SECP reports 21% rise in company registrations during February-April

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) said company registrations increased 21% during February-April 2026, while foreign investment in newly incorporated firms also recorded sharp growth.

According to the SECP, the regulator registered 10,511 new companies during the three-month period, compared to 8,693 companies incorporated in the corresponding period last year.

The SECP said 4,082 companies were incorporated in April alone, marking the highest monthly incorporation figure recorded by the regulator.

The commission said investors from more than 22 countries established companies in Pakistan during the period.

Around 220 companies with foreign shareholders were registered, with cumulative paid-up capital reaching ₨882 million, compared to ₨277 million in the same period last year, reflecting an increase of around 218%.

According to the SECP, foreign investment remained concentrated in trading, services, information technology, construction and mining sectors, while Chinese investors remained among the leading foreign participants in newly incorporated firms.

The regulator also reported an increase in compliance filings following stricter enforcement measures.

During the period, the corporate registry received 61,960 returns, compared to 38,326 returns filed in the same period last year, showing a 61% increase.

The SECP said it had launched a compliance campaign focused on statutory filings and Ultimate Beneficial Ownership compliance requirements.

The regulator also issued notifications for conversion of physical shares into book-entry form on a share transaction basis to promote digitisation and transparency in the corporate sector.

According to the statement, the SECP also signed memorandums of understanding with Askari Bank and NayaPay to facilitate faster bank account opening for newly incorporated companies.

The commission said it planned to establish Business Facilitation Centres in Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Sialkot and Faisalabad to improve access to corporate services.

The regulator said it would introduce AI-enabled name reservation, automated Form-A registration and digital compliance monitoring as part of broader ease-of-doing-business reforms.