June 16, 2026 (MLN): Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) Chairman Dr. Kabir Ahmed Sidhu has said expanding the country's investor base to 2.5 million was a key priority, as the regulator unveiled a broad range of reforms aimed at transforming Pakistan's capital markets into a modern, transparent and public-friendly ecosystem.

Dr. Sidhu made these remarks during a bell-ringing ceremony held in his honour at the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), where he rang the ceremonial bell to mark the commencement of trading, according to a press release issued.

Addressing the occasion, Dr. Sidhu said strong corporations and active capital markets were indispensable for Pakistan's economic growth, adding that corporations created opportunities for employment, investment and prosperity.

The SECP chairman said the regulator was introducing easy and digital investment avenues for young investors, with short online courses also set to be launched to promote financial literacy.

Awareness programmes related to investment and trading would be rolled out across the country, he added.

Dr. Sidhu said the Institute of Financial Markets of Pakistan (IFMP) was being restructured on modern lines to play a key role in training investors and financial sector professionals.

He added that the investor onboarding and account opening process was being simplified, with the CDC mobile app set to further ease the investment process.

KYC requirements for Sahulat accounts had also been made more convenient, while a broker referral programme was expected to boost retail investor participation.

The SECP chairman said the Capital Market Development Fund would be utilised for market development and investor education, noting that the success of recent IPOs reflected growing investor confidence.

He added that the inclusion of new companies in Pakistan's capital market was being actively encouraged, with access also being made easier for SMEs and new businesses.

Dr. Sidhu said fintech and digital finance were important pillars of Pakistan's financial future, adding that reforms at SECP were centred on people, systems and technology.

Comprehensive reforms were also being introduced in the insurance sector, he said, with new insurance legislation expected to bring sweeping changes to the industry.

Motor insurance data integration would improve transparency and consumer protection, he added.

The SECP chairman said CDC, NCCPL and other market infrastructure institutions were being further strengthened, and the regulatory framework was being aligned with modern requirements.