Lahore: In a significant move to strengthen Pakistan’s capital markets, the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) and the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) hosted the IPO Roundtable 2024 in Lahore, themed ‘Empowering the Future of Capital Markets’. This event, following the successful IPO Summit earlier in Karachi, aimed to educate and encourage private companies on the benefits of public listing for growth, expansion, and improved corporate governance.
According to Pakistan Stock Exchange Limited, the roundtable featured an assembly of key market stakeholders, including over 30 companies, business leaders, market participants, investment banking professionals, regulators, and potential issuers. Prominent attendees included Mr. Akif Saeed, Chairman of SECP; Mr. Abdul Rehman Warraich, Commissioner SECP; and Mr. Ahmed Chinoy, Board Member of PSX, among others.
The roundtable focused on clearing pathways for companies to raise equity and debt through the PSX platform. It addressed key concerns and queries from companies aspiring to list, aiming to enhance their understanding of the IPO process and to facilitate their transition from private to public entities. Representatives from already listed companies shared insights into the tangible benefits they have reaped post-listing, including improved corporate governance and stakeholder relationships.
Mr. Akif Saeed, in his welcome address, highlighted the flexible, efficient, and cost-effective solutions the capital market offers for raising capital. He also responded to queries regarding the regulatory aspects of listing, emphasizing the ease and benefits of the process.
Mr. Ahmed Chinoy remarked on the significance of the event, stating, “It is indeed a step in the right direction that after the successful convening of the IPO Summit in Karachi earlier this year, we are now holding this important IPO Roundtable in Lahore. IPOs are much more than just a means for companies to raise funds. They represent a significant milestone in any company’s journey, offering access to a broader pool of capital and the prospect of increasing corporate governance and transparency.”
Ms. Raeda Latif, Chief Marketing and Business Development Officer at PSX, provided a detailed presentation on the benefits of listing, not only for the companies themselves but also for the broader economy.
In his concluding remarks, Mr. Abdul Rehman Warraich stressed the importance of adopting robust corporate governance structures early in the listing journey to ensure sustainable progress.
The roundtable is expected to spark a new wave of IPOs in Lahore, contributing to the dynamism and growth of Pakistan’s capital markets.