SECP shares draft VC Bill with BOI for public consultation

ISLAMABAD: The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has presented the draft Venture Capital (VC) Bill to the Board of Investment (BOI) for public input. The proposed legislation aims to enhance access to risk capital, encourage both domestic and foreign investment, facilitate startup expansion, generate employment, and bolster economic growth.

The Bill was developed as part of a government initiative that assigned SECP the task of creating a specialized, standalone regulatory framework for venture capital and improving financing access for startups and high-growth enterprises. Despite considerable potential, Pakistan's startup, technology, and innovation sectors have faced challenges in accessing formal venture capital, with most investment activities conducted offshore or outside the domestic regulatory structure.

The proposed Bill aims to bridge this gap through a straightforward and transparent framework for venture capital funds and fund managers. It introduces light-touch licensing and registration, streamlined operational structures, and clear governance and reporting standards, while promoting the formalization of venture capital activity in Pakistan.

SECP Chairman Dr Kabir Ahmed Sidhu expressed that the proposed law would help direct private capital into Pakistan's emerging businesses. "The Bill acknowledges the high-risk and innovation-driven nature of venture capital and aims to reduce regulatory barriers while maintaining effective governance and investor protection." The subsequent step involves SECP and BOI conducting public consultations with key stakeholders, including startups, fund managers, legal and financial professionals, the State Bank of Pakistan, Pakistan Stock Exchange, and relevant industry associations, before the draft advances through the legislative process.