By Philippine Duru

philippineobetoduru@gmail.com

08034905774

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of Nigeria has introduced a fully digital electronic registration (e-registration) platform for capital market operators, marking a significant milestone in its ongoing efforts to modernise the nation’s capital market and enhance the ease of doing business.

The new system is designed to streamline the licensing and registration process for both existing and prospective capital market operators by eliminating manual procedures, reducing paperwork, and expediting regulatory approvals.

This initiative forms part of the Commission’s broader digital transformation agenda, which aims to improve operational efficiency, strengthen transparency, and foster a more technology-driven regulatory environment that supports the growth and competitiveness of Nigeria’s financial markets.

Through the platform, applicants seeking licences or registration as capital market operators can now complete the entire process online, including the submission of applications and supporting documents, payment of applicable fees, and communication with the regulator. The electronic system is expected to significantly reduce processing timelines while enhancing accuracy, accountability, and overall service delivery.

The SEC stated that the transition to a fully digital registration process reflects its commitment to adopting innovative technological solutions aligned with global regulatory best practices, as well as supporting the Federal Government’s broader agenda of promoting digital governance across public institutions.

By replacing manual documentation with an electronic workflow, the Commission anticipates reduced administrative bottlenecks, minimised processing delays, and improved convenience for market participants. The platform is also expected to strengthen regulatory oversight through more efficient record management, real-time monitoring capabilities, and enhanced data integrity.

Industry stakeholders have noted that the introduction of the e-registration system could lower compliance costs for operators, encourage broader participation in Nigeria’s capital market, and strengthen investor confidence through a more transparent and predictable regulatory framework.

The initiative aligns with the SEC’s ongoing reform programme aimed at deepening the capital market, expanding investment opportunities, enhancing investor protection, and attracting both domestic and foreign capital. It also complements the Commission’s wider efforts to leverage digital technology to improve regulatory efficiency and position Nigeria’s capital market as a more competitive investment destination.

Market analysts further suggest that the development is expected to improve the overall business environment for capital market operators by making regulatory interactions faster, more efficient, and more transparent, while reinforcing the Commission’s role as a forward-looking regulator committed to innovation and sustainable market development.

By Philippine Duru

philippineobetoduru@gmail.com

08034905774

By Philippine Duru

philippineobetoduru@gmail.com

07034905774

Africa’s rapidly expanding financial technology (fintech) industry is entering a new phase of development, with payment system failures, rising fraud risks and regulatory compliance emerging as the dominant issues shaping discussions among industry leaders, investors and policymakers.

While the continent’s fintech ecosystem has transformed financial inclusion by enabling millions of previously unbanked people to access digital payments, savings, lending and remittance services, experts say the industry’s next stage of growth will depend less on rapid customer acquisition and more on building resilient, secure and trustworthy payment infrastructure. Industry reports indicate that compliance, cybersecurity and fraud prevention have become top priorities for leading fintech companies as digital transactions continue to surge across Africa.

Across major fintech markets including Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Egypt and Ghana, stakeholders say recurring transaction failures remain one of the biggest threats to customer confidence. Consumers and merchants continue to experience delayed settlements, unsuccessful transfers, failed card transactions and occasional service disruptions, particularly during periods of high transaction volumes.

The operational challenges have become more significant as digital payments increasingly support everyday commercial activities, from retail purchases and transport payments to salary disbursements and cross-border trade. Businesses warn that prolonged payment delays can disrupt cash flow, reduce customer satisfaction and increase operational costs.

Industry executives are also expressing growing concern over increasingly sophisticated cyber fraud schemes targeting fintech platforms. Criminals are deploying advanced phishing attacks, identity theft, account takeovers, social engineering and other digital fraud techniques to exploit weaknesses in payment systems and customer verification processes.

Reports indicate that financial institutions across Africa continue to lose billions of naira and millions of dollars annually to electronic payment fraud, prompting fintech companies to increase investments in artificial intelligence-powered fraud detection, biometric authentication, stronger identity verification and real-time transaction monitoring.

