ISLAMABAD: The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has notified a maximum period of 14 working days for granting regulatory approvals to a listing application and prospectus.

In this regard, a circular under Section 172 of the Securities Act 2015 has been issued.

The circular has also set a 15-day window for the Pakistan Stock Exchange Ltd (PSX) to complete the entire post-approval procedures for listing. The standardisation of Initial Public Offering (IPO) approval process is aimed at promoting the IPO market and bringing in new listings at PSX.

The timelines were announced after ext­e­­n­­sive stakeholder cons­­­­­ul­ta­tions, leading to sign­ificant changes in procedures for filing and approving IPO applications.

In addition, the Consultant to the Issue (CTI) is assigned a key role in ensuring that IPOs are completed promptly.

The CTI is also required to conduct a detailed assessment of the issue and the issuer and submit a due-diligence certificate confirming all material information required under the law or as suggested by the PSX and SECP, is adequately disclosed in the prospectus.

The instant circular is expected to make the IPO market more attractive for potential issuers and investors, marking the first milestone in the SECP’s revamping of the IPO regime. The development and growth of a robust IPO market can significantly transform the financial ecosystem by optimising fund allocation and boosting local economic growth.

The circular has come into force with immediate effect, advising all stakeholders including PSX, CTIs, book runners, issuers and other market participants to adhere to it.

Published in Dawn, November 12th, 2023