Business Desk 
Aug 28, 2025
An undated image. — SECP/Canva
The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has taken its next step towards enhancing digital finance in the country with the licensing of the company Foremost Financial Services (Pvt) Ltd. as an Investment Finance Services licensee, which allows Foremost Financial to operate as a Non-Banking Finance Company (NBFC).
Additionally, Instant Finance (Pvt) Ltd. obtained prior approval to register as an NBFC. The licences are being granted as part of SECP's plan to contribute to digital lending in Pakistan.
Foremost Financial Services plans to launch digital nanolending services targeted at individuals, while Instant Finance Pvt. Ltd. plans to offer lending solutions to small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
Both have experience abroad in marketplaces like Indonesia, Mexico and Nigeria.
Industry insiders have said that the entry of both firms into Pakistan signals a strengthening of investor confidence and new momentum for foreign direct investment (FDI) throughout Pakistan's financial sector.
With international players entering markets in Pakistan, digital lending will be more accessible for underserved communities and small businesses.
The SECP has stated that they are working towards developing a regulatory environment that supports digital finance businesses in Pakistan.
Moreover, the SECP hopes that by facilitating the licensing process of new NBFCs, capital market businesses, insurance companies, and Section 42 companies, there will be further entry of innovative companies in Pakistan.
According to the Commission, these approvals align with its long-term vision of strengthening financial inclusion and driving digital transformation in the economy.
