SBP brings new mechanism on disinvestment proceeds remittance

KARACHI: State Bank of Pakistan has introduced a new mechanism to enable companies in the country to conveniently remit out disinvestment proceeds to their foreign shareholders.

The initiative is aimed at making Pakistan a more attractive place for investment by increasing investors’ confidence and support ease of doing business.

The new mechanism also incorporates feedback received from investors and other stakeholders, said SBP release on Tuesday.

As per previous mechanism, a designated bank required prior approval of State Bank for remittance of disinvestment proceeds above market value for listed securities and above breakup value for unlisted securities. This requirement presented numerous constraints for investors.

Under the new mechanism, the bank designated by the company has been delegated the authority to remit the entire disinvestment proceeds to non-resident shareholders, upon submission of required documents, by following a convenient mechanism without referring the case to the Central Bank.

The number of required documents would be in accordance with the size of the transaction.

For disinvestment proceeds not exceeding the market value / break-up value, the required documents would include copy of Share Purchase Agreement, broker’s memo in case of quoted shares/break-up value certificate of a Quality Control Review rated practicing Chartered Accountant in case of unlisted shares, latest audited financials of the company, signed M-Form, and an undertaking from the buyer that in case the transaction is between related parties, the same has been concluded at an arms-length basis.

For disinvestment proceeds exceeding the market value / break-up value, the additional required documents would include a detailed valuation/ transaction due diligence by the buyer showing basis, methodology and key valuation metrics used for valuation.

In case the total remittance of disinvestment proceeds exceeds dollar 50 million (or equivalent in other currencies) during a span of six months, the applicant shall also submit an independent review of the buyer’s valuation, from QCR rated practicing chartered accountant, that shall be assessed by the designated bank without needing to send to the SBP.

This initiative of State Bank will increase the investors’ confidence and would facilitate the local companies in particular the start-ups to attract more foreign investment for their businesses.