The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has announced mandatory requirements for non-banking microfinance companies (NBMFCs) aimed at strengthening consumer protection and advancing women’s financial inclusion. The package combines new consumer protection principles, mandatory reporting of gender-disaggregated data and complaints, and compulsory gender sensitisation training. All NBMFCs must report gender-disaggregated data and complaints through SECP’s ESG Sustain Portal, which SECP intends to use to identify trends affecting female borrowers and support targeted interventions. The consumer protection principles require clearer, more transparent disclosures so borrowers understand loan terms and conditions, alongside effective grievance redressal mechanisms. SECP has also mandated gender sensitisation training for NBMFC boards, senior management and field staff to support respectful and culturally sensitive engagement with female clients.
Securites & Exchange Commission of Pakistan 2025-02-13
Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan mandates consumer protection principles and gender-disaggregated reporting for non-banking microfinance companies
The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan mandates new requirements for non-banking microfinance companies to enhance consumer protection and women's financial inclusion. These include reporting gender-disaggregated data and complaints, implementing consumer protection principles for clearer loan disclosures, and mandatory gender sensitisation training for staff. The SECP aims to use this data to identify trends affecting female borrowers and support targeted interventions.