oleh admin | Apr 1, 2025 | information security, investing news, investors, securities, securities law
The recently enacted Investment and Securities Act (ISA 2025) in Nigeria grants the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) authority to request customer data from telecommunications and electronic communications firms within the country as part of enforcing this legislation.
Additionally, Section 3(4)(j) of the Act permits the SEC to examine the substance of communications if there is any breach of legal provisions.
The aim of this new clause is to grant the Commission authority to access telephone, internet, and electronic data records, thereby significantly streamlining its investigative and enforcement capabilities.
Emomotimi Agama, the Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission, stated that the newly enacted Investment and Securities Act (ISA 2025), which was recently signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, grants the SEC authority to pursue individuals involved in Ponzi schemes. These perpetrators could face a minimum sentence of ten years in prison under this legislation.
Agama stated, “Under the new legislation, they could receive a prison sentence of up to 10 years.” Furthermore, he mentioned that individuals involved in running a Ponzi scheme in Nigeria would also be required to pay a fine of N40 million as per this law.
On Tuesday, during an interview with Arise TV, the SEC DG mentioned that previously, the commission lacked the necessary legal framework to take action against perpetrators of Ponzi schemes. This deficiency made it challenging to hold these individuals accountable. However, he highlighted that the introduction of the new ISA has addressed this issue.
“The SEC will possess the authority to acquire subscriber information kept or managed by Internet service providers, telecommunications companies, and other electronic communications services based in Nigeria. This includes data identifying subscribers, financial transactions, and pertinent details such as the contents of communications related to potential violations or breaches of this legislation or other securities laws, codes, and regulations,” the document specified.
For the first time, Nigeria has enacted new capital market regulations that categorize cryptocurrencies and other digital assets as securities. This move aims to enhance transparency and attract more investment.
President Bola Tinubu has recently approved the new Investments and Securities Act (ISA) 2024, replacing the previous Investments and Securities Act No. 29 from 2007.
The legislation clearly identifies virtual or digital assets and investment contracts as forms of securities, thereby bringing Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs), Digital Asset Operators (DAOPs), and Digital Asset Exchanges within the jurisdiction of the SEC for regulation purposes.
This indicates that companies involved in digital assets are required to register with the SEC and adhere to their regulations, which is an essential measure for reducing fraudulent practices within the digital realm and promoting both trust and advancement in blockchain technology.
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oleh admin | Mar 25, 2025 | business, europe, investing business news, investing company news, investors
The German technology behemoth SAP SE has climbed to the top as Europe’s largest publicly traded company, overtaking the market valuation of the Danish pharmaceutical firm Novo Nordisk.
The global software firm headquartered in Walldorf, Baden-Württemberg, experienced an increase of over 1% in its stock price during early trading in Frankfurt. This boosted the company’s value, which had already surged by 40% in the last year, bringing its market capitalization close to approximately €312 billion.
“The present advancements in the stock market highlight the significant part played by tech firms in maintaining Europe’s competitiveness globally,” said an SAP representative to SANGGRALOKABusiness. “Our ongoing investments in cloud services, artificial intelligence, and innovation demonstrate SAP’s dedication to fostering digital transformation and sustainable expansion for enterprises across the world.”
At the same time, the drugmaker’s stock price in Copenhagen dropped over 2%, pushing the firm’s market capitalization slightly above 2.3 trillion Danish kroner (€309 billion). Despite announcing a 25% rise in revenues for 2024, the company’s share prices have plummeted nearly by half compared to last year’s levels.
Novo Nordisk gained prominence primarily because of its weight-loss medication, Wegovy, which drove the company’s stock prices upward until last summer when they reached approximately 1,000 Danish krone (€134). This was nearly twice their current value of 516 Danish krone.
However, the most recent updates regarding the findings of the company’s upcoming weight loss medication, CagriSema, seem discouraging since they did not demonstrate better outcomes than current treatments.
The doubt pulled down the stock price, which had already declined by approximately 16% this year.
