The Central Depository Company of Pakistan (CDC) has expanded its RAAST Aggregator Network with the onboarding of KTrade Securities Limited, marking another milestone in the digital transformation of Pakistan’s capital markets. The integration brings instant digital fund transfer capabilities to a broader base of retail investors, reinforcing the role of RAAST as a catalyst for financial inclusion.
The formal agreement was signed between Badiuddin Akber, Chief Executive Officer of CDC, and Mahmood Ali Shah Bukhari, Chief Executive Officer of KTrade Securities Limited. The partnership underscores a shared commitment to leveraging technology for greater investor accessibility and market efficiency.
Launched by the State Bank of Pakistan, RAAST is the country’s instant payment system designed to enable fast, secure, and cost-efficient transactions. Its integration into Pakistan’s capital markets through CDC’s Aggregator has significantly reduced delays and inefficiencies in investor fund transfers. Every investor sub-account is now linked to a unique RAAST Investment ID in IBAN format, which allows seamless settlement of funds directly from an investor’s bank to their brokerage account, often completed within minutes rather than days.
The onboarding of KTrade Securities is particularly impactful given its large base of retail investors. For these market participants, the ability to transfer funds instantly into brokerage accounts not only improves accessibility but also builds confidence in digital participation. With faster settlement times, investors are better positioned to act on emerging market opportunities, creating a more agile and responsive trading environment.
Industry experts believe this integration is reshaping investor behavior in Pakistan’s capital market. By eliminating reliance on manual transfers and traditional banking delays, RAAST empowers retail investors to engage more actively in digital trading. This not only enhances liquidity in the market but also helps drive broader adoption of fintech solutions across the financial ecosystem.
Beyond KTrade’s onboarding, the development highlights the broader potential of RAAST in modernizing Pakistan’s financial infrastructure. The system is not limited to fund transfers but is becoming an enabler of transparency, efficiency, and trust. By providing faster, more secure, and low-cost transactions, RAAST reduces friction and encourages greater participation from individuals who may previously have been hesitant to engage with capital markets.
CDC continues to complement RAAST with other digital initiatives aimed at simplifying access to financial services. These include Asaan Connect, a one-window investor onboarding platform, and Emlaak Financials, Pakistan’s first mutual fund aggregation portal. Together, these initiatives position CDC as a backbone institution driving the country’s transition toward a digitally empowered financial system.
The expansion of the RAAST Aggregator Network through KTrade Securities represents more than just an operational achievement; it signifies a step toward reshaping the investor journey in Pakistan. By aligning financial innovation with inclusion, CDC is ensuring that technology bridges gaps and unlocks opportunities across the market.
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