Pakistan’s central bank launches ‘InvestPak’ portal to digitise investment in government securities

In a major move towards financial digitisation, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has launched a new digital investment platform, titled ‘InvestPak’, aimed at streamlining and digitising the process of investment in government securities for both individual and corporate investors.

According to the country’s central bank, the web-based portal “will allow account holders, i.e. customers of financial institutions (FIs), to open Investor Portfolio of Securities (IPS) digital accounts, place bids in the primary auction of government securities and buy/sell securities through the secondary market without having to visit FIs”.

As per SBP, all individuals, joint account holders, and corporates with PKR bank accounts are eligible to register digitally on InvestPak using their IBAN (International Bank Account Number).

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“In case a customer does not have an Investor Portfolio of Securities (IPS) account for investment in government securities, the customer can request for opening of the IPS account via the Portal to the respective FI along with the registration request,” the central bank said.

Through InvestPak, investors will be able to submit competitive and non-competitive bids in primary auctions of government securities, as well as trade securities in the secondary market by requesting live quotes from their banks. Transactions conducted via the portal will be reflected automatically in investors’ portfolios, ensuring real-time transparency and accuracy.

“Auctions of government securities will be set up on the portal by SBP as per the auction calendar. The FIs must facilitate all registered users to participate through the portal in primary auctions conducted by SBP,” read the notice.

The portal also incorporates a complaint management system, allowing customers to raise and track issues directly online. “FIs must devise measures and allocate appropriate resources to ensure the prompt resolution of customers’ complaints marked to the FIs on the portal,” the central bank said.

“All banks/PDs are mandated to facilitate their customers to register on the portal. The Microfinance Banks (MFBs) are also encouraged to facilitate their customers to register on the Portal. All FIs should ensure high service standards and excellent user experience for their customers,” SBP said.

The central bank stated that the InvestPak portal will go live from November 6, 2025, marking a major milestone in the central bank’s ongoing efforts to promote digitalisation.