ISLAMABAD: The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan’s guideline on Employee Stock Option Scheme (ESOS) reveals that an unlisted company may raise its capital through issuance of ESOS.
This would be done with the approval of the shareholders through special resolution passed in the general meeting or through circulation. A resolution through circulation may be passed if the requirements fulfilled.
Employees’ stock option means the option given to the directors, officers or employees of a company or of its holding company or subsidiary company or companies, if any, which gives such directors, officers or employees, the right to purchase or to subscribe for shares of the company at a price to be determined in the manner as may be specified.
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The SECP has released four draft guidelines on Capital Issue, Employee Stock Option Schemes (ESOS), Stock Splits and the Submission of Applications for Registration and Renewal as an Intermediary.
All these guidelines have been developed to facilitate stakeholders and based upon frequent queries and issues raised by the stakeholders over time.
Three guidelines aimed at supporting unlisted companies in three critical areas: Capital Issue, Employee Stock Option Schemes (ESOS), and Stock Splits. These guidelines aim to promote corporate governance, enhance transparency and provide an overview of the legal framework to assist unlisted companies thrive in a rapidly evolving financial landscape.
The guidelines outline essential steps for issuing capital, offering employee stock options, and implementing stock splits, ensuring compliance with applicable regulatory frameworks. By adopting these guidelines, unlisted companies will be better equipped to raise capital, reward and incentivize employees, and undertake capital restructuring, ultimately strengthening the corporate ecosystem.
Additionally, SECP has placed draft Guidelines for the Submission of Applications for Registration and Renewal as an Intermediary on its website for public consultation. These guidelines provide clarity and structure for intermediaries seeking registration or renewal, further supporting regulatory transparency.
The SECP emphasizes that these guidelines are intended to supplement existing regulatory frameworks and provide procedural clarity without overriding any legal obligations. To ensure the guidelines are practical, comprehensive, and aligned with stakeholder needs, SECP has opened a public consultation process.
Stakeholders are encouraged to review the draft guidelines, available on the SECP website at link https://www.secp.gov.pk/laws/draft-for-discussion/draft-rules-regulations/and submit their feedback until March 10, 2025 at email address provided in draft guidelines. Afterward, SECP will incorporate stakeholder feedback and finalize the guidelines.
SECP also plans to conduct webinars for key stakeholders in first week of March. This session will facilitate a better understanding of the guidelines and support their effective implementation.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
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