The changing risk landscape has shifted industry priorities from growth at all costs to sustainable expansion supported by stronger governance, regulatory compliance and operational resilience. Investors are increasingly favouring fintech firms that demonstrate sound risk management, profitability and robust internal controls rather than focusing solely on rapid user growth.

Regulators across the continent have also intensified oversight of the sector as digital financial services become increasingly central to national economies. Authorities are introducing stricter compliance requirements covering anti-money laundering measures, customer verification, cybersecurity standards and consumer protection in an effort to strengthen confidence in digital finance.

Despite these challenges, analysts remain optimistic about Africa’s fintech outlook. The continent continues to experience strong growth in smartphone adoption, internet connectivity and digital payment usage, creating significant opportunities for innovation in embedded finance, cross-border payments, merchant services and financial inclusion.

Industry observers believe that companies capable of combining seamless customer experiences with reliable payment infrastructure, strong cybersecurity and full regulatory compliance will be best positioned to attract investment and expand across African markets.

As the sector matures, experts say restoring and maintaining customer trust will be just as important as technological innovation. They argue that reducing payment failures, strengthening fraud prevention systems and improving operational reliability will determine which fintech firms emerge as long-term leaders in Africa’s increasingly competitive digital financial services landscape.

By Philippine

philippineobetoduru@gmail.com

08034905774

O’tega Ogra has been elected President of the Advertisers Association of Nigeria for the 2026–2028 term, with a commitment to deepen collaboration with regulators, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to enhance the advertising sector’s contribution to Nigeria’s economic growth.

Ogra’s emergence as president marks a new chapter for the association as it seeks to strengthen the role of advertisers in shaping industry standards, promoting responsible marketing practices, and driving innovation in Nigeria’s rapidly evolving advertising and marketing communications landscape.

Speaking after his election, Ogra pledged to foster stronger engagement with government agencies, regulatory authorities, media organizations, and private sector stakeholders to create a more enabling environment for the advertising industry.

He said his administration would prioritize policy advocacy, industry collaboration, capacity building, and innovation while ensuring that the interests of advertisers are effectively represented in discussions on regulations affecting the sector.

According to him, closer collaboration between ADVAN and key regulatory institutions will help address industry challenges, improve compliance, and support policies that encourage sustainable growth across the advertising value chain.

Ogra also emphasized the need to strengthen partnerships with media owners, advertising agencies, digital platforms, research firms, and other stakeholders to improve transparency, enhance consumer trust, and promote ethical advertising practices.

Industry observers said the advertising sector plays a critical role in supporting business growth by helping companies build brands, expand market reach, stimulate consumer demand, and promote competition across various sectors of the economy.

They noted that as digital transformation continues to reshape consumer behavior, the industry must embrace innovation, data-driven marketing, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies to remain competitive and deliver greater value to businesses.

Stakeholders further stressed that stronger engagement with regulators would be essential in developing policies that balance consumer protection with the need to encourage creativity, investment, and growth within the advertising ecosystem.

Under Ogra’s leadership, ADVAN is also expected to intensify advocacy for improved industry standards, greater professionalism, and stronger collaboration among advertisers, agencies, media organizations, and technology providers.

Analysts believe a more coordinated relationship between industry players and regulators could enhance investor confidence, attract greater advertising expenditure, and contribute to the growth of Nigeria’s creative and digital economy.

The advertising industry has increasingly become an important driver of economic activity, supporting sectors such as manufacturing, telecommunications, financial services, retail, entertainment, healthcare, and technology through strategic brand communication and consumer engagement.

Observers said ADVAN’s renewed focus on stakeholder engagement comes at a time when businesses are adapting to changing consumer preferences, expanding digital advertising investments, and navigating an increasingly complex regulatory environment.

They expressed optimism that the association’s new leadership would strengthen the voice of advertisers, encourage innovation, and promote policies capable of unlocking the full potential of Nigeria’s advertising industry.

With O’tega Ogra at the helm for the 2026–2028 term, stakeholders expect ADVAN to play a more active role in advancing industry reforms, fostering collaboration, and positioning advertising as a key contributor to Nigeria’s economic diversification and sustainable development.