Service overview
Investment advisory services fall within the regulated NBFC/advisory framework when the proposed activity meets the statutory definition.
A company certificate does not itself authorise a regulated business. Depending on the activity, SECP may require prior formation permission, incorporation, a separate operational licence, and continuing financial and fit-and-proper compliance.
Who is eligible for Investment Advisory Services Licence?
An applicant must assess licensing coverage, permitted business combinations, adviser competence and SECP fitness criteria.
The applicant must establish whether its proposed investment recommendations constitute regulated advisory services, whether any exemption genuinely applies and whether professionals meet SECP suitability criteria.
Documents and information for Investment Advisory Services Licence
Prepare the following information for investment advisory services licence. The relevant regulator may require further forms or certified evidence, depending on the applicant and chosen procedure.
- Advice model and client types
- Advisers' qualifications
- Company and shareholder records
- Compliance/conflicts rules
- Client advisory agreements.
How can I obtain Investment Advisory Services Licence in Pakistan?
- 01Describe the advisory activity and intended clients
Determine whether proposals involve regulated investment advice rather than an unlicensed research or consulting service.
- 02Seek applicable NBFC/adviser formation permission
Prepare qualified key persons, conflicts policy, ownership, finances and the SECP Investment Advisory Services formation checklist where applicable.
- 03Apply for the appropriate investment advisory licence
After permitted incorporation submit the category-specific SECP licensing documents and operational compliance programme.
- 04Provide advice only within authorisation
Implement conflicts disclosure, suitability assessment, client agreements and regulated reporting.
Regulator resource: SECP Investment Advisory Services formation checklist
After registration or approval
Maintain suitability, conflicts, client records and the correct licence scope.
Governing law & official references
Non-Banking Finance Companies (Establishment and Regulation) Rules, 2003; NBFC and Notified Entities Regulations, 2008; and the licensing conditions applicable to that activity.
The links below lead to government or official regulatory sources relevant to this service. Use the currently consolidated Act, regulations, statutory checklist and official portal when making an application.
How Chambers can assist
Chambers can review the legal route, identify regulatory constraints, prepare or review the supporting corporate and legal documents, manage the prescribed submission and correspond with the competent authority where instructed. The scope of the engagement will be determined by the applicant’s particular circumstances.
For an initial enquiry, identify the proposed activity, applicant entity and current stage, and provide the available documents indicated above. Please avoid sending confidential or identity-sensitive records through an unencrypted first contact.
Common questions about Investment Advisory Services Licence
Who is eligible for Investment Advisory Services Licence in Pakistan?
An applicant must assess licensing coverage, permitted business combinations, adviser competence and SECP fitness criteria.
What documents are needed for Investment Advisory Services Licence?
Advice model and client types; Advisers' qualifications; Company and shareholder records; Compliance/conflicts rules. Additional requirements can apply to the actual business or regulator.
How can I obtain Investment Advisory Services Licence in Pakistan?
Describe the advisory activity and intended clients: Determine whether proposals involve regulated investment advice rather than an unlicensed research or consulting service. Seek applicable NBFC/adviser formation permission: Prepare qualified key persons, conflicts policy, ownership, finances and the SECP Investment Advisory Services formation checklist where applicable. Apply for the appropriate investment advisory licence: After permitted incorporation submit the category-specific SECP licensing documents and operational compliance programme. Provide advice only within authorisation: Implement conflicts disclosure, suitability assessment, client agreements and regulated reporting.
This guide is general information, not advice on your facts. Check the applicable law, notifications, updated regulator checklists and jurisdiction before acting. The authority alone determines eligibility, acceptance and approval; no outcome or processing period is guaranteed.