KARACHU: The landmark International Capital Market Conference (ICMC) & Expo 2025, a two-day gathering of global and regional financial leaders begins in Karachi. Confernce drew a unified call for strategic reforms and technological innovation to build a more robust and inclusive financial future for Pakistan.
The event, hosted by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) and its partners (PSX, NCCPL, CDC, PMEX), commenced with the SECP Chairman extending a warm note of thanks to the visiting foreign delegations and key collaborators. His opening remarks set the stage, reaffirming the indispensable role of capital markets in bolstering economic resilience, mobilizing long-term finance, and driving sustainable development across the region.
Throughout the conference first day, discussions gained significant momentum as key stakeholders shared profound insights. The initial panel, focusing on Regional Cooperation, laid the groundwork for future collaboration.
Experts emphasized that harmonizing regulatory frameworks, sharing market infrastructure, and promoting knowledge spillovers are essential ingredients for creating a truly connected and resilient regional capital market ecosystem capable of mobilizing deeper savings and spurring economic growth.
Complementing this vision, Mr. Abdul Rehman Warraich, Commissioner SECP, provided a detailed look at the comprehensive capital market reforms recently undertaken, underscoring the SECP’s dedication to transparency and global competitiveness.
The focus was also turned to pressing domestic needs, particularly in Pension Reforms. Panelists unequivocally declared that transitioning from defined-benefit to defined-contribution schemes is critical for both fiscal stability and social security. They championed the growing role of the private sector, specifically Asset Management Companies managing Voluntary Pension Schemes (VPS), while calling for consistent policy, the introduction of annuity products, and strengthened regulator-industry cooperation to ensure a dignified and financially secure retirement for all.
A subsequent discussion highlighted the immense, untapped potential of Pakistan’s commodity markets. Speakers painted a compelling picture of how modern storage infrastructure could unlock vast value. They called for an expansion of accredited warehousing capacity and greater promotion of financing through Electronic Warehouse Receipts (EWRs).
Experts stressed the urgent need for agile regulatory frameworks that simultaneously foster innovation and rigorously safeguard investors. They called for the democratization of access to investment platforms, the expansion of Shariah-compliant digital products, and a strong push for investor education to counter misinformation and speculative behavior often associated with the gamification of investments.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
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