ISLAMABAD: In a significant step toward improving investor accessibility and enhancing ease of doing business, the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has formed a high-level Committee to reform the account opening process in the country’s capital markets.
The Committee has been tasked with conducting a comprehensive review of the existing procedures for opening investor accounts with market intermediaries. Its mandate includes identifying bottlenecks, evaluating regulatory hurdles, and proposing actionable recommendations to make the account opening experience faster, more efficient, and investor-friendly.
According to SECP, the Committee will focus on streamlining the end-to-end account opening process, simplifying regulatory requirements, and promoting digital onboarding solutions. The initiative aims to remove friction from the investor journey, enabling broader participation in capital markets.
The Committee comprises representatives from major market stakeholders, including:
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Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP)
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Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX)
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National Clearing Company of Pakistan Limited (NCCPL)
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Central Depository Company (CDC)
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Pakistan Stock Brokers Association (PSBA)
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EClear Services Limited
The final report, containing detailed recommendations and a roadmap for implementation, is expected to be submitted to SECP by August 18, 2025.
