PSX Account Opening Online: Requirements, Documents and Step-by-Step Process

To buy shares on the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), you need a trading account with a licensed stockbroker. Today most brokers let you open one online in a few days, using your CNIC and bank account. This guide walks through the requirements, the documents, the account types and the steps, in plain language.

Who can open a PSX trading account?

Any Pakistani adult with a valid CNIC and a bank account in their own name can open an account. Overseas Pakistanis can invest through a Roshan Digital Account or the Roshan Equity Investment route offered by many brokers.

Documents and details you will need

• Valid CNIC (or SNIC)
• Bank account in your own name with a bank in Pakistan
• Mobile number registered in your name, used for verification and trade alerts
• Working email address, because trade confirmations and statements are sent by email
• Details of your income source and, for larger accounts, supporting documents your broker may ask for

Types of account

Sahulat account

A simplified account for individuals, designed for first-time and small investors. It uses simplified checks with biometric verification of your bank account (IBAN) and mobile number. According to PSX’s investor guide, a Sahulat account has a maximum position limit of Rs 1,000,000 and trading is limited to the ready market.

Standard (individual) account

A full account with no Sahulat limits. It can give access to the ready market as well as futures and margin products, depending on your broker. It needs fuller documentation.

Roshan Digital / overseas account

For non-resident Pakistanis who want to invest in PSX from abroad.

Step-by-step: how to open your account

1. Choose a licensed broker. Use a broker licensed by the SECP that holds a Trading Right Entitlement (TRE) certificate from PSX. You can check a broker’s details on the PSX and SECP websites before signing up.
2. Fill in the account form online. Most brokers have a digital account-opening form. You will complete the Customer Relationship Form and sign a Risk Disclosure Document.
3. Complete verification. This usually includes CNIC and biometric or mobile verification.
4. Get your CDC account and UIN. Your shares are held at the Central Depository Company (CDC), usually in a sub-account under your broker, or in your own CDC Investor Account. NCCPL issues you a Unique Identification Number (UIN).
5. Read the tariff schedule. It lists the broker’s commission and the levies and taxes on each trade.
6. Deposit funds from your own bank account and download your broker’s trading app.

With documents in order, many brokers activate accounts within a few working days. Minimum deposits vary by broker; some allow you to start with a small amount.

Staying safe

• Always pay into the broker’s official bank account from your own account, not to an individual.
• Check every trade confirmation, which your broker must send within 24 hours, and your quarterly statement.
• Be wary of anyone promising fixed or guaranteed returns. Brokers are not allowed to accept deposits on that basis.
• Register for NCCPL and CDC alerts so you are told about activity in your account.

This article is for education only and is not investment advice. Rules and limits can change; confirm current requirements with your broker, PSX or the SECP. Trading shares involves risk, including the loss of capital.