In the meantime, the German technology firm won over its investors by adopting a strategy centered around subscription-based cloud services enhanced with advanced AI capabilities, projecting substantial increases in revenue.
JPMorgan recently stated that an “appealing buying chance has presented itself” regarding the SAP shares, noting that the investment firm’s analysts maintained their “Overweight” recommendation for the company’s stock along with setting a €300 price target.
oleh admin | Mar 25, 2025 | investing economy, investors, money, real estate, real estate market
Throughout history, happiness has consistently been humanity’s primary aim, achieved through a thriving economy. A robust and prosperous economy increases people’s contentment, ensures their satisfaction, and enables them to fulfill essentials like housing, clothes, sustenance, and other obligations. As a consequence, governments worldwide embrace an economics model focused on welfare, where every financial, societal, and governmental structure strives toward this objective—a concept that resonates deeply with utilitarian ideals aimed at enhancing overall community wellbeing. Utilitarians support endeavors promoting happiness and discourage those causing distress.
Sustaining a vibrant economy demands considerable skill and commitment from tax officials and banking regulators alike. It should come as no surprise that Nigeria’s economy faces persistent structural issues and foundational problems. Over time, the nation’s finances have suffered due to various government strategies. Describing today’s economy as anything but sound wouldn’t be amiss, considering current conditions marked by escalating inflation eating away at buying power and trust among consumers; soaring joblessness rates; increasing levels of destitution; and significant discrepancies between imported goods versus exported ones.
The current government’s economic policies have worsened inflation. To address this issue, they implemented a strict yet essential measure by eliminating the fuel subsidy, which unexpectedly led to increased inflation and widespread food shortages. The primary concern for many individuals today is figuring out how to endure these financial upheavals—how and when will things improve? Despite ongoing economic difficulties, certain fortunate citizens manage to save extra funds or earn sufficient income to allocate towards investments after covering their basic expenses.
This article aims to assist potential investors and inform the general populace about why investing in real estate might be preferable over purchasing stocks. Several Nigerian investors from previous years lost everything due to stock market losses; meanwhile, those who chose property saw their assets appreciate significantly through rental incomes and rising values. Property investment stands as one of the safest options available because your asset remains valuable unless civilization collapses entirely. While returns on real estate aren’t always spectacular depending on factors like location and quality, they remain reliable, steady, and almost foolproof.
The purpose behind your investment dictates what kind of investment would suit you best. For short-term gains within one or two years, property investment isn’t advisable; however, it’s ideal for those looking towards long-term prospects. Should you aim for capital appreciation or steady streams of revenue, perhaps even leaving something valuable for your offspring, then property investment should definitely be considered. Rest assured, once committed to property investments, both your initial capital and overall investment remain protected indefinitely. With real estate, stability goes hand-in-hand. There’s virtually zero risk of losing these funds down the line. Essentially, putting money into real estate inherently suggests safety—tangible assets that you can physically hold onto, observe grow over time, and eventually transfer as legacies.
Investments in properties are likely to increase in value over time. Realty isn’t just associated with stability—it’s also linked to sustained profit-making opportunities. Property assets serve as protection against inflation since property prices generally follow an ascending trend. Additionally, these investments offer consistent earnings streams for owners and often match or surpass inflation rates through asset appreciation. Returns from realty aren’t fixed—they usually escalate annually alongside inflation levels. Many family dynasties owe their accumulated wealth to such holdings.
From cities across continents—Europe, North America, Asia—to various regions worldwide, urban landscapes have been reshaped largely due to developments in real estate. Yet, investing in this sector involves managing numerous elements, particularly within intricate markets like those found in countries such as Nigeria. Crucial aspects include pinpointing strategic locations: where you invest significantly influences outcomes. Whether situated in thriving downtowns equipped with planned facilities or developing neighborhoods poised for expansion, sites experiencing swift economic boosts typically generate superior yields.
