Mr. Ashraf Mahmood Wathra served as Governor, State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) from 29th April, 2014 till 2017. Prior to this, he was working as Acting Governor since 31st January, 2014.

He represented Pakistan in several international forums and served on the Board of Governors of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Asian Clearing Union (ACU) and ECO Trade and Development Bank. He was also the council member of Islamic Financial Stability Board. Since 1st July, 2015, Governor Wathra was the co-chair of the Financial Stability Board - Regional Consultative Group for Asia (FSB-RCG Asia), Basel, based at Switzerland.

He held important positions within Pakistan including the member of Monetary and Fiscal Policies Coordination Board, National Financial Inclusion Strategy (NFIS) Council, National Executive Committee on Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Chair of the Board of Institute of Bankers in Pakistan (IBP), NFIS Steering Committee, and Agricultural Credit Advisory Committee (ACAC).

His association with SBP started when he assumed charge of the office of Deputy Governor, on 11th March, 2013.

Prior to joining SBP, he has been associated with various international and national banks and worked in various regulatory regimes in leadership positions; including Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka etc. He also served as a member of Board of Directors of Habib Finance International Hong Kong, Habib Finance Australia and as First Vice Chairman of Himalayan Bank Nepal for several years.

He started his career with Grindlays Bank Plc in 1978 after completing his Masters in Business Administration.