The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering innovation within the fintech and digital asset space, emphasizing that its regulatory efforts are designed to ensure market stability rather than stifle operations. During the second Bi-Annual Regulator/FinTech Clinic in Abuja, SEC Director-General Emomotimi Agama encouraged operators to adopt clear registration pathways while adhering to the Investments and Securities Act 2025.

SEC officials highlighted that common hurdles for firm registration include inadequate risk governance, insufficient capital, and weak compliance plans. The Commission reiterated that its Approval-in-Principle remains a supervisory tool to assess governance and investor protection. Furthermore, the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) urged operators to strengthen anti-money laundering measures, noting that investment fraud remains a significant area of concern. The SEC continues to refine its oversight, having recently raised capital requirements for digital asset exchanges and custodians to two billion naira.