ABAD Members Explore Corporatisation and REIT Registration

Members of the Association of Builders and Developers of Pakistan (ABAD) are considering transforming their businesses into corporate entities and registering Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), following an awareness session conducted by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP).

 

The session was held at ABAD’s head office, where SECP Commissioner Muzzafar Ahmed Mirza led a delegation and briefed builders and developers on regulatory reforms aimed at simplifying business incorporation and encouraging informal businesses and partnerships to adopt formal corporate structures.

 

SECP officials explained that incorporation establishes a separate legal entity and generally limits shareholders’ liability, separating business obligations from members’ personal assets.

 

Officials also demonstrated the eZfile platform, highlighting digital integration with external registries designed to make company incorporation and regulatory filings faster and more convenient.

 

The session also covered the potential benefits of corporate structures, including improved access to financing and domestic and international markets, as well as greater transparency, credibility and business continuity.

 

ABAD leadership welcomed the SECP’s outreach and said its members were actively evaluating corporatisation and REIT registration.

 

The association also agreed to coordinate with the SECP and submit recommendations regarding the real estate sector under the Companies Act, 2017.