SECP proposes raising Microfinance, Housing Loan limits to Rs5m

September 29, 2026 (MLN): The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has proposed significant upward revisions to loan thresholds, annual income limits, and business turnover criteria under the Non-Banking Finance Companies (NBFC) Regulations, aiming to expand financial inclusion and align with the State Bank of Pakistan's recent policy frameworks.

Under the newly released draft amendments, which have been opened for public consultation and stakeholder feedback, the maximum limit for housing loans and microenterprise loans has been proposed to be increased to PKR 5 million. Furthermore, the general microfinance loan limit is proposed to be set at PKR 500,000.

To accommodate inflationary pressures and broaden eligibility for financial assistance, the SECP has proposed raising the annual income ceiling for microfinance loan beneficiaries from PKR 1.2 million to PKR 1.5 million.

In a move to harmonize definitions with the State Bank of Pakistan's recent adjustments, the Commission has also revised the annual turnover thresholds for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs):

• Small Enterprises: The maximum annual turnover limit is proposed to be increased from PKR 150 million (15 crore) to PKR 400 million (40 crore).

• Medium Enterprises: The maximum annual turnover limit is proposed to be raised from PKR 800 million (80 crore) to PKR 2,000 million (2 billion).

The SECP has invited comments and suggestions from all affected stakeholders within fourteen days from the placement of the draft amendments on its official website before finalizing the regulatory changes.

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