Crypto Regulation: Nigerian SEC Raises Capital Requirement For Exchanges To N2 Billion

bitcoinistPublished on 2026-01-18Last updated on 2026-01-18

Abstract

The Nigerian Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has significantly raised the minimum capital requirements for cryptocurrency exchanges and other virtual asset service providers (VASPs). The new rules, announced on January 16, 2026, increase the capital threshold for digital asset exchanges (DAX) and custodians from N500 million to N2 billion ($1.4 million). Platforms for issuing digital assets (DAOP) must now hold N1 billion. The regulations also now cover ancillary service providers (AVASPs), who must maintain a minimum capital of N300 million. The SEC states these changes aim to boost operational resilience and market stability. All entities must comply by June 30, 2027, or face penalties. This move is part of a broader government effort to regulate the crypto industry, including new tax identification mandates.

Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, is paying vast attention to its rapidly developing cryptocurrency industry marked by a string of new regulations. In the latest development, the Nigerian Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has shared a revised minimum capital for all regulated market entities, including operators in the digital asset market.

Nigerian Regulator Hikes Minimum Capital For Crypto Exchanges By $1.05M

On January 16, 2026, the Nigerian SEC released a circular communicating changes in the minimum capital (MC) requirements for major financial entities, namely: core and non-core capital market operators, market infrastructure institutions, capital market consultants, financial technology (FinTech) operators, virtual asset service providers (VASPs), and commodity market intermediaries.

The securities regulator has explained that the revised MC framework is to boost operational resilience, align capital adequacy, promote market stability, and support innovation in nascent market segments such as the cryptocurrency industry.

In relation to VASPs, the minimum capital for digital asset exchanges (DAX) and digital asset custodians has been increased from N500 million ($352,000) to N2 billion ($1.4 million). Meanwhile, all digital assets offering platforms (DAOP) responsible for issuance and primary sale of digital assets to the public are expected to meet a capital threshold of N1 billion ($704,111).

Notably, the Nigerian SEC’s new circular expands its recognition of multiple VASPs that had been operating in a regulatory void. These include the ancillary virtual assets service providers (AVASPs) who provide auxiliary services such as blockchain analytics tools, etc who are now mandated to operate with a minimum capital of N300 million ($211,200).

Under the new regime, the base capital requirements for both digital assets intermediary (DAI) and digital assets platform operators (DAPO) have also been placed at N500 million ($352,000). In new additions, real-world assets tokenization and offering platforms (RATOP) now have a set minimum capital requirement of N1billion ($704,111).

According to the SEC, all concerned entities are advised to comply with the new regime on or before June 30, 2027, as failure to do so will result in penalties, including suspension or withdrawal of registration, as determined by the Commission.

Nigeria Government Increases Focus On Crypto Industry

Aside from the SEC’s recent circular, other developments indicate that the Nigerian government is increasing its participation in the cryptocurrency market.

Notably, the new Nigeria Tax Administration Act (2025) now requires all digital asset activity to be linked to Tax Identification Numbers (TIN) and National Identification Numbers (NIN), effectively capturing the nascent industry as a new tax base.

These recent measures follow a recent partnership by the SEC and the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) focused on cracking down on Ponzi scheme operators and other similar scams.

Total crypto market cap valued at $3.19 trillion on the daily chart | Source: TOTAL chart on Tradingview.com

Related Questions

QWhat is the new minimum capital requirement for digital asset exchanges (DAX) set by the Nigerian SEC?

AThe new minimum capital requirement for digital asset exchanges (DAX) has been increased to N2 billion ($1.4 million).

QBy what date must all concerned entities comply with the Nigerian SEC's new capital requirements?

AAll concerned entities must comply with the new capital requirements on or before June 30, 2027.

QWhat is the minimum capital requirement for ancillary virtual assets service providers (AVASPs) under the new regime?

AAncillary virtual assets service providers (AVASPs) are now mandated to operate with a minimum capital of N300 million ($211,200).

QWhat are the stated goals of the Nigerian SEC's revised minimum capital framework?

AThe goals are to boost operational resilience, align capital adequacy, promote market stability, and support innovation in nascent market segments like the cryptocurrency industry.

QBesides the SEC's new capital rules, what other recent measure has the Nigerian government taken to increase its focus on the crypto industry?

AThe new Nigeria Tax Administration Act (2025) requires all digital asset activity to be linked to Tax Identification Numbers (TIN) and National Identification Numbers (NIN).

