All existing investment crowdfunding portals/digital commodities investment platforms have been directed by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to either abide with the registration requirements or close shops by June 30, 2021.
The apex regulator, in a statement released on Thursday, said that the platforms should be conversant with the stipulations of the commission for galvanizing funds through a crowdfunding channel.
According to the statement made available on their website, “In line with the transitional provisions of the rules, all persons/entities operating an investment crowdfunding portal/digital commodities investment platform prior to the commencement of the rules were expected to restructure all operations in accordance with the requirements of the rules and apply for registration not later than 90 days from the effective date.
“While the transitional period elapsed on April 21, 2021, the commission hereby directs all existing investment crowdfunding portals/digital commodities investment platforms to note the requirements and eligibility criteria for raising funds through and/or operating a crowdfunding portal and comply with the registration requirements or cease operations by June 30, 2021, failing which the operations of such platform would be categorized as illegal and attract regulatory sanction as stipulated in the Rules.”
It reminded players that “…as part of efforts to ensure investor protection while encouraging innovation in the conduct of securities business, the rules governing Crowdfunding business in Nigeria came into effect on the 21st day of January, 2021.”
Azuka Edokobi is a Writer , a Farmer, a Supply Chain Expert and an Entrepreneur
