SBP introduces Performance Evaluation System for Investment Abroad

 August 29, 2025 (MLN): In pursuance of its strategic goal to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the financial system, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has developed a Performance Evaluation System for Investment Abroad (PESIA), according to the circular issued by the SBP today. 

This is an online reporting mechanism for Authorized Dealers to submit data related to Equity Investment Abroad (EIA) transactions through SBP’s Data Acquisition Portal (DAP).

The said reporting mechanism contains ten Data File Structures (DFS) each of which offers a different functionality and utility related to EIA transactions carried out by Authorized Dealers on their own behalf and on behalf of their clients under various categories of EIA policy.

Further, each DFS contains different variables and logics, which are designed to cater to distinct reporting requirements. The particulars of DFS covered in PESIA are as under:

         1. Designation of Authorized Dealers
         2. Equity Investment Abroad Approvals under Category A1, A2 & B
         3. Equity Investment Abroad Approvals under Category C
         4. ESOP Approvals under Category D
         5. Portfolio Investment/Sweat Equity Approvals under Category D
         6. Remittance Approval against already approved EIA cases under Category C
         7. Outward Remittance under Category A1, A2, B, C & D
         8. Details of Entities Established/Acquired under the Approval Under Category A1, A2, B & C
         9. Inward Remittance under Category A1, A2, B, C & D
         10. Financial Performance of Investee Companies

For the facilitation of users, SBP has prepared a user manual, which provides navigation for downloading the aforesaid DFS in soft form and contains detailed instructions on how to input data correctly in each DFS.

Besides, the said user manual also defines the procedure for obtaining “Investee Company (IC) Code” from SBP, before inputting data in certain DFSs (i.e. DFS no. 2 to 5, 8, 10). The said user manual is attached with this circular for necessary compliance by the Authorized Dealers.

In light of the above, Authorized Dealers shall henceforth report all EIA transactions carried out during the month in respect of DFS no. 1 to 9 above latest by 5th working day of the following month.

As regards reporting on DFS No. 10, Authorized Dealer shall report data on an annual basis within three months of the close of the financial year of the investee entity.

As regards legacy data of EIA transactions carried out by Authorized Dealers on its own behalf and on behalf of its clients, the same shall be reported to SBP in following two phases:

Phase I: It shall comprise of EIA transactions carried out during February 10, 2021 to July 31, 2025. The said transactions shall be reported by Authorized Dealers on applicable DFS to SBP, through DAP, within three (3) months of the issuance of this circular, i.e., by November 28, 2025.

Phase II: It shall comprise of EIA transactions carried out before February 9, 2021.

The Authorized Dealers shall be required to submit a compliance report, duly signed by their Group Head Compliance, regarding submission of the requisite data, complete in all respect and free of errors, as per timelines specified above latest by March 05, 2026.

It shall be the responsibility of Head of EIA Unit, established under FE Circular no.1 dated February 10, 2021, and Group Head Compliance of each Authorized Dealer to ensure that the data is submitted strictly in line with the aforesaid instructions and attached user manual.

Further, they shall be responsible to ensure data integrity and accuracy.

SBP further advised Authorized Dealers to bring the above development to the notice of all their constituents and ensure meticulous compliance.

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