SECP to introduce digital AMCs

ISLAMABAD: The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) stated on Monday that it plans to launch digital asset management companies (AMCs) to promote financial inclusion and ease the process of investment. 

The regulatory agency has published a related concept paper on its website for public information, according to which digital AMCs have the potential to promote investment by reducing paperwork, providing remote services and leveraging customer data efficiently.  

These companies will offer the full range of AMC services, including launching collective investment schemes (CIS), online account opening, issuing and redemption of units and inter CIS conversions through digital means, where the investor is not required anymore to visit any distribution point in person. 

The concept note also describes the different challenges faced by brick-and-mortar AMCs, possible benefits of digital AMCs in Pakistan, primary goals of the development of digital AMCs, and significant regulatory challenges. It also outlines a framework that can address the identified gaps. 

The SECP is also preparing to test the digital AMC model in a sandbox testing environment. 

Currently, there are 21 AMCs in Pakistan, managing assets with a total value of Rs1.2 trillion.