SECP, PBA host workshop on unlocking capital market potential for Banks

Karachi: The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), in collaboration with Pakistan Banks Association (PBA), organized a consultative workshop on the theme “Unlocking Capital Market Potential for Banks” in Karachi.
The Honourable Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, graced the event as the Chief Guest.
The workshop hosted top officials from SECP, State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), commercial banks, Capital Market Infrastructure Institutions (CMIIs), the brokerage industry and other market participants. It provided a platform for all stakeholders to engage in meaningful discussions and frame actionable strategies for fostering integration between financial institutions/banks and capital markets.
The SECP Chairperson, Mr. Akif Saeed, in his welcome address, highlighted the critical need for stronger collaboration between financial institutions and Pakistan’s capital markets to drive sectoral growth and development. He also outlined key reforms introduced by SECP targeting capital market investment, including the issuance of Government of Pakistan (GoP) Ijarah Sukuk through the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), strengthening of the voluntary pension system, adoption of the T+1 settlement cycle for securities traded at PSX, and the revamping of the public offering regime. He also thanked the Honourable Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, for gracing the occasion as Chief Guest, and appreciated the active participation of all stakeholders in the workshop.
In his keynote address, the Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb emphasized that deeper engagement by financial institutions in capital market activities would not only diversify funding sources but also provide businesses with alternative avenues of long-term financing. Such integration, he noted, is essential for enhancing market resilience, supporting private sector growth, and contributing meaningfully to sustainable economic development. He proposed that a Capital Market Development Council be constituted comprising of key stakeholders including the SECP, SBP, CMIIs and PICG etc.
The workshop was also addressed by Mr. Jameel Ahmad, Governor, State Bank of Pakistan, where he noted that while macroeconomic conditions have improved—with inflation falling and growth gradually recovering—structural challenges such as low domestic savings persist. With a savings rate of just 7.4% of GDP, compared to 27% in South Asia, country remains overly reliant on external financing, contributing to recurring external account pressures and boom-bust cycles, he stated. Mr. Ahmad emphasized the importance of robust capital markets in channelling domestic savings into productive sectors. He stated that well-developed, deep and diversified capital markets—complemented by a resilient banking system—are needed to support sustainable economic development of the country.
The workshop participants emphasized the pivotal role banks can play in shaping the future of capital markets and highlighted the need for strategic partnerships and joint initiatives to enhance the development and resilience of country’s overall financial system. The panel discussions focused on the contribution commercial banks can make in the capital market by virtue of their participation in leveraged products, the use of digital banking portals for improved access to capital markets and unlocking agricultural and commodity markets, especially through the newly promulgated regime for electronic warehouse receipts.
The event also marked the inauguration of the Capital Market Development Fund (CMDF) and the Agahi Portal. The CMDF, with support from all CMIIs, aims to advance financial literacy efforts among the investors and carry out public awareness and financial literacy campaigns for greater investor outreach. Through the Agahi portal, SECP seeks to foster active shareholder participation, encourage informed decision-making, and promote a culture of transparency and accountability.
Dr. Shamshad Akhtar, Chairperson, Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX); Mr. Rehmat Ali Hasnie, President & CEO, National Bank of Pakistan (NBP); Mr. Atif Bajwa, President & CEO, Bank Alfalah; and Mr. Muhammad Nassir Salim, President & CEO, HBL and Dr. Ishrat Husain, Former Governor, SBP, also addressed the workshop participants.
In their remarks, the distinguished speakers highlighted the vital role banks can play in advancing Pakistan’s capital markets. They reiterated the importance of greater collaboration and stronger linkages between financial institutions and the capital market to unlock new opportunities, support sustainable market growth, and contribute to broader economic development. They also lauded SECP for these initiatives and cited them as critical for enhancing transparency, strengthening investor confidence, and setting the foundation for long-term growth of Pakistan’s capital market.
CEO & Secretary General – PBA, Mr. Muneer Kamal, congratulated SECP for organising the workshop. Commenting on the occasion, he said, “By convening the financial ecosystem partners for a dialogue, we’ve made the first move in the right direction. We now need to move beyond conversations to a practical plan for integration: clear timelines, accountable stakeholders, and bank-ready products that deepen liquidity and broaden participation.” He noted that PBA’s collaboration with SECP reflects the industry’s continued commitment to investor protection and education, as well as market development.