Pakistan’s Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan has launched a digital Ultimate Beneficial Ownership registry aimed at strengthening transparency in the corporate sector and improving regulatory oversight. The initiative is designed to ensure that companies disclose information about their ultimate beneficial owners, helping regulators prevent the misuse of corporate structures for unlawful activities. According to the commission, the new system forms part of broader efforts to improve governance standards and enhance accountability across Pakistan’s corporate landscape.
Under the newly introduced system, companies will be required to provide information regarding their ultimate beneficial owners, including details about individuals who ultimately own or control a company, whether directly or through natural persons or corporate entities. The registry has been introduced following amendments notified through S.R.O. 1355(I)/2025 under the Companies Regulations 2024. These amendments require companies to identify and verify their ultimate beneficial owners in accordance with Section 123A of the Companies Act 2017, ensuring that ownership structures remain transparent and accessible to regulators.
Officials stated that the digital registry is expected to establish Pakistan’s corporate governance framework by increasing transparency in ownership structures and enabling regulators to identify individuals who exercise significant control over companies. This step will also help prevent the misuse of companies for unlawful activities and strengthen monitoring mechanisms within the corporate sector. The commission noted that the initiative aligns with international regulatory practices aimed at improving corporate accountability and strengthening regulatory compliance.
Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan further stated that the digital registry will support Pakistan’s anti money laundering and counter terrorism financing framework by improving the reliability of corporate ownership information. The regulator also reaffirmed its commitment to introducing progressive regulatory reforms and digital solutions to strengthen compliance, facilitate transparency, and build greater confidence in Pakistan’s corporate sector.
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