Related Reads

Crypto Is Not Dead, Crypto Is Reborn

Cryptocurrency is evolving to serve fundamental human impulses that have persisted for millennia: speculation, ownership, and value transfer. Historically, humans have always sought to wager on uncertain outcomes, from ancient dice games to modern financial markets. Traditional finance built complex, restrictive systems around these impulses, but crypto is removing friction and gatekeeping. Platforms like Hyperliquid demonstrate this by processing 2% of global silver trading volume in a month via a decentralized, permissionless protocol—attracting users who desired exposure but were hindered by traditional infrastructure. Prediction markets like Polymarket and Kalshi monetize opinions and are gaining mainstream traction through partnerships with major media outlets and platforms like Robinhood. Beyond speculation, crypto addresses the need for ownership through tokenization of real-world assets (RWA), like U.S. Treasuries and gold, making them globally accessible and programmable. BlackRock’s move to trade its tokenized treasury fund on Uniswap signals institutional recognition of this infrastructure. Stablecoins, meanwhile, have found product-market fit in countries with weak currencies, enabling everyday transactions where traditional systems fail. Despite price volatility and past failures, crypto’s underlying infrastructure is becoming invisible yet essential—fulfilling ancient human desires to speculate, transfer value, and assert ownership without traditional barriers. The technology is maturing by eliminating friction, expanding access, and embedding itself into the fabric of global finance.

比推35m ago

Crypto Is Not Dead, Crypto Is Reborn

比推35m ago

Trading

Spot
Futures

Hot Articles

What is SONIC

Sonic: Pioneering the Future of Gaming in Web3 Introduction to Sonic In the ever-evolving landscape of Web3, the gaming industry stands out as one of the most dynamic and promising sectors. At the forefront of this revolution is Sonic, a project designed to amplify the gaming ecosystem on the Solana blockchain. Leveraging cutting-edge technology, Sonic aims to deliver an unparalleled gaming experience by efficiently processing millions of requests per second, ensuring that players enjoy seamless gameplay while maintaining low transaction costs. This article delves into the intricate details of Sonic, exploring its creators, funding sources, operational mechanics, and the timeline of significant events that have shaped its journey. What is Sonic? Sonic is an innovative layer-2 network that operates atop the Solana blockchain, specifically tailored to enhance the existing Solana gaming ecosystem. It accomplishes this through a customised, VM-agnostic game engine paired with a HyperGrid interpreter, facilitating sovereign game economies that roll up back to the Solana platform. The primary goals of Sonic include: Enhanced Gaming Experiences: Sonic is committed to offering lightning-fast on-chain gameplay, allowing players and developers to engage with games at previously unattainable speeds. Atomic Interoperability: This feature enables transactions to be executed within Sonic without the need to redeploy Solana programmes and accounts. This makes the process more efficient and directly benefits from Solana Layer1 services and liquidity. Seamless Deployment: Sonic allows developers to write for Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) based systems and execute them on Solana’s SVM infrastructure. This interoperability is crucial for attracting a broader range of dApps and decentralised applications to the platform. Support for Developers: By offering native composable gaming primitives and extensible data types - dining within the Entity-Component-System (ECS) framework - game creators can craft intricate business logic with ease. Overall, Sonic's unique approach not only caters to players but also provides an accessible and low-cost environment for developers to innovate and thrive. Creator of Sonic The information regarding the creator of Sonic is somewhat ambiguous. However, it is known that Sonic's SVM is owned by the company Mirror World. The absence of detailed