B Mirror Report : The Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) has instructed 11 market intermediaries brokerage houses, merchant banks, and an asset management company to submit their Business Continuity Plans (BCPs) in order to strengthen risk management and address operational challenges across their overall activities.

The directive has been issued in light of prolonged business losses and stagnation faced by these institutions. According to sources, the BSEC’s Market and Intermediaries Affairs Department recently sent letters to the managing directors of the concerned institutions.

Among the 11 market intermediaries are six brokerage houses, four merchant banks, and one asset management company.

The brokerage houses are: Premier Leasing Securities Broking Limited, Premier Leasing Securities, Far East Stock and Bonds Limited, PFI Securities Limited, Aviva Equity Management Limited, and International Leasing Securities Limited.

The merchant banks are: IL Capital Limited, PLFS Investment Limited, Prime Finance Capital Management Limited, and FAS Capital Management Limited.

The asset management company is: Prime Finance Asset Management Company Limited.

It is learned that on September 11 last year, the BSEC had earlier sent letters to several brokerage houses, merchant banks, and asset management companies requesting the submission of business continuity plans. However, even after the stipulated deadline passed, a number of institutions failed to submit any such plans, causing concern for the regulator. As a result, the BSEC has once again requested the plans from these institutions.

In its letter, the BSEC stated that at a meeting held with the Commission on September 3, 2025, it was decided that every capital market–related subsidiary and associate company would submit a detailed future operational plan, or Business Continuity Plan. The minutes of that meeting were subsequently sent to the concerned institutions on September 11, 2025. However, despite the passage of the specified timeframe, some institutions have yet to submit the required information and documents, prompting the Commission to express concern.

The BSEC further noted in the letter that a Business Continuity Plan is a critically important document for ensuring continuity of operations, effective risk management, and preparedness for potential crises. Particularly for capital market–related institutions, the absence of such plans could put investor protection and market stability at risk. Therefore, the concerned institutions have been instructed to submit all necessary documents to the Commission within seven working days from the date of issuance of the letter.

Market insiders believe that the BSEC has recently intensified its oversight to enhance transparency and accountability in the capital market. Emphasis on the implementation of business continuity planning is part of this broader effort. There is also scope for future administrative or regulatory action against institutions that fail to submit the required plans.

Brokerage houses, merchant banks, asset management companies, and other intermediaries affiliated with the capital market play a crucial role in market operations. Any disruption in their activities can have a direct negative impact on investors and the overall market system. As a result, the regulator views the implementation of Business Continuity Plans as essential to ensuring uninterrupted operations of these institutions.