The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has announced that digital asset exchanges and online forex trading platforms must now register before operating in Nigeria. This new rule is part of the recently passed Investments and Securities Act (ISA) 2025, which was signed into law by President Bola Tinubu in March.

According to the SEC, running such platforms without being registered is now a criminal offense. The law is aimed at improving Nigeria’s financial market and ensuring investor safety, especially in the growing digital finance world.

The SEC urged any company planning to start a business in digital assets or online forex trading to contact the HOD DRM Department for proper guidance on registration.

The new law gives the SEC more power to oversee all types of exchanges, including digital and virtual asset platforms. The Director-General of the SEC, Emomotimi Agama, said the law will help build trust in the market and make sure all financial activities are done legally.

He added that while innovation is welcome, it must happen in a way that protects investors and keeps the market safe.

With the ISA 2025 now active, all businesses and stakeholders are advised to follow the new rules to avoid penalties.