Rise of Online Trading in Nigeria

In recent years, online trading in Nigeria has been booming. The exponential growth was spurred by several reasons. Improved internet connections and a wider choice of brokers contribute to the appeal of internet-assisted profit. The nation’s investment and the trading market is among the leading and healthiest on the continent. Here is an overview of its past, present and probable future.

Trading or Gambling

Causes of the Rise

Internet-assisted trading gained traction for several reasons. Most finance experts distinguish two major drivers of growth. These are:

  • Economic stability, and
  • The spread of mobile trading apps.

On the one hand, the development of the national economy has resulted in more Nigerians engaged in investment and trading. The activities are simply more affordable than years ago. The local population are now enjoying economic freedom that was inaccessible to their grandparents. This freedom is the key to the existence of the trading community, and it is only projected to expand.

On the other hand, Nigeria is a country where mobile devices are used more widely than desktop computers. Modern apps like MT4 and MT5 offer the features of desktop terminals. Through them, international brokers can serve millions of clients in the country.

Nigerian Trading Laws

Nigeria has had its system of trading laws for half a century. Since the emergence of the local stock exchange (NSE) in the ’70s, the field has been regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission.

However, unlike the conventional stock market, internet trading is not overseen by the same entity. Currently, it is subject to regulation by several smaller state organizations. These include the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the world’s top regulatory bodies.

CBN is officially responsible for overseeing online brokers in the country, but it does not issue internationally recognized licenses. As a result, clients are advised to choose companies licensed by such organizations as the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) in the EU or the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) in South Africa.

The conclusion is that traders should be working through a broker which has been approved by one or more of such regulatory bodies. This ensures the business is legal, and no fraud is involved.

Brokers and Platforms

Nigerians may choose from a range of international brokerage brands. Through a reliable like Bux Markets, traders can work with more than currency pairs. They gain access to stocks of the largest corporations, as well as various derivatives. The latter allows profiting from stocks, commodities, cryptocurrency or market indices without owning the underlying assets. As Contracts for Difference are tied to price dynamics only, they are accessible to anyone.

The most commonly used platforms are MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5. Both products have smooth mobile versions and provide advanced trading environments. The systems may be accessed with demo or live accounts. While the earlier edition is chosen by beginners and currency traders, diversified portfolios are often managed through MT5. Both software products are popular around the world.

Advanced Trading Products

Through CFDs, Nigerians gain access to different global markets. They can speculate on assets they would not invest in otherwise. For example, CFDs on crude oil are based on the price for the commodity. The instruments are traded similarly to currency pairs. Thanks to leverage, clients may boost their volumes with a share of the broker’s funds.

As a result, local traders can develop diversified portfolios. Beginners usually explore currency pairs before adding more instruments. Portfolio holders spread their risk over some assets, thereby reducing it. Meanwhile, the profit potential of a diverse portfolio is higher than that for individual instruments.

Word of Caution

Platforms like MT4 provide a viable opportunity to make a profit from the comfort of one’s home. However, like any form of financial investment, it carries its specific inherent risks. Although modern tools allow traders to hedge them, the probability of loss may never be excluded.

As a result, consistent success requires knowledge and practice. Novices are strongly advised to practice in the risk-free demo mode until they are fully accustomed to the procedures, and familiar with the forecast tools.

Choose only licensed brokers in the region, and take advantage of the educational resources they provide. A reputable firm will supply you with articles, tutorials, courses, etc., as well as round-the-clock support. Forex trading should never be random. Thus, it is vital to accumulate knowledge and develop relevant skills before putting real money at stake.

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