CMSA 2026 Summit To Focus On Market Stability, Investor Confidence, Long-Term Capital Growth

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The Capital Market Solicitors Association (CMSA) says its 2026 Annual Business Summit will prioritise strengthening Nigeria’s capital market structure, boosting investor confidence, and encouraging long-term, sustainable growth rather than short-lived market upswings.

Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday in Lagos, held at the offices of Duale, Ovia & Alex-Adedipe, the association’s chairman, Simisola Eyisnmi, announced that the summit is scheduled for July 1, 2026.

She explained that the CMSA, an independent body made up of solicitors and commercial law firms involved in capital market practice—was created to advance the interests of legal professionals working within Nigeria’s investment and securities space.

The 2026 summit, themed “Structural Resilience and Market Permanence,” will examine how Nigeria can sustain capital market development through stronger institutions, improved regulation, innovation in financial technology, and enhanced investor protection.

Eyisanmi noted that the focus would be on shifting attention away from short-term speculative gains toward deeper reforms capable of supporting long-term stability. She said discussions would cover issues such as governance structures, trading systems, regulatory efficiency, capital adequacy, sustainable finance, and technology adoption in the market.

According to her, the event is expected to generate practical insights into both opportunities and risks shaping Nigeria’s capital market and the wider economy.

She also used the briefing to clarify the difference between a stock exchange and the broader capital market. She explained that while exchanges like the a Nigerian Exchange Limited provide a platform for buying and selling securities, the capital market itself is a wider system that includes multiple institutions, instruments, and professionals.

She added that the capital market covers equities, debt instruments, commodities, investment banks, issuing houses, custodians, and financial advisers, all operating under regulatory oversight. Both the stock exchange and the wider capital market, she said, are supervised by the securities and Exchange Commission ( Nigeria)

which ensures the market remains structured and not open to abuse.

Responding to concerns about fintech platforms and digital banking services, she advised investors to confirm that any institution handling funds is properly licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria, stressing that regulation is key to protecting the public and maintaining trust in the financial system.

On dispute resolution, Eyisanmi said investors who experience issues can report directly to the SEC, which has the authority to investigate complaints through its administrative processes. She added that cases can also proceed to the Investments and Securities Tribunal, a specialised body set up to handle capital market disputes.

She further highlighted that the CMSA has invited the tribunal to participate in this year’s summit to raise awareness about available legal remedies for investors.

Eyisanmi also pointed to financing opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises, noting that platforms such as the NGX Growth Board under Nigerian Exchange Limited and the NASD Over-the-Counter market provide alternative fundraising channels with more flexible listing requirements.

At the same briefing, the Chairman of the Summit Planning Committee, Mohamed Abubakar, said the summit is expected to produce policy recommendations that will support market stability and long-term development.

He added that capital market solicitors play a key role in maintaining integrity and investor trust, and called for stronger cooperation among regulators, financial institutions, legal practitioners, and investors.

Abubakar also urged stakeholders across government, finance, law, and the media to take part in what he described as a major industry gathering.

Committee member Mabel Okereke

noted that recent reforms under the Investments and Securities Act 2025 have strengthened the regulatory authority of the SEC and improved investor protection mechanisms.

She explained that many disputes can be resolved through alternative dispute resolution channels or regulatory intervention, reducing the need for lengthy court processes. According to her, the enhanced enforcement powers of the SEC have also improved compliance among market operators and encouraged faster resolution of complaints.

The summit is expected to bring together regulators, policymakers, issuers, investors, financial institutions, legal practitioners, and other stakeholders to discuss reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s capital market and improving its global competitiveness.