Next Capital Limited (PSX: NEXT) has announced that it has been granted a Securities Manager license by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) under Sections 68 and 69 of the Securities Act, 2015. The approval marks a groundbreaking development for the local capital market, as the company becomes the first securities broker in the country to receive this license.
The newly issued license positions Next Capital at the forefront of Pakistan’s evolving financial services sector. Traditionally operating as a brokerage house, the company can now diversify its business by offering portfolio management and investment advisory services. This expansion aligns with global trends where financial institutions are broadening their offerings to meet the growing demand for integrated financial solutions from both institutional and retail investors.
According to the company’s official statement, this achievement is not just a milestone for Next Capital but also a signal of regulatory progress within Pakistan’s capital markets. The SECP’s decision reflects its broader strategy of deepening market sophistication by introducing new licensing frameworks that allow financial firms to serve clients with enhanced transparency, better governance, and a wider range of services.
For Next Capital, the license provides an opportunity to serve its existing client base more comprehensively. By moving beyond traditional brokerage, the firm can now design tailored investment portfolios, provide structured advisory services, and introduce products that cater to different risk appetites. This development is expected to strengthen client relationships and create long-term value by positioning the company as a one-stop solution provider in the investment landscape.
Industry experts believe that SECP’s move to grant securities manager licenses will encourage competition, innovation, and higher service standards across the financial sector. With increasing investor interest in diversified asset classes and more sophisticated investment tools, firms like Next Capital will play a crucial role in bridging the gap between traditional brokerage and modern portfolio management.
The timing of this approval is particularly significant given Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to attract both domestic and foreign investment. Enhanced financial services infrastructure not only improves investor confidence but also supports broader economic objectives, including capital market deepening and financial inclusion.
Next Capital has highlighted that the expansion into advisory and portfolio management services complements its existing expertise in equity research and brokerage. By leveraging its market insights and regulatory compliance track record, the firm aims to differentiate itself in a competitive environment and contribute meaningfully to the financial ecosystem.
The license is also a positive signal for the Pakistan Stock Exchange and its participants, as it reflects a more mature and adaptive regulatory environment. It indicates SECP’s commitment to aligning the country’s financial framework with international practices, while at the same time enabling firms to create new value-added services for investors.
With this milestone, Next Capital has not only expanded its business horizon but also set a precedent for other brokerage houses aspiring to diversify. The move highlights the growing importance of innovative, client-centric financial solutions in Pakistan’s evolving capital market.