Service overview
PSO/PSP authorisation applies to payment networks, switching, gateways and related infrastructure; it differs from issuing customer e-money.
An IT-sector registration is not equivalent to telecom or payments regulatory permission. Any exemption or incentive must be tested against its own statutory conditions; registration alone does not establish tax eligibility.
Who is eligible for Payment System Operator / Service Provider Authorisation?
Assess whether the business model is a payment system operator/service provider and meets the applicable SBP rules and capital/technical requirements.
PSO/PSP operations involve payment network or processing infrastructure, not automatically customer e-money issuance. Eligibility depends on SBP category, settlement/technical controls and requisite capital.
Documents and information for Payment System Operator / Service Provider Authorisation
Prepare the following information for payment system operator / service provider authorisation. The relevant regulator may require further forms or certified evidence, depending on the applicant and chosen procedure.
- Payments infrastructure design
- Security and resilience plan
- Ownership and capital
- Governance and operational team
- Settlement and interbank arrangements.
How can I obtain Payment System Operator / Service Provider Authorisation in Pakistan?
- 01Determine whether company is a PSO/PSP or EMI
PSOs/PSPs provide switching, payment gateway, clearing or processing infrastructure but cannot simply hold customer funds as EMIs.
- 02Apply for PSO/PSP in-principle approval
Provide governance/capital, technology architecture, settlement and risk controls, and operator business plan to SBP.
- 03Undertake authorised pilot operations
Address SBP findings and arrange system testing, operational resilience, agreements and security arrangements.
- 04Obtain full commercial authorisation
After pilot assessment receive SBP commercial operations approval before general provision of the proposed payment-system service.
Regulator resource: SBP three-stage PSO/PSP authorisation
After registration or approval
Comply with technology audits, transaction reporting, cybersecurity, operational and permitted-scope restrictions.
Governing law & official references
Payment Systems and Electronic Fund Transfers Act, 2007 and the SBP Rules for Payment System Operators and Payment Service Providers, as amended.
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 Payment System Operator / Service Provider Authorisation
Who is eligible for Payment System Operator / Service Provider Authorisation in Pakistan?
Assess whether the business model is a payment system operator/service provider and meets the applicable SBP rules and capital/technical requirements.
What documents are needed for Payment System Operator / Service Provider Authorisation?
Payments infrastructure design; Security and resilience plan; Ownership and capital; Governance and operational team. Additional requirements can apply to the actual business or regulator.
How can I obtain Payment System Operator / Service Provider Authorisation in Pakistan?
Determine whether company is a PSO/PSP or EMI: PSOs/PSPs provide switching, payment gateway, clearing or processing infrastructure but cannot simply hold customer funds as EMIs. Apply for PSO/PSP in-principle approval: Provide governance/capital, technology architecture, settlement and risk controls, and operator business plan to SBP. Undertake authorised pilot operations: Address SBP findings and arrange system testing, operational resilience, agreements and security arrangements. Obtain full commercial authorisation: After pilot assessment receive SBP commercial operations approval before general provision of the proposed payment-system service.
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.