The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has extended the forbearance window for multiple accounts consolidation to March 31, 2018.
Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday in Abuja, Acting Director General of SEC, Dr. Abdul Zubair said:“With a view to encouraging many more investors to consolidate their multiple subscriptions into one account, the SEC wishes to announce an extension of the forbearance for Multiple Accounts till31st March, 2018”.
He added: “Accordingly, investors that bought shares of the same company during public offers, using different names, are allowed till 31st March, 2018 to continue to approach their Stockbrokers or Registrars, to regularize their shareholdings, in line with SEC Rules on customer identification. Thereafter, all shares NOT regularized shall be transferred, on trust, to the Capital Market Development Fund”.
The Acting DG disclosed further that in line with approved rules of the Commission; all Registrars have been directed to stop the issuance of dividend paper warrants with effect from January 1, 2018.
He noted that for the avoidance of doubt, all paper dividend warrants issued up till December 31, 2017 are valid and should be honoured. Banks and Registrars are accordingly implored to please note and adhere.
SEC also announced that the e-dividend registration exeecise would continue seamlessly in spite of the expiration of the December 31st 2017 Free registration deadline.
It would be recalled that the e-dividend Free Registration expired on December 31, 2017.
Zubair explained that all Investors that are yet to enroll, are enjoined to continue with the registration exercise, at a marginal cost of N150 (one hundred and fifty Naira) only.
He said “Such investors should continue to approach their Banks or Registrars, as usual, to seamlessly mandate their Bank Accounts for the collection of their Dividends electronically, including unclaimed dividends, not exceeding 12 years of issue; as the N150 would not be demanded from them at the point of registration.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the N150 fee would not be demanded from the investors at the point of registration and/or submission of completed e-Dividend Mandate Forms.
In his comments, Director External Relations of the SEC. Mr. Henry Rowlands disclosed that the SEC has consulted with other stakeholders to ensure that the process is seamless; adding that investors should entertain no fear of being charged until their registration is approved.
