‘Non-banking microfinance regulations introduced’

ISLAMABAD: The Security and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has filled up the regulatory vacuum in the microfinance sector by introducing non banking microfinance regulatory framework, SECP chairman Zafar Hijazi said.

He stated this while addressing a conference on credit scoring model and the launch of Pakistan Microfinance Review 2015 in Karachi as the chief guest. He told the audience that the framework has been introduced after extensive consultation with all the stakeholders including microfinance industry participants and the purpose is to remove hurdles in the rapid growth of the sector.

Under this framework the NGOs registered with the SECP can directly apply for non banking microfinance business license. He also said that the existing NBFCs operating as leasing companies or investment finance companies can also obtain license for microfinance business.

In order to facilitate microfinance institutions and create conducive environment for growth of the sector the regulatory capital requirement for non banking microfinance companies has been kept reasonably low.  With the introduction of non banking microfinance companies (NBMFC) regulations this vital sector will be better regulated.