Dhaka: The newly launched Private Investor (PI) category by the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) is set to transform investment opportunities for general investors, registered institutions, and funds by allowing them to venture into privately offered bonds, open-end mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETF), and equities approved by the regulatory authority. This development was unveiled during a workshop organized by the DSE on Monday.

According to United News of Bangladesh, the awareness workshop, conducted via the Zoom platform, focused on familiarizing participants with the inclusion of the PI category into DSE’s Electronic Subscription System (ESS). Attendees included representatives from merchant banks, asset management companies (AMC), TREC holders, and other relevant institutions. The PI category marks a significant expansion from the previous ESS, which only allowed participation from Eligible Investor (EI) and Qualified Investor (QI) categories.

Under the new arrangement, any individual, registered institution, or fund is eligible to register as a PI member. Individual investors are required to provide a National Identity (NID) card and a bank account, while institutions or funds must submit a registration certificate alongside a bank account. Notably, the DSE has announced that no registration fee will be charged for PI registration.

The workshop provided detailed insights into the registration and subscription process of the ESS, necessary information and documentation, and the utilization of the digital platform. The speakers emphasized that this initiative will broaden alternative investment opportunities beyond equities, fostering a digital and transparent investment environment. Furthermore, it will pave the way for the introduction of diverse financial products in the capital market, thus enhancing the overall investment landscape.