SEC Launches Electronic Registration for Capital Market

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced the commencement of a fully electronic registration process for capital market operators in Nigeria. This initiative is part of the SEC's efforts to modernize the capital market and improve regulatory efficiency.

The new e-Registration platform, accessible through the SEC's ePortal, allows Capital Market Operators (CMOs) to complete registration processes online, including application submission, regulatory review, approvals, and communication of decisions. This transition eliminates manual processing and is expected to simplify regulatory interactions, reduce administrative bottlenecks, and shorten processing timelines.

The SEC stated that the digital platform would enhance the integrity of regulatory processes by minimizing delays associated with paper documentation and improving the quality of regulatory data. The implementation will occur in phases, with the current phase limited to post-registration services for existing CMOs.

New registration applications for entrants into the Nigerian capital market will be announced later. The SEC urged all CMOs to familiarize themselves with the new platform to ensure a smooth transition.