The Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Dr. Emomotimi Agama, says digital assets are now a key part of modern finance—not just an experiment or trend. Speaking during the Abuja Journalists Academy, he explained how the digital world has completely changed the way we communicate, do business, and exchange value.

Dr. Agama highlighted how the digital revolution—from the early days of the internet to today’s blockchain technology—has reshaped financial systems across the globe. He stressed that digital assets like Bitcoin, Ethereum, decentralized finance (DeFi), tokenized assets, and central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) are now part of a growing financial ecosystem.

He pointed out that these innovations are impacting four major areas of finance: infrastructure (the systems that support financial activities), asset classes (the types of things we invest in), intermediation (how transactions are managed), and access (who can participate). According to him, “The data speaks for itself—digital assets are no longer on the sidelines. They’re a fundamental part of how global finance works today.”

Nigeria is one of the leading countries in adopting digital assets, with over a third of its population engaged in crypto-related activities. Dr. Agama credited this growth to the creativity of young Nigerians, strong mobile network coverage, and the demand for financial inclusion.

However, he also raised concerns about rising risks. As more people use digital assets, scams, fake wallet apps, phishing attacks, and ransomware have become common. These risks highlight the need for strong regulation to protect users and investors.

He made it clear that regulation isn’t meant to block innovation but to make sure it’s safe and trustworthy. “Regulation builds trust,” he said. “It ensures that technology helps people instead of hurting them.”

On a global scale, Dr. Agama mentioned how other countries and regions are tackling digital finance. He referred to standards like the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Recommendation 15, the European Union’s MiCA framework, and regulatory actions in the United States as signs of a shared goal: bringing transparency and accountability to digital markets.

In Nigeria, the SEC introduced rules back in 2022 to manage digital asset activities. These rules require all virtual asset service providers (VASPs) to register with the SEC, follow anti-money laundering laws, and use real-time monitoring systems to track transactions.

To fight digital crime, the SEC works closely with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Together, they freeze illegal digital wallets and recover stolen funds. The SEC also partners with blockchain analytics companies to trace transactions and prevent fraud.

Dr. Agama acknowledged that challenges remain—such as unclear legal boundaries and limited resources—but he believes technology and teamwork can help overcome them. Tools like artificial intelligence, blockchain analysis, and advanced cryptography can improve regulatory oversight and keep digital finance safe.

He ended by reaffirming the SEC’s mission: to support innovation while protecting market integrity. “Digital assets can drive investment, boost inclusion, and make Nigeria a leader in African fintech,” he said. “But innovation must never come at the cost of trust.”

In this fast-changing financial world, trust is more important than ever—and according to Dr. Agama, it’s the regulator’s job to protect it.