Commission Advises Stockbrokers On Professionalism, Ethical Conduct

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has urged stockbrokers to maintain the highest level of professionalism and ethical conduct to ensure a fair and transparent market.

The director-general of the SEC, Dr Emomotimi Agama, made the statement at the weekend during the 29th annual conference of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers held in Abuja.

Agama said, investors must have full confidence that the highest standards of honesty and competence guide the intermediaries who manage their wealth.

Agama said the theme of this year’s conference: ‘Capital Markets in a Digital, Ethical, Sustainable Era: Pathways for Economic Transformation’ is timely as it speaks directly to the global transition where technology drives innovation, where ethics anchor trust, and where sustainability defines the future of finance.

“These three dimensions, digitalisation, ethics, and sustainability are not separate pillars; they form the foundation of a modern, inclusive, and resilient capital markets.

“Across the world, capital markets are being reshaped by technological innovation. The digital era has introduced new possibilities, from online trading platforms and digital assets to data analytics, blockchain, and artificial intelligence. These innovations are changing how we raise capital, how we invest, and how we supervise.”

The SEC Boss stated that the Commission has embraced this transformation as an opportunity to enhance efficiency, transparency, and investor protection, adding that ongoing efforts to strengthen market surveillance systems, automate regulatory processes, and introduce risk-based supervision frameworks are all aimed at positioning the Nigerian capital market for the realities of a digital economy.

Senator Ibrahim Hadejia, deputy chief of staff to the president in the office of the vice president, praised the Institute’s commitment to national economic growth.

“The journey to a $1 trillion economy is ambitious, but with strategic collaboration between government, regulators, and market operators, it is entirely achievable. We commend CIS for its leadership, and we look forward to continued partnership in building a stronger, more inclusive, and globally competitive Nigerian economy. The capital market remains one of the most powerful engines for sustainable economic transformation,” Hadejia said.

The chairman of NGX Group Plc, Alhaji Umaru Kwairanga, stressed the importance of sustainability as a guiding principle for financial markets, saying, “The future of finance is green. We must channel capital into climate-resilient initiatives, renewable energy, and the broader low-carbon transition. NGX remains committed to integrating ESG principles across the market.”

Chairman of the Association of Securities Dealing Houses of Nigeria (ASHON), Sam Onukwue, echoed the call for clear regulation and product innovation, stating, “stable, predictable policies are crucial to attracting investment. Diversifying instruments, including non-interest and alternative products, is key to broadening investor participation. Furthermore, liquidity and smooth exit mechanisms are essential to maintaining investor confidence.”

At the event, 48 members, including Sola Oni, the former spokesman of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (now NGX), were conferred with the Institute’s Fellowship status, while 220 others were inducted as associate members.