Company Registrations

SECP Achieves Record 35,000+ Company Registrations in FY25

ISLAMABAD: The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has set a new milestone by registering more than 35,000 companies in FY25, its highest-ever tally for a single fiscal year.

This achievement reflects the regulator’s ongoing reforms to strengthen digitalisation and ease of doing business in Pakistan.

With these additions, the national registry now holds over 258,000 companies, according to SECP data. Almost all incorporations—99.9%—were completed online, showcasing the regulator’s success in digital transformation.

This also marked a 27% increase compared to FY24, with record monthly registrations in January (3,442 companies) and May (3,605 companies).

Digitalisation and Cybersecurity Enhancements

During FY25, SECP rolled out significant upgrades to its eZfile platform, introducing mandatory digital verification for management changes. To ensure secure operations, the Commission also issued cybersecurity guidelines for companies, aligning with global best practices.

Additionally, SECP launched the Electronic Mortgage Register (EMR), allowing financial institutions to access real-time mortgage data. More digital tools are under development, including AI-assisted company registration and same-day bank account integration, which are expected to make the process even more efficient.

For businesses looking to strengthen compliance, SECP has also encouraged external monitoring. Learn more about the importance of external audit in ensuring transparency.

Mandatory Dematerialisation of Shares

From March 3, 2025, all new companies are required to issue dematerialized shares, a reform aimed at reducing ownership disputes and improving transparency.

This step is part of SECP’s broader alignment with the World Bank’s B-Ready framework, which also includes gender-based data collection and Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) verification protocols.

Pakistan’s efforts paid off, with the World Bank ranking the country 6th out of 50 economies on its ‘Business Entry’ indicator, which evaluates the efficiency of company formation processes (World Bank).

Proposed Regulatory Amendments

SECP has also proposed key regulatory updates, including:

  • Making the Unique Document Identification Number (UDIN) mandatory for ICMAP members.
  • Expanding cost audit requirements to cover the automobile sector.

These reforms will ensure greater accountability and enhance the corporate governance structure.

Facilitation and Awareness Initiatives

To support entrepreneurs and companies, SECP launched a dedicated facilitation desk, hosted more than 100 awareness sessions, and produced educational resources on compliance and governance.

Upcoming guides will cover employee stock ownership schemes (ESOS), stock splits, and capital issuance processes.

For those navigating trade, digital solutions like WeBOC are also becoming essential in Pakistan’s corporate and business landscape.

Technology Transformation Projects

The Commission’s LEAP project and SECP-XS platform are expanding access to digital corporate services. Meanwhile, a Corporate Registration Manual is being prepared to harmonize procedures across all Company Registration Offices.

In addition, SECP’s reforms extend into broader financial ecosystems, complementing the rise of loan apps in Pakistan that are reshaping access to finance for individuals and businesses.

Conclusion

With record incorporations, AI-driven reforms, and stronger compliance measures, SECP’s transformation is positioning Pakistan as one of the fastest-moving economies in terms of company formation efficiency. These steps not only enhance the business climate but also bring Pakistan closer to international best practices.