KARACHI: The inaugural International Capital Market Conference & Expo 2025 concluded on Wednesday, bringing together regulators, policymakers, academicians, and market practitioners to strengthen capital market cooperation, enhance regional integration, and promote knowledge sharing.
Hosted by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) in collaboration with Capital Market Infrastructure Institutions (CMIIs), the two-day event featured participants from Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, China, Iran, and the United States, alongside domestic stakeholders.
The conference served as a platform for dialogue on market deepening, digitization, commodities markets, pension reforms, and fostering a more connected and resilient financial ecosystem.
The proceedings highlighted legislative reforms, capacity building, and harmonized Shariah screening frameworks, with panelists emphasizing the need to increase retail investor participation and promote ethical investment awareness.
A key focus of the conference was Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), Muhammad Ejaz, CEO of Arif Habib Dolmen RMC, presented on the sector’s growth in Pakistan, underlining the role of a robust regulatory framework in driving investor confidence and expanding the country’s investment landscape.
The panel on Islamic finance stressed the growing role of Shariah-compliant products in capital markets. Experts called for collaborative efforts among stakeholders to facilitate adoption, improve legislation, and create opportunities for retail participation in Islamic finance.
Ayatollah Dr Gholamreza Mesbahi Moghaddam, Chair of the Shariah Committee of Iran, delivered the keynote address, sharing insights on adopting Islamic finance and fostering regional collaboration.
In his concluding remarks, PSX CEO Farrukh H Sabzwari thanked the SECP for organizing the conference, noting that such events pave the way for further cross-border collaboration and knowledge exchange. The foreign delegation also presented a memento to the SECP team in appreciation of the conference.
The second day of the conference included a gong ceremony at the Pakistan Stock Exchange, attended by the Chairman of SECP, CEOs of CMIIs, and the foreign delegates, symbolizing the formal conclusion of the landmark event.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
