Regulated entities: SECP revises list of approved auditors

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan has updated its auditor-eligibility rules for organisations under its oversight, Business Recorder reported on October 26. Circular No. 24 of 2026 changes parts of an earlier directive, with the revised requirements applying to lending non-bank finance companies for financial years starting from January 1, 2027.

The framework assigns audit firms to different tiers according to the regulated entity’s activity and asset size. The top tier covers large financial and market institutions, while another list caters to smaller organisations; certain other entities can select firms with an acceptable ICAP quality-control assessment. Public-interest companies must also use an auditor registered with the Audit Oversight Board, and asset managers remain subject to separate SECP directions when appointing auditors for collective investment schemes.