markets.
Robust Infrastructure and Global Connectivity
AUB’s cross-border capabilities are anchored in a secure SWIFT-based payment infrastructure supported by well-established correspondent banking relationships. The Bank has made sustained investments in standardized, transparent, and secure transfer mechanisms that ensure accuracy, speed, and full traceability of funds. This infrastructure enables AUB to meet the operational and compliance expectations of international counterparties, even in a highly regulated global banking environment.
Complementing its wholesale trade finance operations, AUB’s partnership with MoneyGram and its multi-channel remittance services extend its reach to retail cross-border flows. This integrated model strengthens liquidity circulation, supports financial inclusion, and reinforces Afghanistan’s financial linkage with the wider world.
Compliance, Governance, and Risk Discipline
Compliance remains central to AUB’s operating philosophy. The Bank adheres strictly to AML/CFT frameworks, sanctions screening, FATCA requirements, and advanced transaction monitoring standards aligned with international best practices. Layered controls and modern compliance technologies ensure that each FTT undergoes comprehensive scrutiny without compromising service efficiency—an approach that has enhanced confidence among correspondent banks and trade partners.
Strong corporate governance further underpins this credibility. Oversight by an experienced Board of Supervisors and Management, supported by dedicated risk, compliance, audit, and credit committees, ensures disciplined decision-making and effective risk containment—particularly critical when managing large-value international transfers.
Nationwide Reach Supporting Trade Corridors
AUB’s extensive nationwide footprint across commercial hubs, customs points, and trade corridors adds strategic depth to its operations. By integrating services such as foreign exchange, customs duty collection, guarantees, and international transfers, the Bank supports the entire trade value chain, enabling clients to manage cross-border transactions efficiently and seamlessly.
A Cornerstone of Afghanistan’s External Economic Engagement
By successfully processing more than USD 1 billion in FTTs while maintaining high standards of compliance, governance, and operational resilience, Afghan United Bank has demonstrated leadership in cross-border trade facilitation. Its recognition at the Global Business Awards reflects not only measurable performance but also its role as a cornerstone institution supporting Afghanistan’s external economic engagement with integrity, transparency, and international best practices.
