95% of the Banks I Work With Do Not Have a Single Database”: Ibrahim Amin on Digital Sovereignty
Digital Transformation is not only about embracing new technology. For banks, businesses and governments, it also means being able to organize, understand and manage their own data. Even technologically equipped institutions without connected information systems might find it difficult to make informed decisions.
This was one of the key issues raised by Ibrahim Amin, Chairman and Co-founder of the Pakistan Freelancers Association (PAFLA), in an interview with Russian media platform IT Russia during his visit to Moscow for the 2nd Global Digital Forum (GDF).
Why Fragmented Data Remains a Challenge for Banks
For Amin, one of the most pressing challenges in banking is not necessarily the absence of data, but the inability to bring it together.
“I work with a large number of banks around the world, hundreds of them, you could say. Yet 95% of the banks I work with do not have a single, consolidated database.”
He explained that many banks operate through separate departments that do not share information effectively. When data remains scattered across different systems, institutions can struggle to develop a complete picture of their customers, assess risks, and make timely decisions.
The solution, in Amin’s view, starts within individual organizations. Banks need to improve information sharing and consolidate their data before similar efforts can be expanded across industries and government institutions.
Digital Sovereignty Starts With Homegrown Databases
Amin sees the development of domestic data infrastructure as an important step towards greater digital independence.
“The most important step toward digital sovereignty is to build our own databases.”
For countries such as Pakistan, this means developing the capacity to collect, organize, store and process information in ways that serve local needs. It also involves acquiring the skills and facilities needed to create appropriate analytical tools and models.
Amin highlighted applications such as borrower credit assessments, where well-organized data and locally developed models could help institutions make more informed decisions. He also emphasized the importance of data centres and better coordination between government departments.
Digital sovereignty does not necessarily mean being disconnected from the rest of the world digitally. Instead, this means learning how to handle domestic information and make informed decisions about how it is used and shared internationally.
For Pakistan’s banking sector, improving data integration could therefore be an important part of a wider digital transformation strategy.
AI Is Changing the Skills Young People Need
Amin also connected digital transformation with employment and the changing demands of the global digital economy.
He noted that software development and graphic design had traditionally been popular entry points for young people entering the freelance market. As artificial intelligence changes how these services are delivered, he believes digital professionals need to develop additional skills to remain competitive.
Areas such as data science, cybersecurity, data analytics and working with AI tools are becoming increasingly relevant. Institutions also need people who can integrate information from different sources and help organizations use it effectively.
“This opens up major opportunities for young people.”
For Amin, the opportunity lies not only in learning to use new technologies, but also in developing the skills needed to solve complex problems
PAFLA’s Role in Connecting Young Talent With Global Opportunities
Expanding access to international freelance opportunities has been central to PAFLA’s work, according to Amin.
He explained that the organization was established to help young Pakistanis develop digital skills, connect with international clients and explore entrepreneurship. During the interview, he also highlighted PAFLA’s training initiatives and invited young people in Russia to join its platform.
This broader theme is the need to complement investments in digital talent with investments in infrastructure. As countries strengthen their data capabilities and adopt AI, they will need professionals who can support these systems, analyze information and develop practical solutions.
For Pakistan, this creates an opportunity to connect its young workforce with emerging needs across banking, technology and other industries. By combining skills development with access to international markets, PAFLA aims to help more young people participate in the global digital economy.
About the Global Digital Forum 2026
The II Global Digital Forum took place in Moscow from 8 to 10 October 2026.
Amin attended on behalf of PAFLA, alongside the association’s President and CEO, Mr. Imran Batada, and other team members. On the sidelines, the team met H.E. Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, Pakistan’s Ambassador to the Russian Federation, to explore free international training for Pakistani freelancers in fields such as AI and cybersecurity.
You can read more in [From Pakistan to Moscow: Taking Pakistan’s Freelancing Talent to the Global Stage] and PAFLA meets Pakistan’s Ambassador in Moscow ]
This interview was originally published by IT Russia on 10 October 2026.
