By Yemisi Izuora
The Securities and Exchange Commission has approved new rules on complaints management and dispute resolutions for all capital market operators.
The new complaints management framework in the Nigerian capital market is contained in a circular issued by the commission in Lagos.
It said the new rules would recognise registered industry trade groups and Self Regulatory Organisations as important parts of the new framework.
“Consequently, all market operators are hereby directed to register as members of their respective Industry Trade Groups as henceforth, investor complaints shall be handled at the trade group level.
“Only complaints that remain unresolved at the Trade Group or SRO (Self Regulatory Organisations) levels shall reach the commission for resolution,” the circular added.
The commission recently directed all fund managers operating in the nation’s bourse to register with the Fund Managers Association of Nigeria.
It said that the commission was working with the Association to develop the funds/portfolio management industry in Nigeria through enlightenment and training and complaints resolution.
The circular said that the partnership was to ensure a sustained growth of the Nigerian investment management industry.
“Henceforth, the commission will use membership of FMAN as a requirement to appraise operators in this segment of the Nigerian capital market,” it said.
The circular said that the directive was pursuant to the powers conferred on SEC by Section 13 of the Investments and Securities Act 2007 and consistent with Rule 25(1) of its Rules and Regulations.
FMAN is the umbrella trade association established for all registered fund/portfolio Managers in Nigeria.