SEC Goes Fully Digital, Unveils Online Registration For Capital Market Operators

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has rolled out a fully digital platform for processing post-registration services for capital market operators (CMOs), marking a major step in its drive to modernise regulation and improve efficiency in Nigeria’s capital market.
Beginning August 10, registered CMOs will be able to submit applications, undergo regulatory reviews and receive approvals entirely online through the commission’s e-registration portal, eliminating the need for manual processing.
The Commission, in a circular dated July 28, said the initiative is designed to create a seamless digital regulatory ecosystem that enhances operational efficiency while strengthening oversight through electronic documentation, standardised workflows, secure record-keeping and improved audit trails.
SEC clarified that the first phase applies only to operators already registered with the commission, adding that electronic processing for new registration applications will be introduced in a subsequent phase.
According to the regulator, the phased rollout is intended to ensure a smooth transition for market participants without disrupting existing regulatory processes.
The online platform will handle a broad range of post-registration services, including appointments, resignations and removal of directors, appointment and transfer of sponsored individuals, appointment of acting compliance officers, opening and closure of branch offices, changes of company name, address and logo, issuance of letters of good standing, and withdrawal of registered functions or CMO registration.
The digital migration builds on the commission’s automation agenda unveiled in December 2025, when it announced plans to digitise registration processes and regulatory filings.
SEC Director-General, Emomotimi Agama, had earlier disclosed that the commission had already deployed a commercial paper issuance module, while work was ongoing to automate quarterly and annual returns filing as part of efforts to deepen efficiency and transparency in Nigeria’s capital market.