Small businesses: SECP approves Shariah-compliant digital financing

ISLAMABAD: The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has approved Shaamilkar Tajir, a digital application offering Shariah-compliant financing of up to Rs3 million to eligible small businesses.

Developed by SECP-licensed Shaamilkar Financial Services, the application will enable micro-entrepreneurs to purchase inventory from approved suppliers through a simpler and faster digital process. The initiative aims to bring underserved businesses into the formal credit system and help them expand their operations.

“Technology-enabled financing can expand access to formal credit for underserved businesses,” SECP Chairman Dr Kabir Ahmed Sidhu said, adding that the Commission would facilitate responsible digital financing while ensuring regulatory oversight and consumer protection.

The approval supports the Federal Government’s Access to Finance agenda for SMEs and other priority sectors. Between July 2025 and June 2026, licensed lending NBFCs provided approximately Rs253 billion through 2.5 million loans to micro, small and medium enterprises.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026