Chief Executive Officer of Coronation Registrars Limited, Oluseyi Owoturo, has underscored the role of technology in reshaping Africa’s capital markets, stressing that digital solutions are no longer optional but essential for accountability, transparency, and investor trust.
Speaking in Lagos, Owoturo noted that regulatory changes are accelerating this shift. He referenced the June 2025 directive by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which requires public companies and their registrars to comply with provisions of the Finance Act 2020. The law mandates that dividends unclaimed for six years or more be transferred to the Unclaimed Funds Trust Fund (UFTF).
“This move reflects a growing focus on accountability, transparency, and investor protection,” Owoturo said, adding that Coronation had anticipated such reforms and invested early in systems to reduce unclaimed dividends.
According to him, initiatives such as nationwide sensitisation campaigns, mandate mapping, and account validation have significantly cut unclaimed dividends on the company’s registers. “The results are evident: fewer unclaimed dividends and renewed trust from investors,” he said.
Innovation Beyond Dividend Payments
Owoturo argued that the broader challenge is redefining the registrar’s role for a fast-changing financial landscape. “Our answer is clear: a registrar built on products, powered by platforms, and defined by innovation,” he stated.
Coronation has rolled out a series of digital platforms to meet this challenge:
- Coronation Self-Service: A portal that has processed over 20,000 shareholder requests without requiring physical office visits, cutting costs and saving time.
- ShareholderLive: A one-stop hub for retail investors to track dividends, monitor portfolio values in real time, and access annual reports.
- IssuerLive: A tool that gives listed companies deeper insights into share performance, insider trading patterns, and shareholder behaviour—critical data for strategy.
Owoturo also highlighted the company’s launch of Nigeria’s first fully automated bond processing workflow, which streamlines onboarding, computation, and e-payment notifications. He said the system reduces errors and delays while boosting transparency. “For issuers, it means faster turnaround times. For investors, greater confidence. For the market, it’s a step forward in modernisation,” he added.
This development, he noted, coincided with Coronation’s attainment of ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Certification, which affirms the company’s focus on operational excellence.
Modernising Shareholder Participation
Beyond backend processes, Coronation has sought to transform shareholder participation in governance. With Coronation Virtual, the company has digitised Annual General Meetings (AGMs), allowing shareholders to register online, join remotely, vote in real time, and stream proceedings on data-friendly platforms.
“No longer are shareholders limited by geography. This innovation guarantees inclusivity and safeguards rights,” Owoturo said. Planned upgrades include proxy voting guidelines and instant engagement tools to deepen transparency.
Track Record of Market Leadership
Owoturo pointed to Coronation’s role in some of Nigeria’s most significant capital market events, including the MTN Nigeria IPO and hybrid AGMs for major corporations such as Access Bank and Aradel.
“These advances are not theoretical. Our track record speaks for itself. Coronation has consistently delivered precision, innovation, and trust at scale,” he remarked.
With regulators tightening oversight and investors demanding efficiency, Owoturo stressed that only technology-driven registrars will remain relevant: “Being a registrar is not just about maintaining records; it is about creating value.”