The State Bank of Pakistan published remarks by Governor Jameel Ahmad calling for well-developed, deep and diversified capital markets to complement the banking sector and support long-term sustainable growth, delivered at the conference “Unlocking the Capital Markets Potential for Banks” in Karachi. In the speech, he linked the case for capital market development to Pakistan’s low domestic savings rate of 7.4% of GDP versus 27% in South Asia and the resulting reliance on external financing. He highlighted recent SBP reforms aimed at widening participation in the government bond market, including allowing non-bank institutions to act as Special Purpose Primary Dealers and expanding Investor Portfolio Securities accounts to microfinance banks, the Central Depository Company and the National Clearing Company of Pakistan Limited. The remarks also flagged weak development of corporate debt and equity markets, noting corporate bonds outstanding at less than one percent of GDP, limited secondary market activity and modest equity market penetration compared with peer economies. The Governor called for coordinated efforts by regulators, financial institutions, government bodies and investors to promote financial literacy, expand participation and support a transparent, innovation-friendly market ecosystem.
State Bank of Pakistan 2025-08-18
State Bank of Pakistan Governor urges deeper capital markets and highlights reforms to broaden government bond market participation
State Bank of Pakistan Governor Jameel Ahmad emphasized the need for deep and diversified capital markets to support sustainable growth, citing Pakistan's low domestic savings rate of 7.4% of GDP. Recent reforms include widening participation in the government bond market and expanding Investor Portfolio Securities accounts. Ahmad urged coordinated efforts to enhance financial literacy and market transparency.