Nigeria’s SEC has introduced stricter capital rules for crypto firms to boost investor protection and market stability.
Nigeria’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has announced a new minimum capital requirement of ₦2 billion for cryptocurrency exchanges, replacing the 2015 capital regime. The directive was issued in a circular dated January 16, 2026, with a compliance deadline of June 30, 2027.
Under the new framework, Digital Assets Exchanges and Custodians must raise capital from ₦500 million to ₦2 billion. Digital Assets Offering Platforms now require ₦1 billion, while several new categories have been introduced. These include Ancillary Virtual Assets Service Providers with ₦300 million, Digital Assets Intermediaries and Platform Operators with ₦500 million, and Real-world Assets Tokenization Platforms with ₦1 billion.
The SEC warned that firms failing to comply risk suspension or withdrawal of registration, though transitional arrangements may apply. The regulator said the changes aim to strengthen market resilience, improve investor protection, and align capital levels with the growing risks in digital asset activities. Analysts expect consolidation across the sector.
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