The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has officially launched InvestPak, a digital platform designed to simplify and modernize investment in government securities for both individual and corporate investors. The new portal, which goes live on November 6, provides an online gateway for opening Investor Portfolio of Securities (IPS) accounts, placing bids in government bond auctions, and trading securities through web and mobile interfaces.
InvestPak represents a major step towards reducing the reliance on physical paperwork and branch visits, which have traditionally slowed account activation and investment transactions. The platform enables investors to participate in government securities auctions directly, submitting competitive or non-competitive bids from the convenience of their devices. By facilitating direct online participation, the portal is expected to significantly streamline the investment process and enhance accessibility for a wider range of investors.
The central bank has instructed all commercial banks and primary dealers to assist with customer onboarding, ensuring seamless access to the platform. Additionally, microfinance banks have been encouraged to integrate InvestPak access for their account holders, promoting financial inclusion across different segments of the population.
Investors will also benefit from secondary market trading capabilities on the portal, with participating banks required to provide binding buy and sell quotes during business hours. The unified interface of InvestPak allows users holding multiple IPS accounts across different banks to manage their portfolios efficiently, while automated portfolio updates keep investors informed in real time.
To ensure accountability and timely service, banks are mandated to process onboarding requests within 48 hours, and any rejections must be accompanied by a detailed explanation, which will be monitored by the SBP. The system also incorporates a complaint management function to address user concerns, providing a comprehensive digital solution for government securities trading.
SBP officials have described InvestPak as a pivotal move to widen public access to Pakistan’s government securities market. By reducing intermediaries and minimizing procedural delays, the initiative aims to deepen retail participation, increase transparency, and support broader financial inclusion in the country. Analysts suggest that the portal could also encourage more investors to diversify their portfolios and participate actively in the domestic debt market, contributing to the overall stability and growth of Pakistan’s financial sector.
The introduction of InvestPak aligns with the SBP’s ongoing digitalization efforts in the banking and finance sector, demonstrating a commitment to leveraging technology for more efficient and inclusive financial services. By combining ease of access with automated functionalities and real-time updates, the portal sets a new benchmark for retail investment in government securities in Pakistan.
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