The Securities and Exchange Commission has warned that capital market operators who fail to renew their registration for the year 2025 by January 31 risk severe penalties and exclusion from market activities.

This was disclosed in a circular issued by the Commission on Sunday, reminding CMOs to commence the annual renewal process between January 1 and January 31, 2025.

“All CMOs applying for renewal are required to include their 2025 annual subscription receipt from their respective trade groups as part of their application,” SEC stated.

The Commission emphasised that the renewal process must be completed via its electronic portal, adding that CMOs without valid registration will face penalties.

SEC reintroduced periodic registration renewal in 2021 to maintain a reliable database of active operators and to curb unethical practices in the Nigerian capital market. The measure, according to the Commission, is aimed at boosting investor confidence, improving market integrity, and strengthening oversight.

“The aim was to provide updated information on operators in the Nigerian capital market for reference and other official purposes by local and foreign investors, other regulatory agencies, and the public. The renewal was also introduced to increasingly reduce incidences of unethical practices by CMOs that may affect investors’ confidence and impact negatively on the Nigerian capital market, as well as strengthen supervision and monitoring of CMOs by the commission,” the statement added.

The Securities and Exchange Commission has mandated all capital market operators to implement an enterprise risk management framework that aligns with internationally recognised standards.

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