A significant concern for investors to monitor closely is economic patterns and shifts. The real estate sector is intricately tied to the economy. For example, Nigeria’s economy has faced numerous ups and downs, including periods of recession and issues with security. These elements contribute to volatility within the economy, which subsequently impacts the real estate market—altering both property values and rental yields. Therefore, investors should pay close attention to the broader economic climate, carefully assessing when it might be prudent to exit investments versus holding onto them. Additionally, the legislative structure plays an essential role; robust regulations provide assurance and protection for all stakeholders involved.
Olaposi is an estate surveyor and appraiser located in Lagos.
SEE ALSO: Nigerian Real Estate Attracts Investors—Analysts
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oleh admin | Mar 25, 2025 | financial services, investing, investors, securities, securities law
The Securities and Exchange Commission has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that only fit and proper individuals operate in Nigeria’s capital market, vowing to clamp down on fraudulent activities and protect investors.
A statement provided to our SEC correspondent on Sunday quoted the Director General of SEC, Emomotimi Agama, as saying that individuals involved in improper conduct within the marketplace will face consequences and won’t escape punishment.
He highlighted that the main focus of the Commission continues to be protecting investors, underlining that starting in 2025, there will be absolutely no leniency for those who do not comply.
It is crucial to emphasize that all investors in Nigeria operate under the protection of the SEC when they engage with the Nigerian capital market. Therefore, 2025 marks a year wherein we declare zero tolerance for activities outside the bounds set forth by the Investments and Securities Act of 2007.
The head of the SEC emphasized that adequate disclosure from publicly traded firms will be a major priority, since openness is crucial for maintaining investors’ trust.
As per his statement, businesses that do not furnish sufficient data to stakeholders will be subject to fines, since concealing important facts goes against SEC rules.
Public disclosures by corporations will be crucial in guaranteeing that investors receive sufficient information to make well-informed choices,” he said. “Failure to provide this information as mandated will be regarded as a breach of both the SEC regulations and the ISA.
It should be evident that there is nowhere left for people or organizations trying to deceive investors in Nigeria’s stock market to hide.
The Investment and Securities Act, which has been approved by the National Assembly, was also mentioned by Agama as an enhancement to the SEC’s regulatory structure. He remains hopeful that upon being enacted by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, this legislation will grant additional authority for combating deceptive practices and improving overall market fairness.
“We are thrilled that the National Assembly has approved the new Investment and Securities Act, and we eagerly await the President’s endorsement. The legislation is presently going through various administrative procedures prior to being presented to the President for ratification,” he stated.
He noted that one of the provisions of the new Act is stricter penalties for fraudulent schemes, including Ponzi schemes that have exploited unsuspecting investors. The SEC chief warned that perpetrators of such schemes will face severe consequences under the new law.
Ponzi schemes will no longer serve as a means for scammers to dupe investors,” he asserted confidently. “The sanctions outlined in the new ISA are severe enough to discourage these practices, and we are dedicated to enforcing them thoroughly.
The statement indicates that the SEC has initiated significant actions to rectify the marketplace. According to Agama, the recent license cancellations, suspensions of market participants, and efforts against non-registered organizations mark only the start of an extensive enforcement approach.
What you’ve witnessed until now—the cancellation and suspension of licenses along with punitive measures taken against non-registered operators—only scratches the surface,” he said. “In 2025, we plan to escalate our initiatives aimed at safeguarding investors. An empowered investor stems from protection, and we’ll utilize all available regulatory tools to prevent dishonest people from exploiting Nigerian investors.
He encouraged current as well as future marketplace operators to adhere to SEC regulations, stressing that adherence and openness are crucial for establishing a robust and enduring capital market.
Agama informed investors that the SEC is dedicated to maintaining a thoroughly regulated marketplace, fully supported by President Bola Tinubu’s administration. He emphasized that all investors in Nigeria’s capital market receive SEC protection as long as they adhere to legal guidelines.
PUNCH disclosed that the Securities and Exchange Commission intends to publicly expose capital market operators who have been convicted of breaching market rules and regulations.
