At the Institute of Capital Market Registrars’ 12th annual conference, held over the weekend and themed “Navigating Nigeria’s Economic Realities: The Transformative Power of Technology in the Capital Market,” FinTech Nigeria President Ade Bajomo urged capital market operators to harness technology’s potential to drive innovation while remaining vigilant of the associated risks. Emphasizing technology as a pivotal force, Bajomo stated that to remain competitive, operators must fully integrate tech innovations while upholding regulatory frameworks to protect investors and maintain market integrity.

Dayo Obisan, Executive Commissioner of Operations at the Securities and Exchange Commission, stressed the need for educating market participants, identifying that the evolving market landscape, now filled with digital brokers and fintech-driven changes, demands revised strategies and comprehensive training for stakeholders.

Haruna Jalo-Waziri, CEO of the Central Securities Clearing System, represented by Tobe Nnadozie, highlighted that embracing fintech could foster growth and innovation in the capital market, similar to its positive impact on the banking sector. He pointed out that banks’ strategic support for fintechs stems from the realization that traditional approaches alone may hinder relevance and growth.

In his opening remarks, ICMR President Oluseyi Owoturo contextualized the conference’s focus, referencing Nigeria’s economic conditions, marked by inflation, declining GDP growth, and currency devaluation. He expressed hopes for the conference to guide efforts to regain economic momentum through the capital markets, leveraging technology as a transformative tool.

Additionally, Professor Uche Uwaleke advocated for business diversification among companies to weather economic instability. The event also included the investiture of five Honorary Fellows, nine Fellows, and the induction of 27 Associates.