The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has reiterated that professionalism and ethical conduct remain non-negotiable for stockbrokers and other market intermediaries, as part of efforts to build investor confidence and maintain transparency in the Nigerian capital market.
The Director General of the SEC, Dr. Emomotimi Agama, made this known at the 29th Annual Conference of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS), held in Abuja over the weekend.
Speaking on the conference theme, “Capital Markets in a Digital, Ethical and Sustainable Era: Pathways to Economic Transformation”, Agama noted that the theme reflects the evolving global landscape where technology drives innovation, ethics anchors trust and sustainability defines the future of finance.
“These three dimensions (digitalization, ethics and sustainability) are not separate pillars; they form the basis of a modern, inclusive and resilient capital market,” he said.
According to him, the digital era has created new opportunities ranging from online trading platforms and digital assets to data analytics, blockchain and artificial intelligence, all of which are reshaping the way capital is raised and investments are managed.
Agama stated that the SEC is taking advantage of this transformation to improve market efficiency, transparency and investor protection through automation of regulatory processes, risk-based supervision and enhanced market surveillance systems.
He revealed that the Commission is working closely with key stakeholders, including the CIS, to promote digital literacy and build the capacity of market participants to adapt to technological advances.
“As technology evolves, so must our skills, ethics, and shared commitment to fairness and professionalism. No innovation can replace the fundamental importance of ethics,” Agama emphasized.
He praised the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers for its continued collaboration in upholding the professional standards and ethical codes that define the stockbroking profession.
“As regulators, we continue to emphasize that professionalism and ethical conduct are non-negotiable. Investors must have full confidence that the intermediaries who manage their wealth are guided by the highest standards of honesty and competence,” he said.
Agama called for continued ethical education, professional development and stronger disciplinary frameworks to ensure that the Nigerian capital market remains a place of trust, integrity and investor protection.
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