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oleh admin | Mar 24, 2025 | farmers, farming sector, funding, investors, rural development
The African Development Bank Group President, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, has unveiled plans to establish a $500 million fund aimed at unlocking up to $10 billion in financial support for small-scale farmers and small agricultural businesses throughout Africa.
At the High-Level Conference on Scaling Finance for Smallholder Farmers held in Nairobi, Adesina disclosed that the Bank’s leadership is actively engaging with its Board of Directors to set up this innovative funding mechanism.
The facility will utilize various financial tools such as trade credit guarantees, first-loss coverage, blended finance approaches, and origination incentives to lower the elevated transaction costs associated with servicing businesses. This effort will be supported by providing technical assistance.
“We are at the cusp of making history through our efforts to push the limits of innovation and form broad collaborative partnerships aimed at addressing the funding shortfall faced by small-scale farmers and agricultural businesses,” stated Adesina during his keynote speech.
Co-organized alongside the Pan-African Farmers’ Organization (PAFO), this conference aimed at tackling Africa’s significant $75 billion yearly funding shortfall faced by farmers and agribusinesses.
Adesina,
who has been granted Kenya’s top national distinction lately
As stated by President William Ruto–there is an urgent call for worldwide efforts: “Let us join hands to unlock the power of agriculture across Africa. Our aim should be to transform Africa into the world’s granary. Together, let’s nourish our continent with pride!”
Advancements Since the Dakar 2 Feed Africa Summit
Adesina pointed out significant advancements made since the 2023 Dakar Feed Africa Summit, during which 34 African leaders pledged their commitment to enhancing food security and sovereignty.
Development partners’ financial pledges have skyrocketed from their original commitment of $30 billion to an impressive $72 billion within just one year. In this effort, the African Development Bank alone committed $10 billion. To date, the bank has greenlit 77 initiatives totaling $3.9 billion aimed at supporting the execution of Country Food and Agriculture Delivery Compacts in 32 nations. Furthermore, they plan to approve another $1.72 billion before the end of this year for these endeavors.
Major programs aiding small-scale farmers
The Bank has initiated numerous key programs to bolster smallholder farmers:
1.
2.
(The numbered list format was not originally present but added as per instruction since the original text did not contain any specific points.)
The TAAT program has extended advanced, climate-adaptive crop varieties to 25 million farmers across Africa, thereby increasing the continent’s agricultural output by 120 million tons.
The $1.5 billion African Emergency Food Production Facility has distributed 459,000 tons of seeds and 2.8 million tons of fertilizers to 12.3 million farmers, resulting in the production of 37.6 million metric tons of food.
The Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones program has committed $934.51 million, supplemented by $938.27 million in co-financing, aiding 27 initiatives across 11 nations.
The AFAWA initiative has granted $2.52 billion in financing to support 24,000 enterprises owned by women across Africa.
The African Fertilizer Financing Mechanism has introduced trade credit guarantees across nine nations, delivering 125,193 metric tons of fertilizer valued at $62.8 million to 776,971 small-scale farmers.
The Input Suppliers Risk Sharing Initiative, a $600 million program, aims to mitigate risks within the input supply chain across Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Ghana, and Zambia.
The MADE Alliance Africa, working alongside Mastercard, has secured a commitment of $300 million from the Bank to incorporate 3 million farmers across Kenya, Tanzania, and Nigeria into the digital economy.
Addressing persistent challenges
At present, merely 6% of African smallholder farmers can obtain credit, and fewer than 20% utilize enhanced seeds. Lenders frequently view these farmers as risky clients because of unpredictable weather patterns and insufficient security assets. The agricultural sector receives minimal bank loans, constituting under 5% of overall loan portfolios across numerous African nations, even though farming significantly impacts their economies.
“Some of you might recognize these figures; however, the rest of us ought to find them disheartening. It’s crucial that we take action immediately to alter this situation,” emphasized Dr. Beth Dunford, Vice President for Agriculture, Human, and Social Development at the Bank, during her address at the inaugural session on Monday.
