Karachi: Central Depository Company of Pakistan Limited, through its subsidiary ITMinds Limited, has launched the pilot version of a digital platform for the support of the Mutual Fund industry. This platform, named as “Emlaak Financials”, will function as a digital distribution channel initially for Mutual Funds and later on for other asset classes also.
In the first phase, ‘Emlaak Financials’ will provide a low-cost and centralized solution to investors, initially through covering low-risk investors, but will soon be expanded to a full-fledged distribution mechanism for all types of investors. The pilot project has been launched with five AMCs; however, soon more AMCs will be on-boarded on the platform. The launch of the pilot project has been officially announced and formalized in an Agreement Signing ceremony at the CDC House, Karachi. Farrukh Sabzwari—Commissioner Specialized Companies Division (SCD) SECP presided the event.
While addressing the occasion, Farrukh Sabzwari—Commissioner SCD SECP said, “It is indeed a very important milestone for the Mutual Fund Industry as it embarks on this consolidated digital distribution channel launched for the first time in Pakistan. We, at SECP, are strong proponents of re-engineering processes for promoting efficiency and transparency through digitalization and will continue to support and encourage all such initiatives by providing all the required Regulatory assistance in this regard. Pakistan’s mutual fund segment stands at a meager 1.6 percent of the GDP, which is very low compared to the market’s potential. A major obstacle in moving the needle has been limited outreach and focus on specific market segments. The pivotal role of innovation in economic development is undeniable, and I congratulate CDC on coming up with this innovative solution for the Mutual Fund Industry which will lead to higher productivity, reduced turnaround times, lower costs and wider outreach.”
At the occasion, describing the objectives of the platform, Badiuddin Akber—CEO CDC said, “After the successful integration of Roshan Digital Accounts with Capital market, CDC is now launching this new FinTech solution which aims to pave the way for the growth of the Mutual Fund Industry and for promoting financial inclusion in Pakistan at the grass-root level. CDC is committed to provide innovative tech-based platforms to Capital Market entities through which they can leverage CDC’s technological edge to enhance their investor outreach in a convenient, informative and interactive manner.”
The event was also attended by representatives of the participating AMCs and CEO MUFAP, Ms. Mashmooma Majeed, who lauded CDC’s efforts in undertaking this initiative and playing its role for the development of the mutual fund industry.