SECP registers 18,057 new companies in 2026

July 08, 2026 (MLN): The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has registered 18,057 new companies since January 2026, according to a detailed briefing.

The briefing stated that a record 109,878 post-incorporation processes, including forms and returns, have been completed across the country, while the SECP issued 149 new licenses for various sectors.

It was further shared that a decision has been made to convert the manual shares of unlisted companies into digital (book-entry) form.

The Central Ultimate Beneficial Ownership (UBO) Registry Portal has also been successfully developed, and companies have started submitting their information online.

According to the briefing, work is underway to introduce an artificial intelligence (AI)-based system for company registration, while Business Facilitation Centers will be established in Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi.

The briefing further stated that long-standing issues of the Chinese consortium in the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) have been resolved, while conditional approval has been granted for the demerger scheme of PSX's real estate assets.

The investment limit under the Sahulat Account has been increased from Rs1m to Rs3m, and the Capital Market Development Fund has been formally launched. Since January 2026, the Commission has approved 10 Initial Public Offerings (IPOs).

The SECP said work is underway to develop the simplest user interface for gold trading through a mobile application.

It added that the process of opening digital accounts and completing investor verification for mutual fund investors has been made significantly easier.

Under the Prime Minister Apna Ghar Program, Non-Banking Finance Companies (NBFCs) have been granted the status of financial institutions.

The SECP also launched Pakistan's first digital, Shariah-compliant financing product for women entrepreneurs, titled "KhudMukhtar Khatoon."

The briefing stated that the Shariah Screening Framework has been further tightened by reducing the debt-to-assets ratio from 37% to 33%, while brokers have been allowed to operate Shariah-compliant window operations to promote the Islamic capital market.

The SECP further said third-party motor insurance has been implemented in Sindh, increasing compensation for accident victims from Rs20,000 to Rs700,000.

Compensation will be provided through an automated system without the need for court proceedings.

Commercial vehicle insurance policies have recorded a 1,300% increase, while the number of vehicle insurance policies has risen from 11,000 to more than 165,000.

Preparations are also underway to expand motor insurance to Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.

The briefing added that life insurance annuity products have been been introduced for retired individuals, a consortium of insurance companies has been established for crop insurance, and the Takaful sector's share has reached 14%, with new guidelines being introduced.

Copyright Mettis Link News