Nigeria’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has announced the rollout of electronic processing for registration services for Capital Market Operators (CMOs), marking another step in its drive to fully digitise regulation of the country’s capital market.
In a circular dated July 28, the commission said the new e-registration platform, integrated into its e-portal, will become operational on August 10, allowing existing CMOs to submit applications, undergo regulatory reviews and receive approvals entirely online.
The SEC said the initiative is designed to create a seamless digital regulatory system that improves operational efficiency while strengthening oversight across the capital market.
According to the commission, the platform will introduce standardised workflows, electronic documentation, secure digital record-keeping and stronger audit trails to enhance regulatory compliance.
The regulator clarified that the first phase applies only to post-registration services for operators already registered with the commission. Applications from new entrants into the capital market are not yet covered, with electronic processing for fresh registrations to be announced later.
The SEC said the phased implementation is intended to give market participants enough time to adapt without disrupting ongoing regulatory activities. It urged all Capital Market Operators to familiarise themselves with the new platform and comply with the implementation timetable.
The commission listed 15 application categories that will now be processed electronically. These include the appointment, resignation or removal of directors, additional functions, registration and exit of sponsored individuals, transfer of sponsored individual registration, appointment of acting compliance officers, opening and closure of branch offices, changes of name, address or logo, requests for letters of good standing, and withdrawal of registered functions or CMO registration.
The development follows the SEC’s announcement in December 2025 that it planned to introduce electronic processing of registration applications and updates in the first quarter of 2026.
SEC Director-General Emomotimi Agama said a commercial paper issuance module is already operational, while work continues on automating the filing of quarterly and annual returns.
