B Mirror Report: The Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) has ordered special inspections at five brokerage houses of the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) over allegations of serious irregularities in margin loan management and violations of regulatory directives.

The instruction was issued by the BSEC’s Market Intelligence and Investigation Department in a letter sent to the DSE’s Chief Regulatory Officer (CRO). The firms under scrutiny are New Era Securities Limited (TREC-150), Anwar Securities Limited (TREC-160), Trustee Securities Limited (TREC-162), Unicap Securities Limited (TREC-163), and Mona Financial Consultancy and Securities Limited (TREC-164).

According to sources, the DSE informed the commission on March 9 this year about inconsistencies in margin loan practices at these firms, along with information related to the renewal of their registration certificates. The allegations include non-compliance with the Margin Rules, 1999, and BSEC directives issued in 2022.

Based on these findings, the BSEC directed the DSE to conduct on-site inspections under the Securities and Exchange Rules, 2020, and submit a detailed report promptly.

Market insiders warn that a lack of transparency in margin lending can pose significant risks to overall market stability. The commission has instructed that any additional irregularities identified during inspections must also be included in the report.

The regulator’s move is expected to strengthen oversight, restore discipline in the market, and protect investor interests.