The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has issued a new standardized format for Board resolutions to streamline the process of corporate account opening by companies. The directive, issued through Circular No. 22 of 2025 on Friday, aims to provide uniformity in documentation and facilitate seamless interactions with financial institutions.
Under the powers granted by Section 510 of the Companies Act, 2017, SECP has mandated that all companies prepare a Board of Directors’ resolution, in the prescribed format, for the purpose of opening corporate accounts. The resolution, termed as the Standard Board Resolution, can be submitted either in digital or physical form and must be authenticated by the company’s authorized officer. While the format is standardized, companies have the flexibility to modify it to suit their specific operational needs, including adding or removing certain content.
A significant feature of the new framework is the emphasis on electronic authentication. When submitting a Board resolution electronically, the authorized officer must affix either an electronic signature or an advanced electronic signature, in accordance with the Electronic Transactions Ordinance, 2002. This move aligns with Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to digitize corporate processes and reduce dependence on paper-based documentation.
In addition to electronic signatures, the SECP encourages companies to embed a standard QR code on their Board resolutions. The QR code facilitates instant verification of the resolution’s authenticity and contains key details such as the company’s name, the date of the Board meeting, names of directors present, and full names and designations of the authorized persons certifying the resolution. This measure is expected to enhance transparency, reduce the risk of document fraud, and accelerate corporate banking operations.
The SECP’s initiative comes at a time when the financial sector is increasingly adopting digital verification mechanisms and standardized documentation to ensure efficiency and regulatory compliance. By introducing a uniform Board resolution template, the SECP aims to reduce delays, simplify account opening procedures, and create a more consistent framework for companies dealing with banks and financial institutions.
Industry experts believe that this standardization will also benefit banks, as it ensures that all corporate account applications meet regulatory requirements and include verifiable authentication measures. The use of QR codes and electronic signatures is expected to improve operational efficiency, minimize errors in document verification, and facilitate quicker onboarding of corporate clients.
The circular reflects SECP’s ongoing commitment to strengthening corporate governance, enhancing compliance, and supporting the digitization of financial operations in Pakistan. Companies are advised to adopt the new Board resolution format promptly and ensure that all resolutions are duly authenticated and verifiable through the prescribed mechanisms.
With this move, SECP reinforces the importance of standardized procedures and digital adoption in corporate banking, positioning Pakistan’s corporate sector for more streamlined and transparent financial operations.