SECP makes stock market investing faster with digital onboarding

August 28, 2026 (MLN): The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has introduced a unified digital investor onboarding framework to make investing in the stock market easier, faster and more accessible by reducing repetitive verification, simplifying documentation and setting clear timelines for opening investor accounts.

Under the new framework, Sehl/Sahulat accounts will be processed within one working day, while Normal Accounts will be processed within two working days. Investors will also receive tracking IDs to monitor the status of their applications, while any deficiencies will be communicated within the prescribed timeframe and reasons for rejection provided in writing.

The framework will enable 24/7 digital onboarding and processing, with a key feature being the elimination of repetitive customer verification.

Where prescribed verification has already been completed by an eligible regulated financial institution or notified third party, intermediaries can rely on that verification instead of requiring the investor to repeat the process.

Issued through Circular No. 19 of 2026, the framework standardizes onboarding requirements across securities brokers, asset management companies, insurers and other regulated intermediaries, creating a more consistent investor experience across the regulated financial sector.

The framework also enables API-based straight-through processing and digital onboarding, including instant UIN issuance and the opening of CDC sub-accounts, reducing paperwork and manual intervention.

The SECP aims to increase the country's capital-market investor base to 2.5 million, with greater participation of young Pakistanis remaining a key priority.

“Our focus is to remove entry barriers and use technology to make the investor journey simpler, faster and more accessible.

The objective is to unlock the significant untapped potential of Pakistan’s capital market by broadening participation, particularly among the youth, and building a deeper and more inclusive market,” said SECP Chairman Dr. Kabir Ahmed Sidhu.

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