The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has approved Shaamilkar Tajir, a digital application that will provide Shariah-compliant financing of up to Rs3 million to eligible small businesses. Developed by SECP-licensed Shaamilkar Financial Services, the digital financing solution is designed to provide micro-entrepreneurs with a simpler and faster way to obtain financing for business inventory. Under the facility, eligible businesses will be able to purchase inventory from approved suppliers through a digital process, providing an alternative to conventional financing arrangements. The approval represents another development in Pakistan’s growing digital financing sector, particularly for micro and small businesses that may face difficulties accessing formal credit. According to the SECP, the initiative is aimed at bringing underserved businesses into the formal credit system and supporting their ability to expand operations. The financing model also incorporates Shariah-compliant principles, making the facility relevant to businesses seeking financing options structured according to Islamic financial requirements.
The digital application is intended to simplify the process through which eligible small businesses can obtain financing for inventory purchases. Instead of requiring entrepreneurs to rely solely on traditional financing channels, the platform provides a technology-enabled route through which businesses can access financing and purchase goods from approved suppliers. Digital distribution can reduce some of the administrative steps associated with financial services and make financing more accessible to businesses operating at a smaller scale. The initiative is particularly relevant for micro-entrepreneurs and small businesses that require working capital to maintain inventory and support day-to-day operations. By linking financing with purchases from approved suppliers, the facility is structured around a specific business requirement rather than providing an unrestricted cash facility. The SECP’s approval also places the product within the regulatory framework applicable to licensed financial services providers, with the regulator emphasizing responsible digital financing and consumer protection alongside greater access to formal credit.
SECP Chairman Dr. Kabir Ahmed Sidhu said technology-enabled financing can expand access to formal credit for underserved businesses, while noting that the commission would facilitate responsible digital financing under regulatory oversight and consumer protection requirements. The approval also supports the Federal Government’s Access to Finance agenda for SMEs and other priority sectors. Expanding formal financing access remains an important issue for smaller businesses, which can require funding for inventory, working capital, and business expansion. Digital platforms can provide financial service providers with additional channels to reach such businesses while allowing regulators to establish requirements around responsible lending and customer protection. The introduction of a Shariah-compliant digital financing product also adds another option to Pakistan’s financial services ecosystem, particularly for entrepreneurs looking for financing structures compatible with Islamic finance principles. The SECP’s role in approving and overseeing the product highlights the increasing intersection between financial technology, digital lending, and financial regulation in Pakistan.
The scale of existing lending to smaller businesses also illustrates the demand for financing within this segment. According to the SECP, licensed lending non-bank finance companies provided approximately Rs253 billion through 2.5 million loans to micro, small, and medium enterprises between July 2025 and June 2026. The newly approved Shaamilkar Tajir facility adds another digital channel to this financing ecosystem, with a maximum financing amount of Rs3 million for eligible businesses. By using a digital application and approved supplier network, the initiative seeks to combine technology with formal financing to support business inventory requirements. Its launch also reflects the broader development of Pakistan’s fintech sector, where digital platforms are increasingly being used to deliver financial products to segments that may have limited access to traditional banking services. With regulatory approval, Shariah-compliant financing, and a focus on small businesses, the facility represents an expansion of digital financial services aimed at improving access to formal credit for micro and small enterprises.
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