The Securities and Exchange Commission has called for stronger adoption of technology-driven compliance systems across Nigeria’s capital market as preparations heighten for the SEC/Nigerian Capital Market Institute Compliance Summit 2025. The regulator said the upcoming conference, scheduled to take place in Lagos next week, will build on the achievements of the 2024 edition and deepen discussions on innovation-led regulatory practices.
According to the SEC, the summit is designed to help the market address emerging risks while supporting a rapidly evolving financial ecosystem shaped by digital transformation, new investment products and increased participation of technology companies. The theme for the 2025 gathering is “Innovation and Compliance – Balancing Risks and Opportunities,” which reflects the Commission’s focus on promoting smart regulation and boosting investor protection.
The event will bring together capital market operators, compliance professionals, FinTech innovators, regulators, policy experts, self-regulatory organisations and other stakeholders. The SEC noted that compliance officers are expected to play a major role at the summit because they are responsible for protecting market integrity, enforcing internal controls and ensuring that institutions quickly adjust to regulatory changes.
In a statement, the Commission explained that one of the major goals of the summit is to strengthen innovation-driven compliance practices that support regulatory efficiency and transparency. The SEC said the conference will deepen conversations on beneficial ownership disclosure, customer due diligence standards and the rising importance of RegTech solutions. These technology-based tools, including data analytics and real-time monitoring systems, are essential for identifying risks early and strengthening the market’s defences against financial crimes.
The Commission also stated that the summit will emphasise the importance of board and senior management involvement in building a strong compliance culture. According to the SEC, leadership plays a crucial role in ensuring that institutions follow ethical practices, maintain robust risk management systems and enforce anti-money laundering (AML) and countering the financing of terrorism (CFT) regulations across their operations.
The regulator said the 2025 summit will offer a unique platform for deep analysis of Nigeria’s regulatory landscape as market participants prepare for full adoption of ISA 2025 compliance requirements. Experts will lead sessions examining the changing expectations for operators, the evolution of regulatory frameworks and the responsibilities that come with the new investment climate.
In addition, the SEC highlighted that the forum will encourage broad engagement between stakeholders on the link between technology, compliance and risk management. As digitalisation accelerates through the expansion of FinTech companies and Virtual Asset Service Providers, the market faces increasing risks that require advanced compliance systems. The Commission noted that RegTech tools, data-driven solutions and automated reporting frameworks will become central to managing these risks.
The SEC added that the summit will help build consensus and provide clarity on leadership responsibilities in compliance. By addressing existing ambiguities and sharing expert insights, the forum aims to strengthen corporate governance frameworks that align compliance with strategic decision-making at the highest level of institutions.
The Commission further explained that the event will outline both immediate and long-term strategies for implementing the new regulatory requirements under ISA 2025. These include addressing potential gaps in current systems, identifying areas where market operators need additional support and developing practical solutions that improve efficiency for regulators and institutions.
The SEC concluded that the 2025 Compliance Summit will continue to support Nigeria’s broader goal of building a modern, transparent and digitally ready capital market that can compete globally, attract more investments and protect investors.
