The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has emphasized that investor education is vital for maintaining a healthy capital market and building investor confidence. A well-informed investor base is crucial for the stability and growth of any capital market.
During the opening of the 2024 International Organisation of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) World Investor Week (WIW), SEC Director General Dr. Emomotimi Agama, represented by Executive Commissioner Operations Mr. Bola Ajomale, highlighted that investor education empowers individuals to make informed decisions, protecting them from fraud, Ponzi schemes, misinformation, and excessive risk.
Agama noted an increase in retail investor participation in Nigeria’s capital market, underscoring the importance of strengthening educational initiatives, particularly in the age of digital finance. He stated, “As financial products become more complex and technology-driven—from fintech innovations to cryptocurrency trading—it is critical for stakeholders to equip investors with the knowledge to navigate these markets confidently and responsibly.”
World Investor Week serves as a platform to reinforce this commitment. Throughout the week, the SEC will engage with investors to discuss best practices and focus on improving transparency and accountability in financial markets. Agama encouraged participants to take advantage of these opportunities to learn and share knowledge, fostering a robust, investor-friendly ecosystem.
The SEC’s focus for 2024 is particularly timely, covering critical areas such as Technology and Digital Finance, Crypto Assets, and Sustainable Finance. Agama noted the potential rewards in these sectors are immense, but the risks are equally significant.
He explained that technological advancements are reshaping capital markets, creating opportunities for greater efficiency, transparency, and inclusion. Fintech solutions are democratizing access to financial services, reducing transaction costs, and enabling faster, more secure operations in the market. The rapid adoption of mobile technology and digital payments in Nigeria illustrates the substantial growth potential in digital finance.
As the SEC embraces these innovations, it is committed to working with other regulators to establish frameworks that protect investors. The goal is to ensure that technological advancements are responsibly deployed and that market participants understand the risks associated with digital finance, including cybersecurity threats and data privacy concerns.
In his remarks, Lagos State Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu emphasized that Lagos, as Nigeria’s commercial hub, is at the forefront of innovation, technology, and finance. Represented by Deputy Chief of Staff Mr. Sam Egube, he stated that the emergence of digital assets and the increasing role of technology in finance present both unprecedented opportunities and challenges. Therefore, it is crucial to engage thoughtfully and strategically with these developments.
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