Secure Your Business Banking: A Guide to Mandatory DNFBP Registration

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Secure Your Business Banking: A Guide to Mandatory DNFBP Registration
20 Jan, 2026

Secure Your Business Banking: A Guide to Mandatory DNFBP Registration

Is your business at risk of having its bank accounts shut down? Learn who needs a mandatory DNFBP certificate, the step-by-step registration process, and how to stay compliant with AML regulations.




Recent FBR regulatory enforcement has made it mandatory requirement for Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions (DNFBPs) to obtain a registration or certificate. This is a critical global anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing (CTF) measure.

 

Current Policy on Bank Account Closure

Banks and other financial institutions are now under strict regulatory orders to identify and verify the DNFBP status of their business customers. The standard policy is clear:

  • If a business is identified as a DNFBP but fails to provide this certificate upon request or during routine compliance reviews, the bank   is obligated to suspend and subsequently close the business's bank accounts.This is not discretionary; it is a legal requirement to mitigate the risk of financial crime.

 

Who is Liabale to Register for DNFBP?

Entities and professionals engaged in the following activities are typically classified as DNFBPs and must register:

  • Real Estate Agents & Developers: Especially involved in transactions concerning the buying and selling of real estate.
  • Dealers in Precious Metals and Stones (Jewellers, Bullion Traders): When engaged in any cash transaction above a specified threshold.
  • Legal Professionals & Law Firms: When they prepare or carry out transactions for clients related to:
  • Construction and Developer firm.
  • Managing client money, securities, or other assets.
  • Dealers in Cars/Cars Showroom.
  • Accounting Professionals & Audit Firms: When providing specific services related to company creation, acting as a trustee, or managing client funds.
  • Trust & Company Service Providers (TCSPs): Firms that provide services like forming companies/trusts, acting as a nominee shareholder, or providing a registered office or business address.

If your business operates in any of these sectors, you are likely obligated to register.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How to Get a DNFBP Certificate/Registration 
The process is administered by the national FBR, the general steps are:

  1. Identification & Application: Visit the official website of FBR to apply for the DNFBP registration.
  2. Document Submission: Prepare and submit the required documents, which usually include:
    1. Business registration/license from the relevant authority (e.g., SECP, Chamber of Commerce).
    2. National Tax Number (NTN) certificate.
    3. Copies of owners/partners/directors' identity cards and passports.
    4. Police Verification Certificate/Character Certificate from nearest Police Khidmat Markaz
    5. Nature of business activities and expected transaction patterns (Real Estate,developer,construction etc).
    6. Verification & Approval: The FBR will review the application. They may request additional information.

Upon successful verification,Reg Certificate is issued, downloadable from portal.

Immediate Action Required: If you belong to a DNFBP sector and have not yet registered, you should cease all activities requiring registration and initiate the application process immediately. Proactively inform your bank of your application status to potentially avoid sudden account disruption. Non-compliance can lead not only to account closure but also to significant penalties and legal consequences.

 

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