The Nigerian Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has urged citizens to exercise extreme caution in investing in the capital market, as a growing number of Ponzi schemes and unregistered investment platforms pose significant threats to investor safety.

• SEC warns Nigerians about the dangers of Ponzi schemes, which promise unusually high returns with little or no risk.
• The commission also highlights the risks associated with unregistered digital assets platforms, including cryptocurrency investments, forex trading, and blockchain-based schemes.
• Investors are advised to verify the registration status of investment platforms through the SEC’s website before investing.

Ponzi schemes, which are unsustainable investment plans that promise unusually high returns, are a major threat to the growth of the capital market. The SEC warned that fraudulent entities and individuals have exploited unsuspecting investors through deceptive promises of high returns, often leveraging the allure of digital assets to create an erroneous perception of legitimacy. The SEC’s warning comes against the backdrop of the CBEX saga, which highlighted the need for increased vigilance in the capital market. The commission has been working tirelessly to identify and prosecute offenders, and has been successful in recovering funds from affected investors. In its latest advisory, the SEC explained that the promotion and operation of prohibited/unregistered schemes is a serious offense under Section 196 (3) of the Investments and Securities Act, 2025. This violation is punishable by a fine of not less than N20m or a prison term of 10 years or both. The SEC urged potential investors to conduct thorough due diligence before investing and to verify the registration status of investment platforms through its website. The commission emphasized that if an investment opportunity seems too good to be true, it is likely to be a Ponzi scheme or other prohibited investment.

The SEC’s warning serves as a reminder of the importance of investing responsibly and being aware of the risks involved in investing in the capital market. The commission’s efforts to educate the public and protect investors are crucial in maintaining the integrity of the investment environment in Nigeria. "If it sounds too good to be true, it likely is," the SEC cautioned. "We encourage the public to partner with us to safeguard the integrity of the investment environment in Nigeria by promptly reporting suspected illegal investment schemes to the SEC."
In conclusion, the SEC’s warning is a call to action for all citizens who invest in the capital market. The commission’s efforts to combat Ponzi schemes and unregistered investment platforms are a testament to its commitment to protecting investor safety and maintaining the integrity of the investment environment in Nigeria. SEC’s Key Warning Points:

• Be wary of investment opportunities that promise guaranteed or unusually high returns with little or no risk.
• Verify the registration status of investment platforms through the SEC’s website.
• Ponzi schemes are unsustainable investment plans that promise unusually high returns with little or no risk.

Definition:
Ponzi scheme: An unsustainable investment plan that promises unusually high returns with little or no risk, relying on new investors to pay returns to earlier investors rather than generating revenue through legitimate investments. The SEC’s efforts to combat Ponzi schemes and unregistered investment platforms are crucial in maintaining the integrity of the investment environment in Nigeria. By educating the public and protecting investors, the commission is playing a vital role in promoting a fair and transparent capital market.

The SEC’s warning is a reminder of the importance of investing responsibly and being aware of the risks involved in investing in the capital market. By partnering with the SEC and reporting suspected illegal investment schemes, citizens can help safeguard the integrity of the investment environment in Nigeria and protect their investments. Stay Safe, Stay Informed:
Be aware of the risks involved in investing in the capital market and take necessary precautions to protect yourself. Verify the registration status of investment platforms and avoid Ponzi schemes and unregistered investment platforms. By doing so, you can help promote a fair and transparent capital market in Nigeria.