AfriPulse
September 14, (THEWILL) — Oluseyi Owoturo is Chief Executive Officer, Coronation Registrars Limited. In this communication, he gives an insight into the unique selling point that gave his organization an edge over industry peers while navigating the continent’s capital market ecosystem. Sam Diala captured the dialogue.
In June 2025, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) directed public companies and their registrars to comply with the Finance Act 2020, mandating 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 within our capital market. How have you navigated through this policy framework?
At Coronation Registrars Limited, we anticipated this shift long before the directive. We rolled out several initiatives to ensure that shareholders could claim their dividends seamlessly. Working closely with shareholder associations across Nigeria, we conducted nationwide sensitisation campaigns, mapped mandates, validated accounts, and built systems to remove friction from dividend payments. Today, the results are evident: a sharp reduction in unclaimed dividends on our registers and a renewed sense of trust from investors.
But the question goes beyond unclaimed dividends. What kind of registrar does Africa need to meet the challenges of a rapidly evolving financial landscape? Our answer is clear: a registrar built on products, powered by platforms, and defined by innovation.
Can you elaborate on how the building of a technology-driven Registrar is a game-changer for you?
Coronation Registrars has positioned itself as a market leader by investing in digital solutions that address pain points for both shareholders and issuers. Consider Coronation Self-Service—a digital system that has processed over 20,000 shareholder requests without requiring a single office visit. By automating routine processes, we save investors time and cost, while freeing our team to focus on more complex needs.
Our flagship platforms, ShareholderLive and IssuerLive, are reshaping engagement on both sides of the market. ShareholderLive is a one-stop hub where retail investors can track dividends, view portfolio values in real time, access annual reports, and IssuerLive, on the other hand, gives companies unprecedented insight into share performance, insider trading patterns, and shareholder behaviour—tools that are vital for strategic decision-making.
Breaking New Ground with Bond Processing Automation?
Earlier this year, we launched Nigeria’s first fully automated bond processing workflow, covering everything from onboarding to computation and e-payment notifications. This end-to-end system eliminates manual delays, calculation errors, and fragmented investor communications. For issuers, it means faster turnaround times. For investors, it means greater transparency and confidence. For the market, it represents a significant step forward in infrastructure modernisation.
This milestone was achieved alongside our ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Certification, a recognition of our long-term commitment to operational excellence and continuous improvement. Together, they reflect our belief that being a registrar is not just about maintaining records—it is about creating value.
You mentioned ‘Redefining Shareholder Participation’. Please expatiate
With Coronation Virtual, we have transformed how Annual General Meetings (AGMs) are conducted. No longer are shareholders limited by geography; they can now register electronically, join meetings remotely, vote in real time, and follow proceedings through data-friendly streaming. This innovation guarantees inclusivity and safeguards shareholder rights. Upcoming enhancements, such as proxy voting guidelines and instant engagement tools, will take transparency and participation to new heights.
These advances are not theoretical. Our track record speaks for itself. From managing one of Nigeria’s largest IPOs for MTN to executing seamless hybrid AGMs for Access Bank and Aradel, Coronation Registrars Limited has consistently delivered precision, innovation, and trust at scale.
You referred to Coronation Registrars as a “partner in innovation, efficiency and trust.” Is this a mere slogan?
No. It is not a mere slogan. While technology defines our platforms, it is our people who complete the picture. We have digitalised critical services such as probate claims, but we also maintain a dedicated team to provide personalised support. Innovation is meaningful only when it makes life easier for clients and shareholders alike.
As Africa’s capital markets grow in complexity, the institutions that thrive will be those that combine digital sophistication with deep market expertise. At Coronation Registrars, we are not just responding to regulatory changes—we are shaping the future of market participation.
… And “The Future is Platform-Led”?
Capital markets thrive when investors have confidence, issuers have insight, and regulators have transparency. Our suite of products and platforms—Self-Service, ShareholderLive, IssuerLive, Coronation Virtual, and our automated bond processing workflow—reflects our commitment to building this kind of market.
The future belongs to registrars who go beyond keeping records to enabling prosperity. At Coronation, we believe that every innovation is an opportunity to create wealth, build trust, and power Africa’s growth.
We are not just participating in the market—we are defining its possibilities.
Author Profile
Sam Diala, THEWILL
Sam Diala is a Bloomberg Certified Financial Journalist with over a decade of experience in reporting Business and Economy. He is Business Editor at THEWILL Newspaper, and believes that work, not wishes, creates wealth.
Source: TheWillNigeria | Read the Full Story…
