Dhaka Stock Exchange PLC (DSE) has organized an awareness workshop on the inclusion of a Private Investor (PI) category in its Electronic Subscription System (ESS), aiming to broaden access to primary market investment opportunities.

The virtual workshop, held via Zoom on Tuesday, was attended by representatives from merchant banks, asset management companies (AMCs), TREC holders, and other market participants.

During the session, DSE officials explained that until now, only Eligible Investors and Qualified Investors were permitted to participate in primary subscriptions through the ESS platform. With the introduction of the Private Investor category, individual investors, registered institutions, and various investment funds will now be able to subscribe to regulator-approved privately offered bonds, open-end mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and equities.

According to DSE, individuals, registered organizations, and investment funds are all eligible to register under the PI category. Individual applicants will be required to provide a National Identity Card (NID) and a bank account, while institutions and funds must submit their registration certificates along with bank account details. No registration fee has been set for PI registration.

The workshop also provided a detailed overview of the ESS registration and subscription procedures, required documentation, and the use of the digital platform.

Speakers at the event said the introduction of the Private Investor category will expand investment opportunities beyond equities for general investors while promoting a more transparent and digital investment ecosystem. They also noted that the initiative is expected to facilitate the introduction of new and diversified financial products in Bangladesh’s capital market.