PAFO President Ibrahima Coulibaly called upon all parties involved to act decisively, stating: “Should we wish to rescue our continent from hunger, malnutrition, and poverty, it is imperative that we generate employment opportunities within the agricultural sector. No other industry has the potential to accomplish this.”
The Kenyan Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Senator Mutahi Kagwe, urged immediate action saying, “By focusing on innovative and feasible strategies, we can revamp agriculture as a profitable venture. We must ensure that not a single farmer is excluded from this progress because they lack financial resources.”
On Tuesday, a group of prominent international and African financial specialists likewise made a strong appeal to synchronize financial systems with the requirements of small-scale farmers. They emphasized the vital function of governments in fostering an atmosphere where financial institutions can increase their loans for agriculture.
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oleh admin | Mar 24, 2025 | financial markets, investing, investing market news, investing news, investors
Trump’s repeated tariff threats have rattled global markets. But in India, the market slump isn’t just about Trump. Millions of small investors are feeling the squeeze — for reasons beyond a potential US trade war.
It was the fear of missing out, or
Fear of Missing Out
That prompted Kanishk K. to begin investing in the stock market.
He informed LIFEHACK that during India’s struggle with the second wave of the COVID-19 lockdown in 2021, he began observing advertisements on Instagram showcasing social media personalities offering advice on earning money.
“I didn’t want to be left behind as others were making profits. This aspect really drew me towards investing in the market,” Kanishk stated.
He detailed how, following his initial foray into mutual funds, he progressively shifted towards stock market trading.
Similar to many novice investors, he lacked knowledge regarding the basics of investing but stayed updated on market trends, particularly through Reddit, the U.S.-based social media platform, as he mentioned.
Initially, “everything was going well.”
Enthusiasm in the stock market amid the COVID-19 pandemic
Saloni Puj* and Ishan Shah had experiences akin to Kanishk’s.
Puj, a media expert hailing from Kolkata, which serves as the capital of West Bengal, along with Shah, who operates a cultural hub imparting knowledge in art and music within the western metropolis of Ahmedabad, both ventured into stock market investments roughly during the period when pandemic-induced lockdowns were implemented.
Shah mentioned that the market was performing exceptionally well, giving the impression that everyone making profits was doing so through trading. He admitted to purchasing arbitrary stocks, often following suggestions from others. Surprisingly, regardless of his actions, he continued to see gains.
Puj adopted a more cautious strategy.
She stated that she was well-aware the market was experiencing an enthusiastic phase, and she recognized the bubble that was forming at the time.
In September 2024, the situation took a turn for the worse as the excitement surrounding their ventures suddenly deflated. Following an extended period of growth, the markets experienced a correction, which was then succeeded by a prolonged downturn.
New retail investors join the marketplace
For many Indians who entered the stock market following the pandemic downturn, the subsequent upturn proved to be an exciting period. This surge mirrored the approximately €250 billion ($275 billion) economic support package that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration introduced in 2020.
Throughout the lockdown period, numerous individuals found themselves with additional free time and resources at their disposal, leading many to be swayed by the notion of earning fast and effortless profits.
“Sagun Agrawal, a derivatives trader in India’s capital markets and an advocate for financial literacy among women, noted that during the pandemic, individuals found themselves with extra money, leading many younger investors to enter the stock market as retail participants. This influx was beneficial for the market, enhancing liquidity and generating investment funds for capital creation,” he explained.
Online trading has gained popularity due to new firms providing minimal transaction costs and straightforward credit accessibility. An example of this is Margin Trading Facility (MTF), enabling investors to purchase stocks by initially paying just a portion of the total price. In this setup, brokers finance the remaining balance as a loan, accompanied by an interest charge.
What caused the market decline?
According to NSE data, from March 2020 to March 2024, the count of registered investors in India nearly tripled, reaching approximately 92 million.