information about the individuals behind Sonic reflects a common trend in several Web3 projects, where collective efforts and partnerships often overshadow individual contributions. Investors of Sonic Sonic has garnered considerable attention and support from various investors within the crypto and gaming sectors. Notably, the project raised an impressive $12 million during its Series A funding round. The round was led by BITKRAFT Ventures, with other notable investors including Galaxy, Okx Ventures, Interactive, Big Brain Holdings, and Mirana. This financial backing signifies the confidence that investment foundations have in Sonic’s potential to revolutionise the Web3 gaming landscape, further validating its innovative approaches and technologies. How Does Sonic Work? Sonic utilises the HyperGrid framework, a sophisticated parallel processing mechanism that enhances its scalability and customisability. Here are the core features that set Sonic apart: Lightning Speed at Low Costs: Sonic offers one of the fastest on-chain gaming experiences compared to other Layer-1 solutions, powered by the scalability of Solana’s virtual machine (SVM). Atomic Interoperability: Sonic enables transaction execution without redeployment of Solana programmes and accounts, effectively streamlining the interaction between users and the blockchain. EVM Compatibility: Developers can effortlessly migrate decentralised applications from EVM chains to the Solana environment using Sonic’s HyperGrid interpreter, increasing the accessibility and integration of various dApps. Ecosystem Support for Developers: By exposing native composable gaming primitives, Sonic facilitates a sandbox-like environment where developers can experiment and implement business logic, greatly enhancing the overall development experience. Monetisation Infrastructure: Sonic natively supports growth and monetisation efforts, providing frameworks for traffic generation, payments, and settlements, thereby ensuring that gaming projects are not only viable but also sustainable financially. Timeline of Sonic The evolution of Sonic has been marked by several key milestones. Below is a brief timeline highlighting critical events in the project's history: 2022: The Sonic cryptocurrency was officially launched, marking the beginning of its journey in the Web3 gaming arena. 2024: June: Sonic SVM successfully raised $12 million in a Series A funding round. This investment allowed Sonic to further develop its platform and expand its offerings. August: The launch of the Sonic Odyssey testnet provided users with the first opportunity to engage with the platform, offering interactive activities such as collecting rings—a nod to gaming nostalgia. October: SonicX, an innovative crypto game integrated with Solana, made its debut on TikTok, capturing the attention of over 120,000 users within a short span. This integration illustrated Sonic’s commitment to reaching a broader, global audience and showcased the potential of blockchain gaming. Key Points Sonic SVM is a revolutionary layer-2 network on Solana explicitly designed to enhance the GameFi landscape, demonstrating great potential for future development. HyperGrid Framework empowers Sonic by introducing horizontal scaling capabilities, ensuring that the network can handle the demands of Web3 gaming. Integration with Social Platforms: The successful launch of SonicX on TikTok displays Sonic’s strategy to leverage social media platforms to engage users, exponentially increasing the exposure and reach of its projects. Investment Confidence: The substantial funding from BITKRAFT Ventures, among others, emphasizes the robust backing Sonic has, paving the way for its ambitious future. In conclusion, Sonic encapsulates the essence of Web3 gaming innovation, striking a balance between cutting-edge technology, developer-centric tools, and community engagement. As the project continues to evolve, it is poised to redefine the gaming landscape, making it a notable entity for gamers and developers alike. As Sonic moves forward, it will undoubtedly attract greater interest and participation, solidifying its place within the broader narrative of blockchain gaming.

