The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has directed all operators of online investment and trading platforms in Ghana to register their platforms with the regulator by August 31, 2026, warning that non-compliance could result in sanctions, including the suspension or revocation of licences.
The directive, announced in a statement issued on June 23, 2026, applies to licensed market operators, financial technology (FinTech) firms, and any individual or organisation operating investor-facing digital investment or trading platforms.
According to the SEC, existing securities market regulations require licensed market operators that own or manage online investment technology platforms used for regulated activities to obtain separate registration and approval for each platform.
The Commission cautioned that firms that fail to comply with the directive risk regulatory action, including the amendment, suspension or withdrawal of their operating licences where necessary.
The SEC further clarified that the requirement extends to FinTech companies whose digital platforms facilitate or intermediate activities regulated under the country’s securities laws.
“All these firms must obtain the appropriate registration and/or licence of the platform from the regulator,” the Commission stated.
In addition, the SEC ordered any individual or entity operating an online investment application or trading platform without the necessary approval, registration or licence to cease operations immediately.
“Any person or entity, including market operators, who operates, whether directly or indirectly, an online investment application and/or trading platform that is not approved, licensed or registered by the SEC must immediately desist from doing so,” the statement said.
As part of efforts to protect investors, the Commission urged the public to verify the legitimacy of investment products and digital platforms advertised through traditional and online media by using the SEC’s official communication channels.
The regulator also encouraged operators seeking clarification on the new requirements to engage the Commission for guidance.
However, the SEC noted that certain technology services are exempt from the directive. These include platforms used solely for back-office functions such as reporting, reconciliation and monitoring; regulatory technology solutions for anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing compliance; online investor complaints and reporting portals; and educational platforms dedicated exclusively to investor awareness and fraud prevention.
The latest directive forms part of the SEC’s broader efforts to strengthen oversight of Ghana’s rapidly evolving digital investment landscape, enhance investor protection and promote confidence in the country’s capital markets.