The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has directed market operators, fintech service providers, and persons operating online investment and trading platforms to complete their registration and licensing process with the regulator by August 31, 2026.
This is part of efforts to strengthen investor protection and enhance oversight of digital investment activities in Ghana.
The directive, issued on June 23, 2026, requires all entities operating investor-facing investment technology platforms, online trading applications, and digital intermediary platforms involved in SEC-regulated activities to obtain the appropriate registration and licensing approval from the Commission.
According to the SEC, the move follows the growing presence of unregistered online investment applications and trading platforms that provide access to securities trading in both local and foreign markets.
The regulator said the directive is intended to address risks associated with fraudulent and unregulated digital investment platforms while safeguarding market integrity.
Under the directive, licensed market operators that own or operate investment technology platforms must obtain SEC approval for each platform used to conduct licensed activities.
Similarly, fintech service providers and individuals operating online investment and trading platforms performing SEC-licensed activities are required to secure the appropriate registration and licensing from the Commission.
The SEC further stated that digital platforms serving as intermediaries within the securities market ecosystem must also be registered and licensed before continuing operations.
To meet the August 31 deadline, affected entities are required to complete a registration process that includes submitting an entry form, participating in a platform demonstration for the SEC, receiving regulatory guidance, paying the applicable registration or licensing fees, and obtaining a registration or licensing certificate from the Commission.
The regulator cautioned that any person or entity operating an online investment application or trading platform that is not approved, licensed, or registered by the SEC must immediately cease such activities.
“The SEC further urges the investing public to verify the authenticity of any investment products or platforms advertised through conventional or online media via the SEC’s official channels of communication,” the statement noted.
The Commission indicated that entities that fail to comply with the directive could face sanctions under Section 209(4) of the Securities Industry Act, 2016 (Act 929), as amended, as well as any other applicable provisions of the law.
The SEC said the directive takes immediate effect and will remain in force until amended, revised, varied or revoked by the Commission.
