SECP clears first digital financing product for women-led MSMEs

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has approved the country's first digital financing solution dedicated exclusively to women-led micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), expanding access to formal credit for female entrepreneurs.

The product, named “Khudmukhtar Khatoon,” has been launched by Walee Financial Services and will provide Shariah-compliant asset financing through a fully digital process, according to a statement issued on Monday.

Under the scheme, women-owned businesses will be eligible to obtain financing ranging from Rs100,000 to Rs1.5 million, subject to credit evaluation. Applications, approvals and financing processes will be handled through the company's digital lending application, Hakeem.

The financing facility is structured for the purchase of business-related assets available through an integrated marketplace on the platform. Once selected, the assets will be delivered directly to the borrower's registered address.

Repayments will be spread over a period of up to 12 months through equal monthly instalments, enabling women entrepreneurs to acquire productive assets while managing working capital requirements.

The SECP described the initiative as part of its broader efforts to promote financial inclusion and improve access to formal financing for women entrepreneurs, a segment that has historically faced limited access to credit in Pakistan.

Walee Financial Services, a licensed non-banking finance company (NBFC), currently offers investment finance services and digital nano-financing through its mobile application. The approval allows the company to extend its operations beyond consumer financing and into the MSME sector.

The regulator noted that lending NBFCs are playing an increasingly significant role in serving underserved segments of the economy. During July-December 2025, these institutions collectively disbursed around Rs111 billion in financing to approximately 7.5 million micro and small businesses.

According to the SECP, the launch of the women-focused financing product is expected to encourage entrepreneurship and strengthen financial inclusion among women-owned enterprises nationwide.