Bangladesh’s securities regulator has approved the issuance of letters of intent to six firms seeking registration as commodity derivatives brokers. The decision at BSEC’s 19 October emergency meeting advances a necessary part of the country’s proposed commodity market: the intermediaries that would connect customers to trading.[1]
The firms are Sohel Securities, Island Securities, NLI Securities, Be Rich, PHP Stocks & Securities and UCB Stock Brokerage. The approval concerns their applications for commodity derivatives business. Its in-principle status matters because the announcement records a step towards registration, rather than a commencement date for customer trading.[1]
The Chittagong Stock Exchange is preparing the trading platform. According to The Business Standard, the exchange has proposed starting with gold, silver and crude palm oil futures using international pricing benchmarks. These proposals identify the intended initial market; each instrument remains subject to BSEC approval.[3]
The 2023 Commodity Exchange Rules explain the division of responsibilities. Rule 21 requires registration before a person carries on the regulated activity. Rules 24 and 25 provide for applications, scrutiny and the issue of a registration certificate. Separately, Rule 13 requires BSEC approval before an exchange offers a commodity derivatives contract for trading.[2]
For local brokerages, the proposed market could create a business beyond arranging equity trades. Futures allow customers to manage exposure to changing commodity prices, while the selection of an international benchmark will affect how well a contract matches a customer’s local commercial exposure. The usefulness of the market will depend on that fit as well as access.[3]
The next milestones are registration terms, approved contract specifications and an operating timetable. Together they will define the service businesses can use and the responsibilities the brokers take on.[1]
Sources & further reading
- 1035th emergency commission meeting: press release Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission · 19 Oct 2026 · Accessed 21 Oct 2026
- Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (Commodity Exchange) Rules,2023 Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission · 16 Oct 2023 · Accessed 21 Oct 2026
- Six brokers get nod for commodity derivatives licence The Business Standard · 19 Oct 2026 · Accessed 21 Oct 2026