India’s NIFTY 50 stock market index rose from approximately 8,000 points in March 2020 to unprecedented heights above 26,000 points in September 2024. Retail investors, swept up in the excitement, believed that everything was going well — right up until things took a turn for the worse.
In the six months since September last year, Indian equities have lost more than $1.2 trillion in value. In February, the NIFTY 50 benchmark index was down 16% from its peak, and on its longest losing streak since 1996. It was the worst performing global market.
Among those most severely affected were small retail investors.
“A significant number of these retail investors lacked proper information and pursued overly hyped securities, causing a bubbly environment in the market. Over the past six months, as adjustments occurred, these investors experienced substantial financial losses,” stated Agrawal.
Bijoy Peter, a senior partner at Bangalore-based Germinate Investor Services, noted that one factor behind the market adjustment was the gap between the escalating valuations of Indian corporations and their decreasing profits. He also mentioned that India’s GDP growth had decelerated to 5.4% during the July-September 2024 quarter.
He additionally highlighted insufficient governmental investment in infrastructure and various sectors back then, along with other worldwide influences.
Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) began withdrawing their funds from India. Meanwhile, China initiated similar actions.
implementing significant stimulus measures
In its marketplace, this attracted capital flows to the area, he mentioned.
The transfer of funds from India had significant consequences.
“When a substantial amount of money leaves, the consequences are significant since investors must offload their assets,” explained Peter. “Such extensive selling greatly influences share values, leading to a decline in the overall market.”
Peter highlighted that numerous beneficial initiatives introduced by the administration have gone unnoticed by the markets—such as raised tax thresholds, actions by the Reserve Bank of India aimed at infusing liquidity into banks, along with the government’s pledge for heightened expenditure on infrastructure projects.
Agrawal pointed out that back in September, the major participants were Indian High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNIs) along with significant investors. According to her, they perceived that the market was overpriced and offered little potential for additional gains.
“One trader, requesting anonymity, stated that when key investors withdrew their funds from the market, it triggered a downturn, leaving minor investors to absorb the financial losses,” as reported by LIFEHACK.
‘Trump offers India an unparalleled chance’
Despite facing turbulent conditions over the past five months, Indian markets are now showing signs of improvement as the stock market saw substantial increases last week.
Nevertheless, investors continue to be wary due to US President Donald Trump’s warnings about implementing reciprocal tariffs on India starting April 2, referring to India as “a major tariff abuser.”
Delhi has stated that it is engaged in talks with the United States aimed at setting up a trade agreement that would tackle tariffs and improve market accessibility.
Dr. Surjit Bhalla, an economist and formerly the executive director for India at the IMF, who also served in the Economic Advisory Council during Prime Minister Modi’s second term, expressed optimism about India’s prospects under President Trump, stating that this administration has offered India a singular chance to implement reforms.
This opportunity is unprecedented, especially when it comes to sectors such as trade, foreign direct investment, and various critical elements influencing GDP expansion and profitability.
“Bhalla stated that this is a vital time for implementing essential changes, covering sectors such as agriculture, both externally and internally. This presents an opportunity for India to progress to the next phase of reforms,” he added.
Small investors smarter now
In the meantime, retail investors such as Kanishk, Shah, and Puj, who have endured challenging periods over the last several months, are preparing for the potential effects of Trump’s proposed tariffs, all while hoping for the best.
Kanishk mentioned that he has become more careful following the downturn, stating that he now “takes the advice from financial influencers with a grain of salt.”
A year ago, Shah ceased operations, occasionally pondering if quitting prematurely. However, now he feels relieved as he observes everyone feeling quite stressed. He mentioned, “I think I may have avoided a major issue.”
Puj has completely overhauled her investment approach; she plans to remain stationary and purchase only modest amounts when the market declines.
After witnessing all her investments lose value just recently, she stated that she has become more knowledgeable now, noting, “Dropping in value isn’t very enjoyable.”
*names changed on request
Edited by: Keith Walker
Author: Shakeel Sobhan (located in New Delhi)
