Glossary · Regulation & Institutions
Roshan Digital Account
A financial account launched by the State Bank of Pakistan allowing overseas Pakistanis to invest in Pakistan's capital markets, including PSX equities and government securities, remotely without visiting a branch. Offers full repatriability of invested funds and returns.
01—What is Roshan Digital Account?
The definition — and what it means in practice.
A Roshan Digital Account (RDA) is a State Bank of Pakistan initiative that enables overseas Pakistanis to open an account remotely to access Pakistan’s financial system. Through an RDA, an eligible non-resident can invest in Pakistan’s capital markets, including Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) listed equities and government securities, without visiting a bank branch. A core feature is full repatriability of the invested funds and the returns.
For investors, an RDA matters because it is a practical route from living abroad to holding Pakistan investments in a recognised framework. It can reduce friction such as in-person paperwork and account-opening delays, making it easier to build and manage a Pakistan-focused portfolio over time. Repatriability is important for planning, because it affects how confidently an investor can treat proceeds and income as accessible outside Pakistan, subject to applicable processes and taxes.
If you live abroad, an RDA can let you invest Rs 100,000 into PSX shares or government securities online and later send the money and returns back overseas.
- RDA is a State Bank of Pakistan initiative for overseas Pakistanis.
- It enables remote access to PSX equities and Pakistan government securities.
- No branch visit is required to invest through the account.
- Invested funds and returns are fully repatriable (can be sent back abroad).
02—How roshan digital account works on the PSX
The Pakistan-specific rules, conventions, and numbers.
For a PSX investor overseas, an RDA is one way to participate in Pakistan’s capital markets while remaining non-resident. The PSX is regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), trades clear through the National Clearing Company of Pakistan Limited (NCCPL), and shares are held electronically at the Central Depository Company (CDC). In practice, an overseas investor will still interact with the same market infrastructure as local investors once they place equity trades.
PSX equity trading follows standard market mechanics regardless of residency. Settlement is T+1 (one business day), and an investor needs a Unique Investor Number (UIN) to trade through a broker that holds a Trading Right Entitlement Certificate (TREC). Investors should also remember that most equities are subject to daily price limits (circuit breakers) of ±10% or Re 1 around the last close (LDCP), whichever is higher, which can affect execution when markets are volatile.
03—Common misconceptions
Where investors most often get this wrong.
An RDA is a type of PSX trading account by itself.
An RDA is a State Bank of Pakistan account framework for overseas Pakistanis. You still access PSX trading through the usual broker and market infrastructure.
RDA profits are automatically tax-free in Pakistan.
Pakistan tax rules can apply. For example, cash dividends have withholding tax (15% for filers, 30% for non-filers), and capital gains tax treatment can vary by holding period and filer status.
Repatriability means you can withdraw instantly in any situation.
Repatriability means funds and returns can be sent back abroad, but timing and steps depend on the relevant processes used by the institutions involved.
04—Using roshan digital account on BSL
Where this term shows up across the platform — with live data.
- Browse PSX-listed shares you can research and track on Stocks.
- Screen for companies by common filters using the Stock Screener.
- Follow market activity and key movers on the Market.
- Learn related concepts in the Glossary.
05—Frequently asked questions
What investors ask about roshan digital account on the PSX.
Frequently Asked Questions
A Roshan Digital Account is a State Bank of Pakistan initiative that allows overseas Pakistanis to open an account remotely and invest in Pakistan’s capital markets, including PSX equities and government securities, with full repatriability of funds and returns.
Yes. The RDA framework is designed to allow overseas Pakistanis to invest remotely in Pakistan’s capital markets, including PSX listed equities, without visiting a branch.
Full repatriability means the principal you invest and the returns you earn can be sent back abroad. It describes the ability to move invested funds and proceeds out of Pakistan through the applicable process.
PSX settlement mechanics apply to equity trades generally. Settlement is T+1 (one business day), and the investor trades through a broker; clearing is through NCCPL and shares are held at the CDC.
Cash dividends on listed shares are subject to withholding tax in Pakistan: 15% for income-tax filers and 30% for non-filers. Other taxes, such as capital gains tax on listed shares, depend on factors including holding period and filer status.
06—Related terms
Keep building the picture.
It is Pakistan's central bank, responsible for monetary policy, currency management, and financial system regulation. SBP decisions on interest rates and foreign exchange policy have a direct bearing on PSX market performance.
The sole stock exchange in Pakistan, formed in 2016 through the merger of the Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad stock exchanges. Headquartered in Karachi, the PSX lists over 500 companies across multiple sectors.
Debt instruments issued by the Government of Pakistan to finance public expenditure. Include Treasury Bills (T-Bills) and Pakistan Investment Bonds (PIBs).
A unique identification number assigned to every investor registered on the PSX. Required to trade on the exchange. Issued by a licensed broker upon account opening.
The current standard settlement cycle on the PSX, where trades are finalised one business day after the transaction date. The shift from T+2 to T+1 was implemented to reduce counterparty risk and improve market efficiency.
A tax deducted at source on dividends and other income in Pakistan. For tax filers, the withholding tax on dividends from listed companies is currently 15%. Non-filers face a higher rate.
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