Dr Kabir Ahmed Sidhu has formally assumed charge as Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), the commission said on Wednesday.
Before joining SECP, Dr Sidhu served as Chairman of the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP). He tendered his resignation from the post, which was accepted by the federal cabinet on January 27.
After assuming office, Dr Sidhu said his priority would be to build a fair, transparent, and inclusive financial market capable of channeling savings into productive investment, supporting innovation, and promoting sustainable economic growth.
He said SECP would focus on reducing the cost of doing business by simplifying regulations, streamlining procedures, and accelerating digital transformation across the corporate and financial regulatory framework.
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Highlighting capital markets as a key driver of economic growth, Dr Sidhu said efforts would be made to broaden the investor base, encourage new listings, and introduce diversified financial products.
These include derivatives, real estate investment trusts (REITs), green bonds, and fractional investment options, supported by an enabling legal and regulatory framework to enhance market depth, liquidity, and investor confidence.
Revival and expansion of the Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFC) sector will be a major focus area.
Dr Sidhu said leasing companies, digital lenders, mortgage and housing finance firms, and peer-to-peer platforms have an important role in improving credit access for SMEs, first-time borrowers, and underserved segments.
SECP will work towards creating a more supportive regulatory environment for the sector.
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The insurance sector will also receive priority attention. Dr Sidhu said SECP aims to increase insurance penetration through digital micro-insurance, Takaful, parametric climate insurance, and improved transparency in policy offerings and claims management, with a focus on consumer protection and coverage for the informal sector.
He further said SECP will advance its digital transformation under the LEAP project, with full digitization of the licensing regime and introduction of a smart compliance system to reduce regulatory burden, lower compliance costs, and shorten processing times.
According to the commission, these measures are aimed at improving regulatory efficiency and strengthening Pakistan’s investment climate.
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