Small businesses: SECP approves Shariah-compliant digital financing

Business Recorder reported that the SECP has cleared Shaamilkar Tajir, an online app that can extend up to Rs3 million in Shariah-based credit to qualifying small enterprises. Built by Shaamilkar Financial Services, which holds an SECP licence, the platform lets micro-entrepreneurs buy inventory from approved suppliers through a digital process that is simpler and faster.

The initiative seeks to draw underserved firms into formal credit channels and assist their growth, according to the report. Dr Kabir Ahmed Sidhu, the SECP Chairman, said technology-driven lending can widen access to formal credit, and that the Commission will facilitate responsible digital lending, keep it under supervision and protect consumers.

The approval is part of the federal government's Access to Finance programme, which targets SMEs and other priority segments. Lending NBFCs holding licences extended roughly Rs253 billion across 2.5 million loans to micro, small and medium-sized businesses over the year from July 2025 to June 2026.