SEC Urges Stockbrokers to Uphold Ethics, Professionalism in Digital Era

By Oluwakemi Kindness

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has urged stockbrokers across Nigeria to maintain the highest standards of ethics, professionalism, and transparency as the capital market evolves in the digital age.

Speaking at the 29th Annual Conference of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) held in Abuja, Director-General of SEC, Emomotimi Agama, said a fair and trustworthy market depends on the integrity and competence of those who manage investors’ wealth.

“Investors must have full confidence that the intermediaries who manage their wealth are guided by the highest standards of honesty and competence,” Agama stated.

The conference theme “Capital Markets in a Digital, Ethical, Sustainable Era: Pathways for Economic Transformation”, reflects the changing global landscape where technology, ethics, and sustainability now define modern finance.

Agama noted that digital innovation from blockchain and artificial intelligence to online trading and data analytics is reshaping how capital is raised and supervised worldwide.

He said the SEC is embracing this transformation by:

* Enhancing market surveillance systems,

* Automating regulatory processes, and

* Introducing risk-based supervision frameworks to strengthen efficiency, transparency, and investor protection.

While highlighting the importance of technology, the SEC boss stressed that no innovation can replace ethics.

“A truly transformative capital market must be built on integrity, transparency, and accountability,” he said.

He praised the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers for its role in setting professional standards and upholding ethical codes that guide the stock broking profession.

Agama reaffirmed SEC’s partnership with the CIS to promote:

*Ethics education and awareness,

*Continuous professional development, and

*Effective disciplinary frameworks for misconduct.

He emphasized that professionalism and ethical conduct are non-negotiable values in sustaining investor confidence and ensuring the capital market remains a place of trust.