The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has stated that it is leveraging the various opportunities available in the Fintech space to ensure proper regulation of the capital market in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Acting Director-General of SEC, Ms Mary Uduk, in a statement at the weekend, noted that the apex regulator had to employ various means to ensure that the market is able to operate remotely as well as ensure that investors are able to get the benefit of their investments at this critical time when they need them.
“No one saw this coming, but here it is with us. We had to quickly activate our Business Continuity Plans to ensure that there is no gap in regulation. So most of us are leveraging technology, and our staff is working remotely, we are interacting with market operators who are also working remotely.
“Our staff is equipped to be able to continue to work remotely and support the market in every area. We have also issued circulars to capital market operators guiding them on how we expect that the market remains open and continues to function seamlessly.
“You are aware that many companies have been able to hold virtual AGMs and have also paid out dividends to their shareholders in spite of the lockdown. This they have been able to do with the aid of technology,” Uduk said.
In the statement, released by SEC’s Head, Corporate Communication, Efe Ebelo, the acting DG said the pandemic had disrupted the market and everything else but added that with the deployment of technology, the market is able to remain open and functional.
The Acting SEC DG stressed: “In the past, we talked a lot about Fintech or Financial Technology and how it has disrupted the market but now it’s Covid-19 that has so disrupted the market, disrupted everything the way it is and therefore, as human beings, we have to adapt to be able to ensure that our lives continue and not allow Covid-19 to put our lives on hold.
“Therefore, we are leveraging technology to be able to continue to function. Initially, people were afraid of technology but right now it has become a saving grace given the Covid-19.”
She disclosed that there are recent developments and opportunities in the Fintech space, adding that the Commission is leveraging these opportunities.
SEC has launched the Fintech Roadmap for the Nigerian capital market and a dedicated committee is working with the commission and other key stakeholders to implement the recommendations of the roadmap report.
