The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) is the financial regulatory agency that oversees corporate activity and capital markets. It was established in 1997 through the SECP Act and began operations in 1999. Originally focused on regulating corporations and capital markets, SECP has expanded its mandate to include supervision of insurance companies, non-banking finance companies, and private pensions. SECP's vision is to develop a modern and efficient corporate sector and capital market based on international standards and best practices, in order to encourage investment and economic growth in Pakistan. It is divided into four divisions that regulate different aspects of the financial sector.