The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) is the apex regulatory authority overseeing the incorporation, regulation, and supervision of companies in Pakistan. To ensure transparency, compliance, and access to public corporate information, the SECP maintains a comprehensive and regularly updated database of all registered companies in the country. This database is publicly accessible via SECP’s online platform and is a critical resource for entrepreneurs, investors, government agencies, suppliers, legal advisors, and the general public.
The ability to access the SECP registered companies list enables stakeholders to verify the legal status of a business, ensure its compliance with regulatory requirements, and make informed decisions in business dealings. In this detailed guide, we explain how to access the SECP companies list, how to use it for different purposes, and the key features and limitations of the system as of 2025.
What is the SECP Registered Companies List?
The SECP registered companies list is an official record of all companies that have been incorporated under the Companies Act, 2017 (or its predecessor laws) and are currently listed in SECP’s corporate registry. This includes:
Private Limited Companies
Single Member Companies
Public Limited Companies
Not-for-Profit Associations (Section 42 companies)
Foreign Companies with registered offices in Pakistan
The list is maintained in digital form and made searchable through SECP’s web portals, enabling users to access company names, incorporation details, registration numbers, and status.
Why Access the SECP Registered Companies List?
There are multiple use cases and benefits associated with accessing the SECP company registry. Some of the most common include:
Verifying the legal existence of a business
Ensuring a company is not defunct or blacklisted
Checking incorporation date and company type
Evaluating credibility for partnerships or procurement
Gathering data for market research and competitive analysis
Ensuring compliance with KYC (Know Your Customer) procedures
Assisting in legal or tax due diligence processes
Banks, government bodies, investors, startups, and regulatory agencies frequently consult the SECP registry before entering into business relationships.
How to Access the SECP Registered Companies List
SECP offers multiple ways to access registered company data. The most common method is via its online Company Name Search Portal. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to access it:
Step 1: Visit the SECP Website
Go to the official website of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan:
https://www.secp.gov.pk
Step 2: Navigate to the ‘Company Name Search’ Tool
Under the ‘Services’ or ‘Public Facilitation’ tab, click on ‘Company Name Search’ or directly access the portal at:
https://eservices.secp.gov.pk/eServices/NameSearch.jsp
Step 3: Enter the Company Name or Keywords
In the search bar, type either the full name or part of the name of the company you want to search. You can also search by common terms (e.g., “Construction”, “Tech”, “Logistics”) to view multiple related companies.
Step 4: Review Search Results
Once you enter the search term and submit the request, the system will display a list of matching companies along with:
Company Name
CUIN (Company Unique Identification Number)
Status (Active, Inactive, Dissolved)
Company Type (Private Limited, Public Limited, etc.)
Jurisdiction or Province of Incorporation
Step 5: Access More Information (If Available)
While the public tool provides basic information, more detailed company profiles may require logging into the SECP eServices portal or contacting SECP directly. Authorized users such as company directors or legal representatives can view additional information by logging in.
Understanding Key Fields in the SECP Company List
When using the search function, it is important to understand the meaning of each data field:
CUIN – A unique numeric code assigned to each registered company by SECP
Company Name – The officially registered name, including suffixes like (Pvt) Ltd or SMC
Company Type – Indicates whether the company is private, public, SMC, foreign, or not-for-profit
Status – Shows whether the company is currently active, dormant, dissolved, under liquidation, or struck off
Date of Incorporation – Useful to determine the operational age and experience of the company
Registered Jurisdiction – Province or region where the company is registered
How to Use the SECP Registered Companies List
1. Due Diligence and Risk Mitigation
Before entering into a business transaction, verifying the registration and legal standing of a company can help avoid fraud, misrepresentation, and regulatory non-compliance. If a company is not listed in the SECP registry or is marked as “dissolved” or “struck off,” it may be operating illegally.
2. Regulatory Compliance for Financial Institutions
Banks and NBFCs are required under AML/CFT regulations to verify corporate customers. Accessing SECP records allows them to confirm the company’s legal status, ownership, and date of incorporation.
