SECP establishes intelligence unit to detect financial fraud

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan has approved a new Corporate Intelligence Unit, according to Mettis Global, aimed at spotting suspected financial fraud before complaints arrive. The regulator says the unit will target registered firms suspected of running Ponzi or pyramid arrangements, taking deposits or lending without a licence, or operating outside their approved business objectives. Mettis Global reported the decision on October 14, 2026.

Under the plan, the CIU will sift through open sources such as news reports, social media and digital advertisements to pick out suspicious conduct and regulatory breaches. Its staff will connect recurring patterns across several public sources, and verified leads will go to relevant SECP departments for inquiry or enforcement. Where needed, findings can be passed to the FIA, NCCIA, SBP and NAB for coordinated follow-up.

SECP Chairman Dr. Kabir Ahmed Sidhu said the unit will reinforce risk-based surveillance by turning publicly available material into verified regulatory leads. He added that early identification of suspicious activity could enable timely intervention, better coordination and protection of investors before losses grow. The unit will operate directly under the chairman as part of the Chairman's Secretariat under Section 20 of the SECP Act, 1997, and will be led by a Director or Additional Director with two officers in support.