The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has announced that all Capital Market Operators (CMOs) must renew their registration for the 2026 operational year between January 1 and January 31, 2026, as part of efforts to modernize Nigeria’s capital market and strengthen investor confidence.
In a statement released on December 21, 2025, the SEC said the renewal exercise will be conducted primarily through its digital platform, enabling operators to submit documents and update registration information online. This digital approach aims to eliminate delays associated with manual submissions and enhance transparency in regulatory processes.
The Director-General of SEC, Dr. Emomotimi Agama, emphasised that the deadline is part of a broader agenda to build a more efficient, tech-driven regulatory environment that supports market growth and protects investors.
“We are intensifying efforts to ensure the capital market operates on a transparent, streamlined, and technology-enabled platform. Renewal of registration ensures that only compliant and qualified operators participate in market activities,” said the SEC in its release.
What the Deadline Means for Market Operators and MSMEs
Capital market operators, including brokers, dealers, fund managers, and investment advisers, must complete the renewal process before the January 31, 2026 deadline or risk regulatory penalties or loss of license.
The renewed push for digital registration aligns with the SEC’s strategy to automate regulatory workflows, support compliance monitoring, and speed up service delivery. Analysts say this will benefit MSMEs that interact with capital market intermediaries, as stronger regulatory oversight can enhance access to capital, investment vehicles, and market opportunities.
By reducing administrative bottlenecks and improving the efficiency of licence issuance and renewal, SEC’s digital transformation is expected to encourage broader participation in Nigeria’s financial markets, potentially unlocking additional funding sources for small and medium-sized enterprises across sectors.
How to Renew Registration
SEC’s official circular specifies that operators must:
- Upload the 2026 annual subscription receipt issued by their trade association.
- Submit all required documents via the SEC ePortal.
- Complete the process no later than January 31, 2026 to avoid penalties or exclusion from market activities.
Market observers say the renewed focus on compliance and digital efficiency reflects Nigeria’s broader ambition to deepen financial markets and attract both domestic and foreign investment.