3. Verifying Tender and Bidding Requirements
Many public sector procurement opportunities require bidders to be registered companies. Tender evaluation committees consult the SECP database to confirm registration details and status before awarding contracts.
4. Investment and M&A Analysis
Investors looking to acquire or invest in a business can use SECP records to assess incorporation history, verify legal compliance, and confirm active status. Cross-checking SECP data with financial statements is a standard part of due diligence in mergers and acquisitions.
5. Creating Business Intelligence Reports
Market analysts, business consultants, and researchers may compile datasets from SECP’s registry to analyze market composition, sector growth, or startup trends in specific industries or regions.
6. Legal or Tax Proceedings
Courts and legal advisors rely on SECP company records for litigation, shareholder disputes, or to serve notices. Similarly, FBR and PRA often use company listings to verify tax registration, default, or to identify unregistered businesses.
7. Business Identity Validation for Digital Platforms
E-commerce marketplaces, fintech startups, and B2B platforms often require registered vendors and suppliers to validate their SECP registration to ensure accountability and traceability.
Limitations of the Public SECP Company List
While the SECP portal is a useful tool, there are certain limitations:
Only basic information (company name, CUIN, type, and status) is publicly available
No financial statements or ownership/shareholding information is shown publicly
No historical changes (e.g., former names or status changes) are shown unless accessed by authorized users
Some dissolved or inactive companies may still appear in search results, creating confusion
To access more detailed records such as filed Form A, Form 29, MOA/AOA, or financials, you must be a registered user on the SECP eServices portal with associated authorization
How to Download or Export Company Data
The public search portal does not currently allow bulk downloads of company data. However:
Authorized users can download company documents filed with SECP via eServices
For research or official use, one may write to SECP with a formal request to access specific datasets under RTI or data-sharing protocols
Some third-party business directories and software solutions provide filtered or categorized company data using SECP and FBR APIs
Tips for Accurate SECP Company Search
Use full legal name including suffix (e.g., “Technovate (Pvt) Ltd”)
Try alternate spellings or keyword-based search if unsure
Always cross-reference CUIN and incorporation date to confirm identity
If searching for subsidiaries, look under parent company names
Use multiple filters (e.g., region, sector, name) for better search precision
SECP eServices Portal for Registered Users
For lawyers, company secretaries, and directors, SECP offers the eServices portal, which provides a wide range of post-incorporation services, including:
Filing of statutory returns
Viewing previously filed documents
Requesting certified copies of records
Tracking company status and shareholding
You can register and access the eServices portal at:
https://eservices.secp.gov.pk
SECP’s Company Data and Integrations with Other Institutions
SECP collaborates with other government agencies such as:
Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) – for NTN verification and tax compliance
Pakistan Single Window (PSW) – for trade licensing and WeBOC registration
NADRA – for identity verification of company directors and shareholders
State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) – for financial institution registrations and KYC procedures
This integration means that company records are regularly synchronized and validated across government systems, improving reliability and enforcement.
How to Report Discrepancies or Inaccuracies
If you come across incorrect or outdated information in the SECP registry, you can:
Use the SECP helpline: 0800-88008
Email: info@secp.gov.pk
Submit a complaint via SECP’s online complaint management system
Company directors can request corrections by filing amended Forms (e.g., Form 29 for changes in directors or Form A for shareholder changes)
How SECP Enhances Transparency Through Public Registers
SECP’s move toward digital public registers aligns with global best practices. The initiative enhances:
Corporate transparency
Investor confidence
Ease of doing business
Regulatory oversight
Pakistan’s ranking in World Bank’s Doing Business indicators has improved due to initiatives like the online availability of corporate data and simplified business verification.
Conclusion
The SECP registered companies list is a vital tool for ensuring legal compliance, transparency, and informed decision-making in Pakistan’s business environment. Accessible to the public through the SECP Company Name Search portal, it empowers users to verify the existence and status of companies with just a few clicks. Whether you’re an investor, entrepreneur, supplier, legal professional, or regulator, knowing how to access and use this list effectively is essential for risk mitigation and due diligence. As SECP continues to upgrade its digital infrastructure, users can expect greater accessibility, better search features, and expanded data services in the near future
