Islamabad, Pakistan — January 27, 2026:
The Government of Pakistan has appointed Ali Farid Khwaja as a Commissioner of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), signaling a move toward strengthening regulatory oversight with global expertise and digital-first thinking.
According to a notification issued by the Finance Division on January 27, 2026, Khwaja has been appointed for a three-year term with immediate effect under Sections 5 and 7 of the SECP Act. The appointment places a seasoned financial professional on the country’s top capital markets regulator at a time of rapid transformation across Pakistan’s financial ecosystem.
Strengthening Regulatory Leadership
Khwaja joins the SECP as it oversees Pakistan’s corporate sector, capital markets, and insurance industry amid growing adoption of fintech, digital payments, and technology-led financial services. Market participants view his appointment as a step toward aligning Pakistan’s regulatory framework with international best practices while supporting innovation.
His professional background combines global academic training, extensive capital markets experience, and exposure to fintech and digital financial systems—an increasingly critical mix as regulators balance innovation with investor protection.
Academic and Professional Background
Khwaja began his academic journey at the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS), where he completed a double major in Economics and Computer Science. He later received the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship and earned an MSc in Financial Economics from the University of Oxford’s Saïd Business School.
Professionally, Khwaja has built an international career across London and Europe. He previously served as a Partner at Autonomous Research, where he led European fintech research, and held the role of Group Chief Financial Officer and Board Director at SafeCharge Group, a London Stock Exchange-listed global payments company. Earlier in his career, he worked as a highly ranked technology analyst at UBS and Berenberg.
Continued Focus on Pakistan’s Financial Development
Despite his global career, Khwaja has remained engaged with Pakistan’s financial sector, advocating for financial literacy, investor protection, and transparent access to capital markets. In recognition of his contributions, he was awarded the Pride of Pakistan Award in 2025.
Looking Ahead
The SECP faces increasing complexity as it seeks to enable innovation—ranging from digital finance to emerging asset classes—while maintaining strong governance and market integrity. Khwaja’s appointment suggests a regulatory approach centered on informed policymaking, global alignment, and sustainable market development.
As he assumes office, expectations remain focused on modernizing regulatory structures, enhancing investor confidence, and strengthening Pakistan’s capital markets to support inclusive economic growth.
