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| SECP |
The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan, Pakistan Startup Summit concluded today in Karachi.
The second day of the Summit maintained the momentum of fervor and participation. Policy makers start-up founders international speakers and other key stakeholders attended engaging discussions and knowledge-sharing sessions.
The event further consolidated its position as an enabling platform for innovation and economic growth in Pakistan.
The day began with a welcome address by SECP Executive Director, Khalida Habib, which reflected on the previous day's journey towards discovering opportunities and challenges for Pakistani start-ups. Habib noted, through stance on technology policy and partnerships, SECP has been dedicated toward fostering a sustainable and resilient ecosystem that should, therefore, encourage participants to discuss around digital finance regulatory sandbox initiatives and data-driven innovation.
A L S O R E A D
SECP Commissioner Abdul Rehman Warraich in his keynote emphasized the SECP's continued endeavor to create a regulatory environment that supports entrepreneurship. He presented the latest addition of the innovation office that the SECP has recently established-a pioneering move aimed at making start-ups able to have regulatory direction, mentorship, and insights to reduce barriers and make growth sustainable.
He also emphasized the significance of digital transformation and financial inclusion, mentioning in this regard how the SECP regulatory sandbox has fostered innovations in areas such as digital payment, peer-to-peer lending, and alternative financing models.
That was followed by a string of presentations which included a video on SECP regulatory sandbox journey and insights into Pakistan digital payment ecosystem Raast P2M and the Pakistan Digital Stack. Musarat Jabeen, Executive Director SECP also gave an impactful presentation as a prelude to officially inaugurating the SECP innovation office.
During the second day of the Pakistan Start-up summit, the participants interacted with seven powerful panel discussions that covered the most crucial themes for the country start-up ecosystem.
The panels opened with (Unlocking Innovation: SECP Regulatory Sandbox Journey), where experts shared insights on SECP sandbox as an innovation catalyst and discussed the role of the Innovation Office in balancing creativity with compliance.
In (unlocking big data potential: from insight to innovation) panelists examined how data analytics is driving growth across sectors like finance logistics and digital services while underscoring data potential for competitive advantage and social impact.
Balancing risk and opportunity was emphasized in data protection in the connected world. Strategies for enhancing cybersecurity without stifling innovation were shared.
There was emphasis on team dynamics and leadership, emphasizing cultural and operational shifts needed for growth at Start-Up.
In the panel Bridging Gaps with Embedded Finance, panelists discussed how embedded finance could lead to interoperability between industries to bring more inclusivity to the financial ecosystem.
A L S O R E A D
The discussion continued with (Innovative Financial Solutions in the Digital Space) highlighting changes in SME and education financing as well as fractionalized products like gold-based investments, on digital platforms.
Finally, Peer-to-Peer: Unlocking Alternative Financing. Explored the role of P2P lending in expanding access to credit for individuals and businesses committed to promoting financial inclusion and transforming Pakistan's financial landscape. Together these debates highlighted SECP's efforts to establish a progressive, inclusive, and tech-led start-up ecosystem in Pakistan.