Tag: Fintech Regulation Pakistan

Gold Box’s blind box e-commerce model is drawing criticism in Pakistan for resembling gaming apps, raising consumer safety and regulatory questions as the digital economy rapidly expands.

DigiKhata has received an NBFC license from SECP, enabling the fintech to expand into regulated digital lending and offer credit solutions for SMEs and MSMEs in Pakistan.

The Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority held its first board meeting, where it discussed lifting the State Bank of Pakistan’s 2018 ban on crypto transactions. The authority also approved a complaint portal, licensing framework, and regulatory roadmap to align Pakistan with global practices in blockchain and virtual assets.

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has issued an Investment Finance Services license to Foremost Financial Services and granted prior approval to Instant Finance for NBFC registration, paving the way for digital nano-lending and SME-focused lending solutions. The move reflects SECP’s commitment to fintech innovation, financial inclusion, and regulatory facilitation in Pakistan.

Pakistan has initiated a digital currency pilot, moving closer to a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) era. The pilot reflects growing regulatory momentum toward fintech innovation and reshaping payment systems in the region.

The Pakistan Banks Association warns that the new e-commerce tax proposed in the Finance Bill 2025 may be unworkable without clearer guidelines, proper infrastructure, and an implementation timeline. Banks and other stakeholders cite ambiguity around tax rates, definitions, and intermediary roles as major challenges.

Pakistan's 2025–26 budget introduces the Digital Presence Proceeds Tax Act, 2025, imposing a 5% levy on digital vendors and an 18% VAT on online marketplaces to tax both foreign and local e-commerce and digital service providers.

The government of Pakistan is set to implement dual pricing and higher taxes on cash transactions in Budget 2025-26 to promote digital payments and broaden the tax base. The new policy includes mandatory QR code and card machine adoption across fuel stations and retailers, while offering tax relief to salaried individuals.