What should a Pakistan-based founder know about SECP and SBP rules?

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Accepted Answer

The State Bank of Pakistan has stated that residents buying products from offshore forex trading platforms, and remitting money to them, violates the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act 1947, and it instructed banks to block such payments. The SECP has warned the public about illegal offshore trading platforms. Both shape what a local firm can offer.
What this means in practice:
Local traders: offering forex evaluations to Pakistani residents carries real legal risk.
Banks: may block payments linked to offshore forex products.
Marketing: promoting forex trading to residents can attract SECP or SBP attention.
Export businesses: technology services sold abroad are treated differently, but records must be clear.
Check the current SBP foreign exchange circulars and SECP press releases directly, as positions are updated. This is general information, not legal advice; use a Pakistani lawyer for your structure.
### Where to read the rules
The SBP publishes foreign exchange circulars on its website, and the SECP publishes press releases and public cautions. Read the originals rather than summaries, as wording matters.
### Practical stance
Many founders in Pakistan focus on international customers, structure the evaluation business abroad, and avoid marketing forex products to local residents until they have specific legal advice.
Check for updates before each new product launch.

What should a Pakistan-based founder know about SECP and SBP rules?

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Where to read the rules

Practical stance

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