SECP Approves Reforms to Boost Pakistan’s Business Score

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has greenlit regulatory reforms designed to elevate Pakistan's standing in the World Bank Group's Business Ready (B-READY) evaluation. Currently, Pakistan holds the 17th spot out of 101 economies in the Business Entry segment of the B-READY 2025 Report, boasting a score of 86.64 points.

The newly implemented measures aim to bridge any remaining discrepancies and align Pakistan's business regulations with international norms. As part of the reforms, the SECP intends to enhance the automated transmission of up-to-date company data to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) via application programming interfaces (APIs), in collaboration with the Board of Investment.

This step is anticipated to diminish superfluous compliance obligations for enterprises. The SECP will also disseminate data on environmental clearances and operating permits on its website once the pertinent authorities furnish the information, thereby providing businesses with a centralized digital hub for critical regulatory prerequisites.

Moreover, the regulator will make data concerning publicly financed initiatives for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and women entrepreneurs accessible through its digital platforms. Additionally, the SECP will publish gender-specific data on newly established companies, encompassing information on women shareholders, directors, chief executives, and ultimate beneficial owners.

By targeting areas where Pakistan can bolster its B-READY score and fortify its position in forthcoming rankings, these reforms underscore the SECP's commitment to streamlining Pakistan's business environment.