Nigeria’s SEC To Target Crypto Exchanges That Don’t ‘Play By The Books’

As a Nigerian crypto investor with a decade of experience in this dynamic digital market, I wholeheartedly welcome the SEC’s decision to enforce strict regulations on unlicensed platforms. While it’s essential for our burgeoning industry to remain innovative and competitive, it is equally important that we prioritize investor protection and adhere to clear regulatory guidelines.


In simple terms, the Nigerian Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has declared that it intends to regulate all unlicensed individuals and businesses, including cryptocurrency platforms, within Nigeria’s borders. The SEC made this announcement due to the increasing enthusiasm among young people towards this sector.

Nigerian Regulator Targets Unlicensed Crypto Platforms

Nigeria’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has announced plans to enforce rules against unauthorized cryptocurrency platforms. Their goal is to safeguard investors, foster technological advancement in the sector, and oversee businesses operating beyond their current regulatory scope.

According to reports from Nairametrics, Emomotimi Agama, head of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in Nigeria, stated in a recent announcement that businesses unwilling to comply with the Commission’s rules will be prohibited from conducting operations within the nation.

We’ll undoubtedly take action to enforce regulations on anyone intending to work within this market. Those unwilling to follow the rules will find they cannot function within our domain.

The decision comes after the recent approval in principle of two crypto exchanges, Quidax and Busha. The SEC’s Director stated that the decision to approve the platforms stemmed from the country’s “need to create an inclusive financial system” that considers the growing interest in digital assets among the younger population.

It’s essential that we adapt to the worldwide developments in digital finances. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is determined to keep Nigeria at the forefront of global financial markets, by fostering competitiveness and innovation. We are working diligently to cultivate the required skills and resources to tackle both the hurdles and benefits that these novel investment classes may bring.

Strict Regulations To Encourage Market Development

The two most recent cryptocurrency trading platforms, which have been given approval, are currently the sole ones regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Agama mentioned that the Commission has received a significant number of applications for regulation from unregulated crypto exchanges within the nation.

In spite of any confusion, the SEC’s Director emphasized that the number of approved platforms will depend on their capacity to fulfill the commission’s stringent regulatory requirements. It’s crucial to establish a transparent regulatory system that safeguards investors and fosters innovation simultaneously.

In addition, Agama emphasized that transparency, regulations against money laundering, and efforts to prevent terrorist financing are crucial aspects of the SEC’s supervision over the cryptocurrency sector.

According to the report, the Commission is actively taking steps to protect Nigerians from deceptive practices and misinformation in the digital market. Furthermore, the Securities and Exchange Commission recommended that crypto exchanges’ operations should be closely watched to ensure they don’t negatively impact the economy, all while fostering growth within the sector.

Our goal is to perform all these actions, ensuring that innovation isn’t impeded, as one of our main duties as the SEC involves fostering market growth and development.

In simpler terms, the Head of the SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) reinforced their dedication to maintaining a market regulated by transparent rules. Additionally, he highlighted the importance of education and a structured regulatory approach for cryptocurrency investments, ensuring that investors in Nigeria are knowledgeable about the law and compliant with it.

It’s worth noting that, despite the country’s “vision” to develop the growing industry, Nigerian authorities continue to receive backlash for their treatment of the detained Binance executive, Tigran Gambaryan.

According to Bitcoinist, the ongoing dispute between Binance and Nigeria has sparked concerns over the nation’s efforts to apply laws within the cryptocurrency industry. Gambaryan, who has been in detention since February, is still facing prosecution as his health situation remains grave. The verdict on his bail request is expected on October 9th.

Nigeria’s SEC To Target Crypto Exchanges That Don’t ‘Play By The Books’

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2024-09-09 20:12