The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has directed all operators of online investment applications, trading platforms and financial technology (FinTech) services involved in securities-related activities to register and obtain the appropriate licences by August 31, 2026.
The directive forms part of efforts by the regulator to strengthen investor protection amid a growing number of unregistered online investment applications and trading platforms offering access to securities trading in both local and foreign markets.
According to the SEC, the increasing presence of unregulated digital investment platforms poses significant risks to investors, including exposure to fraudulent schemes and unauthorized investment activities.
To address these concerns, the Commission has introduced Sandbox Guidelines, which establish a framework for evaluating financial technologies and digital investment platforms before they are permitted to operate within the capital market ecosystem.
The SEC explained that the guidelines are designed to assess emerging technologies, mitigate risks associated with digital investment services, and ensure the implementation of adequate safeguards to protect investors.
Under the directive, all licensed market operators that own or operate investor-facing digital investment technologies or online platforms used to conduct SEC-regulated activities must register and obtain a separate licence for each platform.
The Commission further stated that any FinTech service provider or individual operating an online investment or trading platform that performs activities regulated by the SEC must secure the appropriate registration and licensing approvals.
Additionally, operators of digital platforms functioning as intermediaries between investors and investment service providers are also required to obtain the necessary licences and registrations from the Commission.
The SEC emphasized that the directive applies to all relevant entities currently offering investment-related digital services within Ghana’s capital market.
Affected institutions and individuals have been instructed to complete the registration and licensing process outlined under Clause 4.0 of the directive on or before August 31, 2026.
The Commission noted that the move is intended to enhance transparency, improve regulatory oversight, and ensure that digital investment platforms operate in accordance with established securities laws and regulations.
The SEC has repeatedly cautioned the public against investing through unlicensed platforms and has urged investors to verify the regulatory status of investment service providers before committing funds.
