The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has approved the establishment of a Corporate Intelligence Unit (CIU) to detect companies suspected of running Ponzi and pyramid schemes, accepting deposits or providing loans without licences, and operating beyond their approved business activities.
The new unit will monitor publicly available information, including news reports, social media platforms and digital advertisements, to identify potential violations before complaints are filed. Verified leads will be referred to relevant SECP departments for investigation or enforcement action. Where necessary, information may also be shared with the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and National Accountability Bureau (NAB).
According to SECP Chairman Dr. Kabir, the initiative will strengthen regulatory surveillance, improve coordination among agencies and help protect investors by identifying fraud risks at an early stage. Established under Section 20 of the SECP Act, 1997, the unit will operate within the chairman’s secretariat and be headed by a director or additional director, supported by two officers.