SECP Issues Updated Whitelist of Approved Loan Apps in Pakistan

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has released a new whitelist of approved digital lending apps, in line with Google’s updated policy for digital loans in Pakistan. The move aims to protect borrowers, promote transparency, and curb the risks linked to unregulated online lending.

Digital lending, especially nano loans, has grown rapidly in Pakistan but has also raised concerns over high interest rates, hidden charges, and over-indebtedness. To address these risks, SECP has tightened oversight and coordinated with Google to ensure only regulated and compliant apps are available to users.

According to the SECP, nano loans are short-term loans that often come with higher costs, making borrower awareness critical. The newly published whitelist includes 14 approved nano and BNPL lending apps, along with the names of their licensed Non-Banking Finance Companies (NBFCs), official URLs, and logos.

Approved – Nano Lending Apps:

An SECP spokesperson stated,

“Borrowers should only use apps listed on the SECP website and carefully review terms and repayment obligations before taking any loan.”

In addition to nano lending, the SECP has also approved 11 more digital lending apps operating in categories such as Earned Wage Access, Buy Now Pay Later, education financing, and B2B and B2C financing. Users can access these apps directly through the official links provided on the SECP website.

Other Lending Apps (i.e EWA, BNPL, B2B, B2C etc)

The updated whitelist helps consumers identify safe and regulated lending platforms, while discouraging the use of illegal loan apps. The SECP emphasized that responsible borrowing is essential to avoid financial stress, adding that “your financial well-being is our priority.”