The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Ghana has issued a directive ordering all market operators, financial technology service providers, and persons owning or operating online investment and trading platforms to obtain the appropriate registration and licensing from the Commission before August 31, 2026.
The directive, issued on June 23, 2026, follows the Commission’s observation of a growing trend of unregistered online investment applications and trading platforms facilitating access to trading in securities listed in local and foreign markets.
The SEC stated that considering the risks posed by fraudulent and unregulated online investment-related platforms, it is implementing measures to strengthen investor protection across Ghana’s securities market.
Under the directive, a licensed market operator owning or operating any investor-facing investment technology or online platform must register and obtain a licence from the SEC for each technology or platform. Financial technology service providers or any person operating an online investment or trading platform that performs any SEC-licensed activity are consequently required to obtain the appropriate registration and licence from the Commission. Digital intermediaries operating digital platforms in the securities space are similarly required to comply.
The SEC further cautioned that any person or entity including market operators who operates, whether directly or indirectly, an online investment application or trading platform that is not approved, licensed, or registered by the Commission must immediately desist from doing so.
The Commission additionally urged 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 SEC then outlined a five-step process for platforms seeking registration and licensing. Applicants are required to complete the Platform Owners’ Entry Form, after which the SEC will invite them for a demonstration of their platform or technology. The Commission will then provide feedback and guidance on regulatory steps to be taken, followed by payment of applicable registration or licensing fees, and the subsequent issuance of a Registration or ons.
The SEC noted that the directive takes immediate effect and shall remain in force until otherwise revised, varied, amended, or revoked.
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