Pakistan SECP introduces faster investor account opening timelines

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has introduced a consolidated investor onboarding framework designed to accelerate the process of opening investment accounts in the country’s capital markets.

Under the new regulations, applications for Sehl and Sahulat accounts must be accepted or rejected within one working day of receiving all required documentation. For standard investor accounts, regulated intermediaries are permitted a maximum processing period of two working days. This framework applies to accounts opened via the Centralized Gateway Portal, Asaan Connect, and the Centralized KYC Organization.

To improve transparency, regulated intermediaries are now required to provide applicants with a tracking identification number to monitor application progress. They must also communicate the status of applications within the prescribed timeframes and notify applicants of any missing documents or discrepancies. The initiative aims to reduce overlapping procedures and leverage digital channels to make market participation more accessible, particularly for new and younger investors.