ICSP: Instilling excellence in modern corporate world About ICSP

Established on November 22, 1973, under the Companies Act 1913 and later regulated by the Companies Ordinance, 1984, the Institute of Corporate Secretaries of Pakistan (ICSP) stands as the premier professional body for corporate secretaries. With a rich history spanning several decades, ICSP has been instrumental in shaping the landscape of corporate governance and secretarial practices in Pakistan.

Dedicated to imparting specialised education and expertise in various domains, including secretarial practices, corporate governance, business laws, accounting, administration, management, human resources, and ethics, ICSP plays a crucial role in equipping corporate secretaries with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate the complexities of the modern corporate world with precision and efficiency.

ICSP envisions fostering a culture of good governance in Pakistan by upholding professional excellence in corporate laws and secretarial practices. As the sole recognised professional entity for corporate secretaries in Pakistan, ICSP is committed to developing and regulating the company secretary profession. It emphasises the pivotal role of company secretaries in implementing corporate governance standards and instilling values of accountability and transparency within organisations.

Vision and Mission

The ICSP revolves around promoting professional education and prudence in the field of corporate governance and secretarial practices. Through its various initiatives and programs, ICSP aims to empower corporate secretaries to uphold the highest standards of ethics, integrity, and professionalism in their roles.

Core objectives

The institute's core objectives are multifaceted, encompassing various aspects aimed at fulfilling the needs of the corporate sector. Firstly, ICSP strives to elevate the stature of corporate secretaries by providing a professional organisation for qualified individuals and administrators in Pakistan. This includes undertaking activities to enhance their status and advance the interests of the profession.

ICSP is committed to providing comprehensive knowledge in company secretarial practices, administration, and issuance of certificates. Through rigorous training programs and educational initiatives, ICSP ensures that corporate secretaries are well-equipped to handle the diverse challenges of their roles effectively.

ICSP aims to foster a greater sense of importance and efficiency in systematic and correct secretarial and administrative practices among commercial circles, accounting, and industrial professions, as well as academic institutions. By promoting interaction among members and facilitating the exchange of knowledge and information, ICSP contributes to the continuous improvement of administrative practices in the corporate sector.

Initiative & collaboration

In line with its objectives, ICSP has launched several initiatives to promote professional development and enhance the corporate image in Pakistan. One such initiative is the quarterly magazine "The Corporate Secretary," which serves as a platform for industry insights, best practices, and thought leadership in the field of corporate governance and secretarial practices.

Furthermore, ICSP is a proud founding member of the Pakistan Institute of Corporate Governance (PICG), an organisation dedicated to promoting good corporate governance practices in Pakistan. Through its collaboration with PICG and other relevant stakeholders, ICSP contributes to the advancement of corporate governance standards and practices across the country.

Qualification & examination

ICSP offers prestigious designations such as ACIS (Associates) and FCIS (Fellows) to qualified students who successfully complete its rigorous training and examination requirements. These designations serve as a mark of distinction for the individuals within the corporate sector.

To be eligible for admission to ICSP, candidates are required to possess a Bachelor's Degree. However, exemptions are available for professionals holding other relevant professional qualifications such as members of ICMAP, ICAP, PIPFA, ACCA, MBA, ICPAP, etc. This inclusive approach ensures that individuals from diverse backgrounds have the opportunity to pursue a career in corporate secretarial practices.

ICSP conducts biannual examinations in major cities such as Karachi, Multan, Lahore, and Islamabad, providing candidates with convenient access to examination centres. The registration process is open throughout the year, allowing aspiring corporate secretaries to enroll at their convenience and embark on their professional journey with ICSP.

With its strong foundation, vision, and mission, ICSP continues to be a beacon of excellence in the field of corporate governance and secretarial practices in Pakistan.