Opening Your First Investment Account

You are ready to invest — but where exactly do you go? What accounts do you need? What documents are required? This chapter is your practical, step-by-step guide to opening investment accounts in Pakistan, covering everything from brokerage accounts for stock trading to mutual fund accounts for hands-off investing.

We cover the three main types of accounts Pakistani investors need to know about: CDC (Central Depository Company) sub-accounts for holding shares, brokerage accounts for buying and selling stocks on the PSX, and mutual fund accounts through AMCs (Asset Management Companies) or digital platforms. You will learn the documentation required (CNIC, bank account, proof of income), the typical account opening timeline, and which platforms offer the most user-friendly digital experience.

We also compare the major platforms available — KTrade, Investify, PSX app, and direct AMC portals — and guide overseas Pakistanis through the Roshan Digital Account process for investing from abroad.