The Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) has expanded access to its Electronic Subscription System (ESS), allowing private investors to participate in selected primary investment opportunities through the digital platform.
The move introduces a new Private Investor (PI) category on ESS, enabling individuals, registered institutions and approved funds to invest in privately offered bonds, open-end mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and equities approved by regulators.
Previously, ESS access was limited to Eligible Investor (EI) and Qualified Investor (QI) categories, which mainly covered institutional and sophisticated investors. The addition of the PI category allows a wider group of investors to use the platform for primary market participation.
DSE announced the initiative at an awareness workshop held through Zoom, attended by representatives from merchant banks, asset management companies, trading rights entitlement certificate (TREC) holders and other market participants.
Under the new category, individuals can register as PI investors using their national identity card and bank account details, while institutions and funds will need registration certificates and bank account information. DSE said no registration fee would be required for PI registration.
The exchange said the expansion of ESS would help create a more transparent and digital investment process while widening access to financial products beyond traditional equities.
The workshop also explained the ESS registration and subscription process, required information and operational procedures for using the platform.
DSE said the initiative could support the development of a more diversified capital market by creating greater participation in products such as bonds, funds and other investment instruments.
