Capital market operators to complete 2025 registration renewal in January

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has directed all capital market operators (CMOs) to complete the process of renewal of their 2025 registration on or before January 31.

The directive is part of the new requirement for CMOs seeking to renew annual registration with the commission.

The new requirement is contained in a statement signed by the Director of Registration, Exchanges and Market Infrastructure Department (REMI), Hafsat Rufai, on behalf of the Commission’s Director General, Dr Emomotimi Agama.

According to the commission, CMOs without valid registration will be penalised and may be excluded from carrying out capital market activities.

“This is to inform all CMOs that the annual renewal of registration of CMOs for 2025 will commence on January 01, 2025. All CMOs applying for renewal of registration are required to include their 2025 annual receipt from their respective groups as part of their application.

“In line with the commission’s rules and regulations, all CMOs are to complete the process of renewal of registration for 2025, on or before January 31, 2025., Note that CMOs without valid registration will be penalized and may be excluded from carrying out capital market activities,” the statement said.

The Chairman of the Association of Securities Dealing Houses of Nigeria (ASHON), Sam Onukwue, lauded the commission and urged market operators to take advantage of the new directive.

“It is a welcome development, and we duly commend the SEC for the directive. It will strengthen trade groups in their advocacy role as well as in promoting market transparency and professionalism.”

A member of the Exceptional Shareholders Association of Nigeria, Olugbosun Ariyo, described the directive as a welcome development.

He said it is essential that all CMOs register and comply with the regulatory requirements, noting that it will help to build trust and confidence in the market, which is critical for attracting investments.

“I commend the SEC for taking this step and I urge all CMOs to comply with the registration renewal process by the deadline. As an investor, I’m eager to see a more regulated and transparent market, and I believe this directive is a step in the right direction.”