SECP Introduces One-Day Account Opening for Stock Market Investors

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has rolled out a new digital investor onboarding framework to simplify and expedite the process of entering Pakistan's capital market. This unified system aims to reduce redundant verification, streamline documentation, and establish clear time frames for account creation.

The framework is particularly designed to cater to first-time and digital investors, with Sehl/Sahulat accounts to be processed within one business day and Normal Accounts within two business days. Participants will be given tracking IDs, and any discrepancies will be communicated within the stipulated period, along with reasons for rejection, in writing.

This move is part of SECP's larger strategy to boost retail participation, especially among younger citizens in Pakistan, and to grow the national capital-market investor count to 2.5 million. SECP Chairman Dr. Kabir Ahmed Sidhu emphasized that the goal is to eliminate entry hurdles and employ technology to make the investor's journey smoother, quicker, and more accessible.

The SECP's initiative, outlined in Circular No. 19 of 2026, unifies onboarding requirements for securities brokers, asset management firms, insurers, and other regulated entities, thus creating a uniform investor experience across the regulated financial sector. A significant aspect of this framework is the removal of redundant customer verification.

Intermediaries can leverage previously completed verifications from eligible financial institutions or notified third parties, thereby avoiding the need for customers to repeat the process. Additionally, the framework supports API-based straight-through processing and digital onboarding, including immediate UIN issuance and the swift creation of CDC sub-accounts, thereby minimizing paperwork and human intervention.