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Blockchain.com, the global crypto platform, has been admitted into the Nigerian Securities and Exchange Commission‘s Accelerated Regulatory Incubation Programme (ARIP), a sandbox framework for virtual asset service providers operating in the country.
The admission means Blockchain.com has been approved by the SEC to operate in a limited capacity while the agency reviews digital asset business models and works on long-term regulations.
Founded in 2011, Blockchain.com has supported over 94 million wallets, 44 million confirmed accounts, and more than $1.1 trillion in crypto transactions across more than 70 jurisdictions.
The company offers self-custody, institutional services, and a range of crypto products. Nigeria is one of Africa’s largest digital asset markets, with growing adoption playing a practical role in how people access, hold, and move value.
“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. 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,” said Owen Odia, general manager for Africa at Blockchain.com.
The ARIP admission forms part of a broader regulatory strategy. Over the past year, Blockchain.com has secured registration with the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority, authorisation under the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets framework, and a Virtual Asset Service Provider licence from the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority.
Nigeria is positioned as a priority market within the company’s wider Africa strategy.
ARIP was set up by Nigeria’s SEC to help evaluate new digital asset models and ensure proper safety measures for investors and anti-money laundering practices.
Through this program, Blockchain.com will collaborate with the SEC to test protections and influence regulations for digital assets in Nigeria.
