SECP eases licensing rules for foreign-sponsored firms

June 08, 2026 (MLN): The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), in a major facilitation measure, has allowed companies with foreign sponsors or directors to submit licensing applications on the basis of a self-declaration undertaking instead of obtaining prior security clearance of foreign directors from relevant departments.

Under the revised framework, SECP will process licensing applications without requiring security clearance at the application stage. However, the appointment of foreign directors will remain subject to clearance by the relevant authorities.

Applicants will be required to provide an undertaking that any proposed director whose security clearance is denied will be replaced accordingly.

The measure is expected to reduce procedural delays, improve regulatory certainty, and facilitate foreign investment in Pakistan’s regulated financial services sector.

Previously, companies with foreign directors were required to obtain security clearance before submitting licensing applications to SECP, a process that often took considerable time and was viewed by investors as a barrier to establishing regulated financial businesses in Pakistan.

The revised framework will benefit companies operating in capital markets, non-banking finance, insurance, and other regulated financial services sectors.

SECP Chairman Dr. Kabir Ahmed Sidhu said the revised framework strikes an appropriate balance between facilitating investment and maintaining regulatory oversight.

He added that the measure will enable genuine investors to enter Pakistan’s regulated financial sector more efficiently while ensuring compliance with applicable laws and security requirements.

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