SECP cuts stock market account opening time to two days

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan introduced a unified digital onboarding framework on Friday to speed up entry into the capital market. The framework reduces repetitive verification, simplifies documentation, and sets clear timelines for opening investor accounts. It targets first-time and digital investors as SECP works to widen retail participation.

What is SECP's digital onboarding framework?

The framework standardises how investors open stock market accounts across brokers, asset management companies, insurers and other regulated intermediaries. It sets fixed processing timelines, removes repeated verification steps, and enables instant digital account issuance. The goal is a faster, more consistent onboarding experience across Pakistan's regulated financial sector.

How long will it take to open an account?

Sehl and Sahulat accounts will be processed within one working day, while Normal Accounts will be processed within two working days. Applicants will receive tracking IDs to monitor their application status. Any deficiencies in an application will be communicated within the prescribed timeframe, and reasons for rejection will be provided in writing.

Why is SECP introducing these changes?

The initiative forms part of SECP's broader push to expand retail participation, particularly among young Pakistanis, and grow the capital market's investor base to 2.5 million. SECP Chairman Dr. Kabir Ahmed Sidhu said the focus was on removing entry barriers and using technology to simplify the investor journey.

He said the objective was to unlock the untapped potential of Pakistan's capital market by broadening participation and building a deeper, more inclusive market. The framework was issued through Circular No. 19 of 2026.

How does the framework reduce repetitive verification?

A key feature of the framework is the elimination of repeated customer verification. Where an eligible regulated financial institution or notified third party has already completed prescribed verification, intermediaries can rely on that record instead of requiring investors to repeat the process. This cuts duplication across the account-opening journey.

The framework also enables API-based straight-through processing and digital onboarding, including instant UIN issuance and the opening of CDC sub-accounts. These measures are designed to reduce paperwork and manual intervention across the onboarding process.