KARACHI: The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Wednesday allowed microfinance banks to offer their customers to maintain Investor Portfolio Securities (IPS) accounts.
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The SBP in a circular said that to enhance the scope of IPS Account to a wider set of institutions and investors, and to promote diversification of marketable government securities, the following has been decided: Microfinance banks are permitted to offer IPS accounts to their customers.; Any Microfinance Bank intending to offer IPS accounts to their customers must fulfill the provisions regarding opening of IPS accounts, recording transactions in IPS accounts and reporting to customers and SBP.
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Any individual or entity, maintaining their accounts with Microfinance Banks including Branchless Banking, are also allowed to open IPS account with any Scheduled Bank to buy or sell marketable government securities.
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Further, all institutions (Scheduled Banks, Primary Dealers and MFBs) offering IPS accounts shall ensure complete disclosure of prices, risks and other necessary information pertaining to investment in government securities through IPS accounts to their clients.
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The institutions shall, at minimum, display such information at their branches/place of business and websites to enable their clients to make informed decision regarding investment in government securities.