692 Total ViewsPublished 2024.04.04Updated 2024.12.03

What is $S$

Understanding SPERO: A Comprehensive Overview Introduction to SPERO As the landscape of innovation continues to evolve, the emergence of web3 technologies and cryptocurrency projects plays a pivotal role in shaping the digital future. One project that has garnered attention in this dynamic field is SPERO, denoted as SPERO,$$s$. This article aims to gather and present detailed information about SPERO, to help enthusiasts and investors understand its foundations, objectives, and innovations within the web3 and crypto domains. What is SPERO,$$s$? SPERO,$$s$ is a unique project within the crypto space that seeks to leverage the principles of decentralisation and blockchain technology to create an ecosystem that promotes engagement, utility, and financial inclusion. The project is tailored to facilitate peer-to-peer interactions in new ways, providing users with innovative financial solutions and services. At its core, SPERO,$$s$ aims to empower individuals by providing tools and platforms that enhance user experience in the cryptocurrency space. This includes enabling more flexible transaction methods, fostering community-driven initiatives, and creating pathways for financial opportunities through decentralised applications (dApps). The underlying vision of SPERO,$$s$ revolves around inclusiveness, aiming to bridge gaps within traditional finance while harnessing the benefits of blockchain technology. Who is the Creator of SPERO,$$s$? The identity of the creator of SPERO,$$s$ remains somewhat obscure, as there are limited publicly available resources providing detailed background information on its founder(s). This lack of transparency can stem from the project's commitment to decentralisation—an ethos that many web3 projects share, prioritising collective contributions over individual recognition. By centring discussions around the community and its collective goals, SPERO,$$s$ embodies the essence of empowerment without singling out specific individuals. As such, understanding the ethos and mission of SPERO remains more important than identifying a singular creator. Who are the Investors of SPERO,$$s$? SPERO,$$s$ is supported by a diverse array of investors ranging from venture capitalists to angel investors dedicated to fostering innovation in the crypto sector. The focus of these investors generally aligns with SPERO's mission—prioritising projects that promise societal technological advancement, financial inclusivity, and decentralised governance. These investor foundations are typically interested in projects that not only offer innovative products but also contribute positively to the blockchain community and its ecosystems. The backing from these investors reinforces SPERO,$$s$ as a noteworthy contender in the rapidly evolving domain of crypto projects. How Does SPERO,$$s$ Work? SPERO,$$s$ employs a multi-faceted framework that distinguishes it from conventional cryptocurrency projects. Here are some of the key features that underline its uniqueness and innovation: Decentralised Governance: SPERO,$$s$ integrates decentralised governance models, empowering users to participate actively in decision-making processes regarding the project’s future. This approach fosters a sense of ownership and accountability among community members. Token Utility: SPERO,$$s$ utilises its own cryptocurrency token, designed to serve various functions within the ecosystem. These tokens enable transactions, rewards, and the facilitation of services offered on the platform, enhancing overall engagement and utility. Layered Architecture: The technical architecture of SPERO,$$s$ supports modularity and scalability, allowing for seamless integration of additional features and applications as the project evolves. This adaptability is paramount for sustaining relevance in the ever-changing crypto landscape. Community Engagement: The project emphasises community-driven initiatives, employing mechanisms that incentivise collaboration and feedback. By nurturing a strong community, SPERO,$$s$ can better address user needs and adapt to market trends. Focus on Inclusion: By offering low transaction fees and user-friendly interfaces, SPERO,$$s$ aims to attract a diverse user base, including individuals who may not previously have engaged in the crypto space. This commitment to inclusion aligns with its overarching mission of empowerment through accessibility. Timeline of SPERO,$$s$ Understanding a project's history provides crucial insights into its development trajectory and milestones. Below is a suggested timeline mapping significant events in the evolution of SPERO,$$s$: Conceptualisation and Ideation Phase: The initial ideas forming the basis of SPERO,$$s$ were conceived, aligning closely with the principles of decentralisation and community focus within the blockchain industry. Launch of Project Whitepaper: Following the conceptual phase, a comprehensive whitepaper detailing the vision, goals, and technological infrastructure of SPERO,$$s$ was released to garner community interest and feedback. Community Building and Early Engagements: Active outreach efforts were made to build a community of early adopters and potential investors, facilitating discussions around the project’s goals and garnering support. Token Generation Event: SPERO,$$s$ conducted a token generation event (TGE) to distribute its native tokens to early supporters and establish initial liquidity within the ecosystem. Launch of Initial dApp: The first decentralised application (dApp) associated with SPERO,$$s$ went live, allowing users to engage with the platform's core functionalities. Ongoing Development and Partnerships: Continuous updates and enhancements to the project's offerings, including strategic partnerships with other players in the blockchain space, have shaped SPERO,$$s$ into a competitive and evolving player in the crypto market. Conclusion SPERO,$$s$ stands as a testament to the potential of web3 and cryptocurrency to revolutionise financial systems and empower individuals. With a commitment to decentralised governance, community engagement, and innovatively designed functionalities, it paves the way toward a more inclusive financial landscape. As with any investment in the rapidly evolving crypto space, potential investors and users are encouraged to research thoroughly and engage thoughtfully with the ongoing developments within SPERO,$$s$. The project showcases the innovative spirit of the crypto industry, inviting further exploration into its myriad possibilities. While the journey of SPERO,$$s$ is still unfolding, its foundational principles may indeed influence the future of how we interact with technology, finance, and each other in interconnected digital ecosystems.

