Skip to content
Bitcoin

Nigerian Exchanges Face Discouragement from SEC’s Cryptocurrency License Criteria

Article Rating:
Based on 1 vote
Login to rate this article.

Nigerian cryptocurrency analyst Rume Ophi clarified that the recent lifting of the CBN ban would boost Nigeria’s foreign crypto investments and contribute to the employment of local talent in Web3 and the crypto industry.

Despite the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) lifting restrictions on Nigerian banks facilitating cryptocurrency transactions, the crypto license requirements set by the Nigerian Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) are expected to significantly decrease the number of operational local crypto exchanges in the country.

According to Nigerian crypto analyst Rume Ophi, the high minimum paid-up capital requirement of $556,620 (N500 million naira) makes it financially challenging for many local exchanges, potentially leading to a dominance of foreign exchanges in the Nigerian crypto landscape.

In May 2022, the Nigerian SEC released a 54-page document titled “New Regulations on the Issuance, Offering Platforms, and Custody of Digital Assets” on its website.

This publication provides opportunities for cryptocurrency service
providers in Nigeria and outlines guidelines for how banking and financial institutions in the country can engage with digital assets.
Nigerian Exchanges Face Discouragement from SEC's Cryptocurrency
According to the SEC’s rules, exchanges are required to secure a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) license by adhering to application processing, registration fees, and other relevant criteria.

A survey covering 15 countries indicates that Nigeria stands out for having the most cryptocurrency-aware population globally. While Chainalysis’ 2020 report placed Nigeria eighth in crypto adoption, the country’s crypto investment has been restricted due to a ban on financial institutions supporting crypto exchanges.

Rume suggests that the recent removal of the CBN ban is anticipated to stimulate increased foreign crypto investment in Nigeria, promoting local job opportunities in Web3 and the crypto sector.

To have the best trading experience with us, open an account at Longhorn

  • Broker
  • Benefits
  • Min Deposit
  • Score
  • Visit Broker
  • Award-winning Cryptocurrency trading platform
  • $100 minimum deposit,
  • FCA & Cysec regulated
$100 Min Deposit
9.8
  • 20% welcome bonus of upto $10,000
  • Minimum deposit $100
  • Verify your account before the bonus is credited
$100 Min Deposit
9
  • The Lowest Trading Costs
  • 50% Welcome Bonus
  • Award-winning 24 Hour Support
$50 Min Deposit
9
  • Fund Moneta Markets account with a minimum of $250
  • Opt in using the form to claim your 50% deposit bonus
$250 Min Deposit
9