SECP to expand digital data sharing under B-READY reforms

ISLAMABAD – The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has approved a series of regulatory reforms aimed at improving Pakistan's performance in the World Bank Group's Business Ready (B-READY) assessment. Pakistan ranked 17th among 101 economies in the Business Entry category of the B-READY 2025 report, with a score of 86.64 points. The new measures seek to address remaining gaps and bring the country's business regulations closer to international standards. Under the reforms, the SECP will expand the automated sharing of updated company information with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) through application programming interfaces (APIs). The initiative will be carried out in coordination with the Board of Investment and is expected to reduce duplicate compliance requirements for businesses. The SECP will also publish information on environmental approvals and operating permits on its website once the relevant authorities provide the required data. The move is intended to provide businesses with a single online source for key regulatory requirements. The regulator will further make information on publicly funded programmes for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and women entrepreneurs available through its digital platforms. In another step, the SECP will publish gender-related data on newly incorporated companies. The information will include details about women shareholders, directors, chief executives and ultimate beneficial owners. The SECP said the reforms were aimed at addressing areas where Pakistan could improve its B-READY score and strengthen its position in future assessments.