Nigeria Proposes 400% Increase in VASP Registration Fees
Nigeria’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has put forward a proposal to raise the registration fees for virtual asset service providers (VASP) seeking an operational license. This move comes as part of a broader set of changes to the regulations governing the crypto industry in Nigeria.
Regulatory Changes Aimed at Clarity and Feedback Implementation
The Nigerian SEC released a set of proposed amendments on March 15, focusing on digital asset issuance, offering platforms, exchanges, and custody. The goal of these changes is to provide more regulatory clarity to the rapidly developing crypto market and incorporate feedback from industry players following discussions with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
Quintupling Increase in VASP Registration Fees
One notable change among the updated regulations is a 400% increase in VASP registration fees. The fee would rise from 30 million naira ($18,841.75) to 150 million naira ($94,208.76). While this increase may be seen as discouraging business participation, it also acts as a protective measure by ensuring that only well-funded parties can operate as VASPs.
- The proposed changes include:
- An application fee and processing fee for crypto exchanges and trading platforms: 300,000 naira ($188.42) and 1,000,000 naira ($628.06), respectively.
- An increase in minimum paid-up capital for businesses to 1,000,000,000 naira ($628,058.40), which must be held in bank balances, fixed assets, or certain securities.
- A fidelity bond covering up to 25% of the minimum paid-up capital in accordance with existing rules and regulations.
Troubles in the Nigerian Crypto Space
Nigeria has recently made headlines in the crypto world due to its dispute with prominent exchange Binance. The government accuses Binance of contributing to the devaluation of the Nigerian Naira and is demanding $10 billion in compensation. As a response, Binance has halted all Nigerian Naira (NGN) services and delisted Naira trading pairs from its platform. However, there are no indications that Binance will completely withdraw from Nigeria.
Current State of the Crypto Market
As of now, the total crypto market cap stands at $2.52 trillion, experiencing a 4.23% decline in the last day. Bitcoin, the leading cryptocurrency, is currently trading at $66,275.63 as it undergoes a price correction.
Hot Take: Implications of Nigeria’s Proposed Changes
The proposed increase in VASP registration fees and other regulatory changes in Nigeria have significant implications for the crypto industry in the country:
- The higher registration fees may discourage new crypto exchanges from entering the market.
- Well-funded parties will be more likely to operate as VASPs, potentially enhancing stability and reducing risks.
- Binance’s ongoing conflict with the Nigerian government highlights the challenges faced by international exchanges operating in Nigeria.
- The current decline in the crypto market and Bitcoin’s price correction could impact investor sentiment and adoption in Nigeria.
Overall, these regulatory changes reflect Nigeria’s efforts to establish clearer guidelines for its growing crypto industry while addressing concerns raised by industry players and the central bank. The impact of these changes on the Nigerian crypto space remains to be seen, but they undoubtedly shape the future landscape of digital asset services in the country.
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