The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has issued the draft of Securities Managers (Licensing and Operations) Regulations, 2024, along with a consultation paper on the proposed regulations, in order to obtain feedback from market and the general public. The proposed regulatory framework permits eligible securities brokers to provide portfolio management services after obtaining the requisite license to act as a ‘securities manager’ from the commission, said a press release issued here on Friday. The licensing requirements for securities managers include net worth, fiduciary rating, research capacity and other related areas, as provided in the regulations. Additionally, the securities manager would have requirement to maintain customer funds and securities with an independent custodian. Other key areas addressed in the regulations include licensing procedures, conduct of the securities manager, preparation of Investment Policy Statement for the customers, management of conflict of interest, management and investment of customer money and portfolio of securities.