The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has identified illegal trading platforms operating under the names “Hillhouse Capital/Hillhouse Investment” and “S-169 Wharton.” These platforms are attracting investors with exaggerated promises of high returns from investments in listed company shares. The SECP emphasizes that these entities are neither licensed nor authorized to conduct any investment or trading activities in Pakistan.
Authorities have reported these illegal platforms to relevant law enforcement agencies for further investigation. The SECP regularly advises the public to exercise caution against fraudulent investment schemes, which often circulate through WhatsApp groups. Fraudsters commonly misuse the names of licensed brokers, established institutions, or reputed professionals to appear credible.
Investors are strongly urged to engage only with SECP-licensed securities and futures brokers. Verification should be done exclusively through official communication channels listed on the brokers’ websites. For reference, lists of licensed brokers are available on the Pakistan Stock Exchange and Pakistan Mercantile Exchange websites. This ensures transparency and protects investors from potential financial losses.
The SECP also warns the public against depositing or investing any funds with “Hillhouse Capital/Hillhouse Investment,” “S-169 Wharton,” or any similar illegal platforms. Individuals promoting such platforms should be treated with extreme caution. Investors should verify the legitimacy of any investment service before conducting financial transactions or sharing personal information.
Experts note that unlicensed trading apps pose severe risks to investors, including potential loss of funds and identity misuse. Additionally, these platforms may falsely advertise investment returns and manipulate user data to maintain credibility. Awareness and vigilance are therefore critical to preventing participation in fraudulent schemes.
By following SECP’s guidelines, investors can ensure they engage only with legitimate brokers and investment platforms. Regulatory authorities continue to monitor the market for illegal operations while promoting investor education. SECP’s repeated cautions highlight the importance of protecting public confidence in Pakistan’s financial and capital markets.
The advisory underscores the necessity for investors to act prudently, verify platform credentials, and avoid high-return promises from unverified sources. With financial fraud increasingly common, strict adherence to SECP’s recommendations is essential for safeguarding assets.
