Senate Moves to Curtail Salary-Setting Powers of SECP and SBP Boards Amid Pay Hike Controversy
A Senate panel has decided to withdraw the powers of SECP and SBP boards to independently set executive salaries, following revelations of hefty pay hikes at the SECP that raised concerns over governance, transparency, and misuse of authority.
FBR Imposes New Tax Filing Duties on Couriers, Payment Channels, and Online Marketplaces
The Federal Board of Revenue has rolled out new compliance rules for couriers, payment intermediaries, and online marketplaces, making quarterly and monthly tax statements mandatory under updated Income Tax Rules 2002.
SECP Proposes Expanded Investor Eligibility for Private Funds to Boost Market Participation
The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has proposed expanding investor eligibility for private funds to include individual and foreign investors, easing entry requirements and strengthening Shariah compliance under revised regulations.
SECP Orders Licensed Entities to Mandatorily Display Raast QR Codes by October 2025
The SECP has mandated all licensed entities, including NBFCs, insurance companies, Modarabas, and brokers, to adopt and display Raast QR Codes by October 31, 2025. The directive aims to strengthen Pakistan’s digital payment ecosystem, enhance financial inclusion, and support the transition toward a cashless economy.
Pakistan’s Virtual Asset Authority Reviews SBP Crypto Ban in Landmark First Meeting
Pakistan’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority held its first board meeting, signaling a potential reversal of the State Bank’s crypto ban. The authority aims to regulate virtual assets, promote innovation, and align with global AML/CFT standards.
Next Capital Becomes First Broker to Secure SECP’s Securities Manager License
Next Capital Limited has received approval from the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) to operate as a Securities Manager, becoming the country’s first securities broker to hold this license. The milestone allows the firm to expand into portfolio management and investment advisory services.
SECP Issues Circular to Standardize Corporate Bank Account Opening
The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has introduced a standardized board resolution format for corporate bank account openings, aiming to reduce compliance delays, improve transparency, and accelerate digital transformation in the financial sector.
SECP Introduces New Mutual Funds Category to Bridge Pakistan’s Infrastructure Financing Gap
The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has launched a new mutual funds category called Infrastructure Schemes to mobilize long-term savings for critical infrastructure projects. The initiative, part of SECP’s Fund Management Roadmap 2025–26, sets clear rules for AMCs, ensures investor safeguards, and aims to address Pakistan’s $15 billion annual infrastructure financing gap.
SECP Expands Digital Data-Sharing Network to Boost Regulatory Efficiency under PRMI
The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has expanded its digital data-sharing network under the Pakistan Regulatory Modernization Initiative (PRMI), integrating NEPRA, PRA, DRAP, SNGPL, PEMRA, and IESCO into its eZfile portal. The initiative streamlines compliance, reduces paperwork, and accelerates regulatory services while supporting Pakistan’s vision for a fully digital economy.
SECP Launches Capital Market Development Fund to Boost Investor Literacy and Market Growth
SECP has operationalized the Capital Market Development Fund (CMDF) with contributions from PSX, NCCPL, CDC, and PMEX to enhance financial literacy, expand outreach, and strengthen Pakistan’s capital markets through investor education and capacity building.