{
  "id": 12515108,
  "title": "AIHN at 30: Experts seek deeper capital market, SME funding",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/07/aihn-at-30-experts-seek-deeper-capital-market-sme-funding",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-10-07T01:44:18.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch",
    "slug": "punch",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/aihn-at-30-experts-seek-deeper-capital-market-sme-funding/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Nigeria's capital market experts have called for stronger regulatory reforms, wider access to long-term funding for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and greater adoption of digital innovation to drive growth and attract investment. The call was made at the 30th Anniversary Symposium of the Association of Issuing Houses of Nigeria (AIHN) in Lagos. Dr. Ike Chioke, Group Managing Director of Afrinvest West Africa Limited, emphasized the need for more collaborative regulatory reforms to keep pace with innovation. He noted that the market has moved from paper-based transactions to more efficient processes, but stressed the importance of continued evolution. Chioke highlighted SMEs as major employers and economic contributors, advocating for fiscal incentives and regulatory support to help them formalize operations, strengthen governance, and access long-term financing. Ozofu 'Latunde Ogiemudia, Deputy Managing Director of Udo Udoma & Belo-Osagie, warned against long gaps in legislative reforms, pointing out a 18-year gap between the 2007 Investments and Securities Act and the 2025 legislation. She emphasized the need for sustained engagement between regulators, government, and market operators to keep the regulatory framework in sync with technological developments, particularly with the rise of digital platforms for investment. Akinjayeju, Managing Director/CEO of FundQuest Financial Services, highlighted the importance of stronger capital requirements for market operators and the demutualization of the Nigerian Exchange, which have enhanced corporate governance and stability. He also noted that favorable market conditions, including a strengthened naira and moderate inflation, present an opportune moment for companies to raise funds through the capital market.",
  "summary": "Financial experts at the AIHN 30th anniversary symposium have called for deeper capital market reforms and improved access to funding for SMEs in Nigeria. Read More: https://punchng.com/aihn-at-30-experts-seek-deeper-capital-market-sme-funding/",
  "key_points": [
    "Nigeria's capital market experts call for stronger regulatory reforms.",
    "SMEs identified as major economic contributors needing fiscal incentives.",
    "18-year gap noted between 2007 Act and 2025 legislation."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Stronger regulatory reforms and digital innovation are being sought to drive growth, attract investment, and provide long-term funding for SMEs, a key sector for economic contribution and employment.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch Nigeria",
        "title": "AIHN at 30: Experts seek deeper capital market, SME funding",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/07/aihn-at-30-experts-seek-deeper-capital-market-sme-funding-12518199",
        "published": "2026-10-07T02:02:39.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}