ISLAMABAD, March 9: The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has launched a digital Ultimate Beneficial Ownership (UBO) Registry to strengthen transparency in the corporate sector, improve regulatory oversight, and help prevent the misuse of companies for illegal activities.
Under the new system, companies will be required to disclose information about their Ultimate Beneficial Owners (UBOs), the natural persons who ultimately own or control a company, at the time of incorporation and update this information annually to ensure accuracy.
The registry has been introduced through amendments notified via S.R.O. 1355(I)/2025 under the Companies Regulations, 2024. These amendments require companies to identify and verify their Ultimate Beneficial Owners in accordance with Section 123A of the Companies Act, 2017.
The initiative aims to strengthen Pakistan’s corporate governance framework by increasing transparency in ownership structures and enabling regulators to identify the individuals who ultimately control corporate entities. It will also help curb the misuse of companies for unlawful activities and support effective regulatory supervision.
The SECP said the digital registry will enhance corporate accountability, reinforce Pakistan’s anti money laundering and counter terrorism financing (AML/CFT) framework, and contribute to building a more transparent and reliable business environment.
The Commission reiterated its commitment to introducing progressive regulatory reforms and digital solutions to improve transparency, facilitate compliance, and strengthen confidence in Pakistan’s corporate sector.
