SECP reviews CDC digital, cybersecurity upgrades

June 17, 2026 (MLN): Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), Dr. Kabir Ahmed Sidhu, said that the effective use of financial technology will make investment in the capital market easier, safer, and accessible to every Pakistani, enabling ordinary citizens to participate in the country’s economic growth and wealth creation.

He said digital technology can bring stock market and investment facilities directly to investors’ mobile phones, particularly benefiting the younger generation, as per press release issued.

This will simplify the investment process, strengthen investor protection, and improve confidence in the market. He added that the target of increasing the number of capital market investors to 2.5m is achievable, and the SECP is taking all possible measures to achieve this goal.

Dr. Sidhu expressed these views while chairing a meeting of the Board of Directors and senior management of the Central Depository Company of Pakistan Limited in Karachi.

The meeting reviewed the company’s operational performance, technological infrastructure, cybersecurity framework, digital transformation initiatives, and future plans to further strengthen Pakistan’s capital market infrastructure.

The meeting was attended by SECP Commissioner Securities Market Ali Farid Khwaja, Executive Director Imran Inayat Butt, Director Muhammad Shamoon, and other officials.

The management of the Central Depository Company briefed the SECP Chairman on the institution’s information technology systems, data centers, robust cybersecurity arrangements, and 24-hour business continuity operations.

The board also updated the Chairman on the “Asaan Connect Mobile App,” which has been launched under his direction to support digital onboarding in the stock market.

It was informed that the mobile application, aimed at providing a modern and easy digital platform for young investors, will be introduced in July 2026.

The meeting also discussed proposals for the strategic restructuring of the Central Depository Company. These include separating the company’s core depository function from other business activities, such as trustee services.

The objective is to improve governance and potentially enable the listing of some of the company’s services on the Pakistan Stock Exchange, while strengthening and modernizing central depository operations.

Dr. Sidhu appreciated the importance of the Central Depository Company in the development of Pakistan’s capital market, its advanced technological capabilities, strong governance structure, and effective cooperation with the SECP.

He reaffirmed SECP’s commitment to supporting technological innovation, digital transformation, and efforts to make investment easier, safer, and more accessible for the general public.

CDC Chief Executive Officer Badruddin Akber briefed the participants on ongoing technology projects aimed at improving market access, strengthening investor protection, and simplifying the investment process.

He reiterated the company’s commitment to continued close collaboration with the SECP for the modernization and development of Pakistan’s capital markets.

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