The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), in collaboration with the Pakistan Banks’ Association (PBA), has announced a workshop titled “Unlocking Capital Market Potential for Banks.” The initiative marks a significant step in promoting deeper collaboration between the banking sector and capital markets, aiming to create synergies that will support long-term financial growth and innovation.
The workshop is bringing together senior officials and decision-makers from key financial institutions. Representatives from the SECP, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), commercial banks, Capital Market Infrastructure Institutions (CMIIs), brokerage firms, and other market participants will be present. The inclusion of such a wide range of stakeholders under one platform is expected to foster constructive dialogue on bridging existing gaps between banks and capital markets.
According to SECP, the event has been designed to encourage meaningful discussions and to identify actionable strategies that can integrate banks more closely with the capital market ecosystem. Currently, Pakistan’s banking system is the largest financial intermediary in the country, but its integration with capital markets remains underdeveloped. Strengthening this linkage is expected to channel fresh avenues of investment, diversify financing options, and improve capital allocation for both businesses and individuals.
By involving commercial banks directly in the process, the workshop seeks to highlight opportunities for the development of innovative financial products. The collaboration may pave the way for initiatives such as securitization, bond market development, and enhanced use of equity financing, all of which could reduce over-reliance on conventional lending. Participants are also expected to discuss ways to align banking operations with global best practices in capital market integration.
Officials believe that closer cooperation between banks and capital markets could also contribute to greater financial stability. A well-connected system allows banks to diversify risk, while capital markets gain access to a larger investor base. This dual benefit not only strengthens the financial sector’s resilience but also creates opportunities for sustainable economic growth.
The workshop will also serve as an opportunity for market infrastructure institutions to present ideas on modernizing systems and introducing digital solutions that can enhance efficiency. As Pakistan makes progress in digitizing financial services, creating seamless channels between banks and capital markets has become a priority. The event is therefore seen as a timely platform to align regulatory, technological, and operational efforts.
Industry observers have long pointed out that Pakistan’s capital markets have untapped potential, but stronger collaboration with banks is necessary to unlock it. By bringing together regulators, banks, and market players, this workshop aims to lay the groundwork for a stronger financial ecosystem that encourages innovation, investment, and sustainable growth.
The SECP and PBA initiative underlines the recognition that banks and capital markets cannot function in isolation if Pakistan’s economy is to expand inclusively. By framing strategies for integration and enabling dialogue between stakeholders, the event could become a turning point in shaping the country’s financial future.