The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has directed market operators, fintech firms, and individuals running online investment and trading platforms to complete registration and licensing with the regulator by August 31, 2026.
The directive, issued on June 23 and signed by the Commission, forms part of measures to strengthen investor protection and enhance oversight of digital investment activities in Ghana. It requires all entities offering investor-facing technology platforms, trading applications, or digital intermediary services in SEC-regulated activities to secure the appropriate approvals.
According to the SEC, the move responds to the growing number of unregistered online investment and trading platforms providing access to securities in both local and foreign markets. The regulator explained that the directive is aimed at curbing risks linked to fraudulent or unregulated platforms while safeguarding market integrity.
Under the new rules, licensed market operators must obtain SEC approval for each investment technology platform they operate. Likewise, fintech service providers and individuals engaged in online investment or trading activities regulated by the SEC are required to secure registration and licensing before the deadline.
The SEC further stated that digital platforms serving as intermediaries within the securities market ecosystem must also be registered and licensed before continuing operations. To meet the August 31 deadline, affected entities are required to complete a registration process that includes submitting an entry form, participating in a platform demonstration for the SEC, receiving regulatory guidance, paying the applicable registration or licensing fees, and obtaining a registration or licensing certificate from the Commission.
The regulator cautioned that any person or entity operating an online investment application or trading platform that is not approved, licensed, or registered by the SEC must immediately cease such activities. “The SEC further urges the investing public to verify the authenticity of any investment products or platforms advertised through conventional or online media via the SEC’s official channels of communication,” the statement noted.
The Commission indicated that entities that fail to comply with the directive could face sanctions under Section 209(4) of the Securities Industry Act, 2016 (Act 929), as amended, as well as any other applicable provisions of the law. The SEC said the directive takes immediate effect and will remain in force until amended, revised, varied or revoked by the Commission.
Source: Daniel Sackitey
