The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has taken an important step toward strengthening investor protection by holding a key consultative meeting for the establishment of the country’s first Financial Services Dispute Resolution Center.
The meeting was held in Islamabad with the cooperation of the U.S. Commercial Law Development Program (CLDP) and Singapore’s Financial Industry Disputes Resolution Centre (FIDReC). It brought together representatives from the judiciary, legal experts, and key stakeholders from the financial sector.
Participants expressed strong support for this initiative, calling it a major and positive reform for Pakistan’s financial system. The proposed center aims to provide a modern and efficient platform for resolving financial disputes in a quick, affordable, and transparent manner.
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According to officials, the main goal of the Financial Services Dispute Resolution Center is to offer investors and consumers a “one-window” solution for handling complaints and disputes related to financial services. This will help reduce lengthy court procedures and provide faster justice in financial matters.
The SECP believes that the introduction of this center will improve trust in Pakistan’s financial markets by ensuring fair and timely resolution of disputes. It is also expected to strengthen investor confidence, attract more investment, and support the overall growth of the financial sector.
Experts from the legal and financial community highlighted that such institutions are already successfully operating in other countries, helping resolve disputes without burdening traditional courts. They said Pakistan’s adoption of this model is a significant step toward modernizing its regulatory framework.
With international cooperation and stakeholder support, the SECP aims to finalize the structure of the center soon. Once established, it is expected to become a landmark institution in Pakistan’s financial system, offering fast, low-cost, and reliable dispute resolution services for all users.
