Blockchain.com has been admitted into the Nigerian Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) Accelerated Regulatory Incubation Programme (ARIP), marking a significant step in the company’s long-term commitment to Nigeria and its broader expansion across Africa.
Nigeria remains a key market for digital assets in Africa, with growing adoption increasingly influencing how individuals access, hold and transfer value.
Blockchain.com’s admission into ARIP means the company has met the SEC’s initial requirements to participate in the programme and is authorised to operate within its defined regulatory sandbox, subject to the Commission’s ongoing compliance obligations, testing parameters and regulatory conditions.
Through ARIP, Blockchain.com will work directly with the SEC as the Commission evaluates digital asset business models, tests appropriate safeguards and develops its long-term regulatory framework for the sector.
“Nigeria is one of Africa’s most important digital asset markets and participating in the SEC’s ARIP is an important step forward in our long-term commitment to the country,” said Owen Odia, General Manager for Africa at Blockchain.com.
“The programme gives us the opportunity to work directly with the SEC in a controlled environment, bring our global experience to the Nigerian market, and help support a framework that protects consumers while enabling responsible innovation. We appreciate the SEC’s proactive approach and look forward to contributing to a safe, transparent, and well-regulated digital asset ecosystem,” he added.
Blockchain.com’s participation in ARIP forms part of its broader global strategy of engaging with regulators and operating within established regulatory frameworks.
Over the past year, the company has secured several major regulatory approvals, including registration with the UK Financial Conduct Authority, authorisation under the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework, and a Virtual Asset Service Provider licence from the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority.
Participation in ARIP provides Blockchain.com with a structured pathway to expand its operations responsibly in Nigeria, which it considers a priority market within its wider Africa strategy.
Established by the SEC, ARIP is a regulatory incubation framework for Virtual Asset Service Providers and fintech innovators. The programme is designed to enable the Commission to assess emerging digital asset business models, operational risks and appropriate investor protection and anti-money laundering standards.
Blockchain.com said it looks forward to participating in ARIP and working with Nigerian regulators as the country continues to develop its digital asset regulatory framework.