54 Total ViewsPublished 2024.12.17Updated 2024.12.17

What is AGENT S

Agent S: The Future of Autonomous Interaction in Web3 Introduction In the ever-evolving landscape of Web3 and cryptocurrency, innovations are constantly redefining how individuals interact with digital platforms. One such pioneering project, Agent S, promises to revolutionise human-computer interaction through its open agentic framework. By paving the way for autonomous interactions, Agent S aims to simplify complex tasks, offering transformative applications in artificial intelligence (AI). This detailed exploration will delve into the project's intricacies, its unique features, and the implications for the cryptocurrency domain. What is Agent S? Agent S stands as a groundbreaking open agentic framework, specifically designed to tackle three fundamental challenges in the automation of computer tasks: Acquiring Domain-Specific Knowledge: The framework intelligently learns from various external knowledge sources and internal experiences. This dual approach empowers it to build a rich repository of domain-specific knowledge, enhancing its performance in task execution. Planning Over Long Task Horizons: Agent S employs experience-augmented hierarchical planning, a strategic approach that facilitates efficient breakdown and execution of intricate tasks. This feature significantly enhances its ability to manage multiple subtasks efficiently and effectively. Handling Dynamic, Non-Uniform Interfaces: The project introduces the Agent-Computer Interface (ACI), an innovative solution that enhances the interaction between agents and users. Utilizing Multimodal Large Language Models (MLLMs), Agent S can navigate and manipulate diverse graphical user interfaces seamlessly. Through these pioneering features, Agent S provides a robust framework that addresses the complexities involved in automating human interaction with machines, setting the stage for myriad applications in AI and beyond. Who is the Creator of Agent S? While the concept of Agent S is fundamentally innovative, specific information about its creator remains elusive. The creator is currently unknown, which highlights either the nascent stage of the project or the strategic choice to keep founding members under wraps. Regardless of anonymity, the focus remains on the framework's capabilities and potential. Who are the Investors of Agent S? As Agent S is relatively new in the cryptographic ecosystem, detailed information regarding its investors and financial backers is not explicitly documented. The lack of publicly available insights into the investment foundations or organisations supporting the project raises questions about its funding structure and development roadmap. Understanding the backing is crucial for gauging the project's sustainability and potential market impact. How Does Agent S Work? At the core of Agent S lies cutting-edge technology that enables it to function effectively in diverse settings. Its operational model is built around several key features: Human-like Computer Interaction: The framework offers advanced AI planning, striving to make interactions with computers more intuitive. By mimicking human behaviour in tasks execution, it promises to elevate user experiences. Narrative Memory: Employed to leverage high-level experiences, Agent S utilises narrative memory to keep track of task histories, thereby enhancing its decision-making processes. Episodic Memory: This feature provides users with step-by-step guidance, allowing the framework to offer contextual support as tasks unfold. Support for OpenACI: With the ability to run locally, Agent S allows users to maintain control over their interactions and workflows, aligning with the decentralised ethos of Web3. Easy Integration with External APIs: Its versatility and compatibility with various AI platforms ensure that Agent S can fit seamlessly into existing technological ecosystems, making it an appealing choice for developers and organisations. These functionalities collectively contribute to Agent S's unique position within the crypto space, as it automates complex, multi-step tasks with minimal human intervention. As the project evolves, its potential applications in Web3 could redefine how digital interactions unfold. Timeline of Agent S The development and milestones of Agent S can be encapsulated in a timeline that highlights its significant events: September 27, 2024: The concept of Agent S was launched in a comprehensive research paper titled “An Open Agentic Framework that Uses Computers Like a Human,” showcasing the groundwork for the project. October 10, 2024: The research paper was made publicly available on arXiv, offering an in-depth exploration of the framework and its performance evaluation based on the OSWorld benchmark. October 12, 2024: A video presentation was released, providing a visual insight into the capabilities and features of Agent S, further engaging potential users and investors. These markers in the timeline not only illustrate the progress of Agent S but also indicate its commitment to transparency and community engagement. Key Points About Agent S As the Agent S framework continues to evolve, several key attributes stand out, underscoring its innovative nature and potential: Innovative Framework: Designed to provide an intuitive use of computers akin to human interaction, Agent S brings a novel approach to task automation. Autonomous Interaction: The ability to interact autonomously with computers through GUI signifies a leap towards more intelligent and efficient computing solutions. Complex Task Automation: With its robust methodology, it can automate complex, multi-step tasks, making processes faster and less error-prone. Continuous Improvement: The learning mechanisms enable Agent S to improve from past experiences, continually enhancing its performance and efficacy. Versatility: Its adaptability across different operating environments like OSWorld and WindowsAgentArena ensures that it can serve a broad range of applications. As Agent S positions itself in the Web3 and crypto landscape, its potential to enhance interaction capabilities and automate processes signifies a significant advancement in AI technologies. Through its innovative framework, Agent S exemplifies the future of digital interactions, promising a more seamless and efficient experience for users across various industries. Conclusion Agent S represents a bold leap forward in the marriage of AI and Web3, with the capacity to redefine how we interact with technology. While still in its early stages, the possibilities for its application are vast and compelling. Through its comprehensive framework addressing critical challenges, Agent S aims to bring autonomous interactions to the forefront of the digital experience. As we move deeper into the realms of cryptocurrency and decentralisation, projects like Agent S will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the future of technology and human-computer collaboration.

283 Total ViewsPublished 2025.01.14Updated 2025.01.14

Discussions

Welcome to the HTX Community. Here, you can stay informed about the latest platform developments and gain access to professional market insights. Users' opinions on the price of S (S) are presented below.

活动图片