HBL was the first commercial bank to be established in Pakistan in 1947. Over the years, HBL has grown its branch network and maintained its position as the largest private sector bank with over 1,700 branches and 2,000 ATMs globally and a customer base exceeding ten million relationships. The Government of Pakistan privatized HBL in 2004 through which AKFED acquired 51% of the Bank's shareholding and the management control. The remaining 41.5% shareholding by the Government of Pakistan was divested in April 2015. AKFED continues to retain 51% shareholding in HBL while the remaining shareholding is held by individuals, local and foreign institutions and funds including CDC Group Plc which holds 5% and International Finance Corporation which holds 3%. With a global presence in over 25 countries spanning across four continents, HBL is also the largest domestic multinational​. The Bank is expanding its presence in principal international markets including the UK, UAE, South and Central Asia, Africa and the Far East. The key areas of operations encompass product offerings and services in Retail and Consumer Banking. HBL also has the largest Corporate Banking portfolio in the country with an active Investment Banking arm. SME and Agriculture lending programs and banking services are offered in urban and rural centers.