Governor State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Jameel Ahmad has urged stronger regional cooperation and innovation to create integrated capital markets across Asia, emphasizing that collaboration is essential to mobilize investments, boost resilience, and drive sustainable economic growth.
Ahmad delivered these remarks during his keynote address at the International Capital Market Conference 2025 held in Karachi, organized by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP). The event gathered policymakers and financial experts to discuss regional integration and innovation in capital markets.
The SBP Governor underscored that
“In an increasingly interconnected world, regional market integration is not an option it is a necessity.”
He highlighted that efficient capital market collaboration can lower transaction costs, diversify risk, and promote inclusive and sustainable growth.
Drawing from global models like the ASEAN+3 Asian Bond Markets Initiative, Ahmad noted that integrated markets can unlock capital flow opportunities and strengthen economic ties. He also outlined four key prerequisites for success regulatory alignment, connectivity infrastructure, legal harmonization, and institutional cooperation.
Ahmad added that Pakistan, under SBP’s Vision 2028 and the government’s Uraan Pakistan initiative, is committed to advancing financial reforms and technology-driven integration. Key projects include expanding the Raast instant payment system internationally through the Buna platform and developing a unified digital identity and KYC framework with SECP and PSX to simplify investor access.
Concluding his address, he stated,
“The integration of our capital markets represents a historic opportunity to harness our savings, strengthen financial stability, and build a region that finances its own future.”