B Mirror Report: The Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) recorded a 14% decline in its overall earnings to Tk105 crore in the 2024–25 fiscal year, mainly due to a sharp fall in income from fines, fees and licensing, according to its latest annual report.

Income from fines, fees and licensing dropped significantly by 32% year-on-year to Tk39.72 crore, while other income declined slightly by 2% to Tk65.32 crore during the fiscal year.

However, the securities regulator reduced its total expenditure by 21% to Tk75.82 crore, largely due to lower spending on salaries, allowances and administrative expenses.

Following the reduction in costs, the commission’s net surplus increased by 12% to Tk29.23 crore in FY25, reflecting improved financial management. Meanwhile, its total assets rose to Tk498.60 crore at the end of the fiscal year, up from Tk469.89 crore in the previous year.

During the year, the BSEC approved Tk6,172.46 crore in capital increases through various financial instruments. Of the total, Tk303 crore was approved through a rights issue for one listed company, Tk4,671 crore through private debt placements for 11 companies, Tk5 crore for one qualified investor company, and Tk1,193 crore through the issuance of ordinary, bonus and preference shares by 15 companies.

The regulator received 226 complaints from investors and institutions, of which 222 were resolved, while four complaints remain under process. It also conducted 92 investigations and inquiries and carried out 610 inspections to detect irregularities and violations of securities laws.

In terms of enforcement, the commission took 987 actions, including imposing fines on 229 individuals and institutions, issuing warnings to 684 entities, and granting exemptions to 74. Between August 19, 2024 and June 30, 2025, fines totaling Tk1,073.21 crore were imposed.

The report also said 527 cases involving the commission remain pending in different courts. During the fiscal year, the BSEC filed four new cases, faced 76 cases, and saw 76 cases disposed of. It also issued 11 orders, directives and notifications to strengthen market discipline and regulatory oversight.

To enhance market credibility and attract foreign investment, the commission removed discriminatory circuit breakers and lifted floor prices for most listed companies in August 2024. The regulator said allowing market-based price discovery would help ensure long-term market stability and restore investor confidence.