Islamabad: The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) today hosted the third edition of its SECP Talk Series, uniting regulators, market experts, academia, and business leaders to discuss the future of Pakistans capital markets.
The session featured renowned business leader Arif Habib, who shared insights from over five decades of experience in Pakistans financial markets. Attendees included SECP Chairman Dr. Kabir Ahmed Sidhu, SECP Commissioners, representatives of market institutions, members of academia, and prominent figures from the business community.
During his address, Arif Habib highlighted the long-term performance of the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), noting an average annual return of approximately 22 percent over the past 22 years. He also pointed out that the market generated a 14 percent dollar-denominated return over the last five years, showcasing its resilience and investment potential.
Habib emphasized the significance of disciplined investing, stating that long-term investment strategies are crucial for creating sustainable wealth. He remarked that robust capital markets are essential for driving economic growth, fostering entrepreneurship, and creating employment opportunities throughout the country.
Opening the session, SECP Chairman Dr. Kabir Ahmed Sidhu reaffirmed the regulators commitment to strengthening Pakistans capital markets by expanding the investor base to 2.5 million. He highlighted ongoing digital reforms aimed at simplifying investor onboarding, enhancing accessibility, and improving market efficiency.
Dr. Sidhu also emphasized the implementation of the T+1 settlement cycle, describing it as a vital step toward aligning Pakistans capital market infrastructure with international best practices and enhancing the overall investment experience.
The SECP Talk Series continues to serve as a platform for engaging industry leaders and stakeholders in meaningful discussions on financial sector development, investor confidence, and the sustained growth of Pakistans capital markets.
