The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with Askari Bank Limited and NayaPay to simplify and accelerate the process of opening corporate bank accounts in Pakistan.
Under the new arrangement, companies registered with SECP will be able to access an online option allowing directors to open corporate bank accounts digitally with participating banks, eliminating lengthy manual procedures.
SECP’s eZfile system will be integrated with partner banks through a secure digital interface, enabling instant verification of company data. The initiative is expected to significantly reduce documentation requirements, processing delays, and onboarding hurdles for newly incorporated businesses.
The MoU signing ceremony was attended by SECP Commissioners Muzzafar Ahmed Mirza, Imtiaz Haider, and Ali Farid, along with senior representatives of the participating institutions.
The agreement was formally signed by SECP Commissioner Muzzafar Ahmed Mirza, Askari Bank Group Head Retail Banking Shaikh Raashed Rauf, and NayaPay CEO Danish Ahmad Lakhani. SECP Chairperson Dr. Kabir Ahmed Sidhu and Askari Bank President Zia Ijaz also attended the ceremony.
The initiative forms part of SECP’s “Paper to Platform” reform agenda aimed at digitising regulatory processes and improving the ease of doing business in Pakistan. It builds on earlier collaborations between SECP and financial institutions to promote digital corporate onboarding.
Speaking at the event, SECP Chairperson Dr. Kabir Ahmed Sidhu said stronger coordination between regulators and financial institutions would enable fully digital onboarding for businesses, reduce operational barriers, enhance transparency, and promote financial inclusion.
Officials from Askari Bank and NayaPay welcomed the partnership, stating that the initiative would not only streamline account opening but also pave the way for future collaboration in digital lending and financial services.
SECP has previously signed similar agreements with Mobilink Microfinance Bank Limited, Easypaisa Bank Limited, Mashreq Bank, and Raqami Islamic Digital Bank Limited.
The regulator said the initiative will help newly registered companies commence operations faster, strengthen linkages between banks and capital markets, and contribute to a more efficient and transparent business environment in Pakistan.
