ISLAMABAD: In his keynote address at the Mercentile Expo, Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) Chairman Akif Saeed highlighted the dangers posed by deceptive investment apps on social media. Mr Saeed called on the public to check platforms through SECP-regulated websites and remain vigilant against illegal schemes.
Chairman Said praised the legitimacy of Mercentile Exchange as a secure investment platform and advocated an awareness campaign to foster its growth. He emphasized the importance of prudence in digital investments, proposed innovative platforms for young people, and envisioned a promising future for capital ventures.
The investment expo organized by Mercentile Exchange in collaboration with SECP on Saturday featured seminars on stocks, products and mutual funds, and awareness was highlighted through informative sessions. Exhibition booths provided insight into a variety of investment vehicles, including stock brokers, commodity brokers, mutual fund insurance, Takaful companies, and microfinance institutions.
Chairman Said expressed concern about fraudulent activity on social media and urged investors to be cautious. He highlighted the role technology plays in unlocking new opportunities within the financial sector, despite the challenges.
Pakistan Merchant Exchange (PMEX) hosted InvestExpo featuring major companies in the financial sector. The first expo in Islamabad aimed to encourage safe investment options and increase financial knowledge.
PMEX Chairman Abdul Kadir Monn expressed his gratitude for the Expo, highlighting the dynamism and resilience of financial markets. The event celebrated investor empowerment and highlighted the importance of investor awareness for a strong financial ecosystem.
Beyond the direct beneficiaries, the expo also aims to ensure that all individuals and entities involved in financial markets have the knowledge to make informed decisions. We aim to bridge the information gap, make financial products and services more accessible, and contribute to an inclusive financial environment.
According to Chairman Saeed, a thriving capital market fosters economic growth by providing companies with the capital they need to expand, innovate and create job opportunities. Active capital markets enable wealth creation and preservation, allowing investors to diversify their portfolios and participate in long-term growth.
SECP is committed to maintaining fair and transparent markets and ensuring investor rights and interests are protected by regulatory safeguards. Trust is essential, ethical behavior is encouraged and expected from all participants, and an environment of integrity is fostered.
Financial literacy, emphasized through SECP’s Jamapunji initiative, aims to equip individuals with the knowledge for sound financial decisions and acts as a shield against fraud.