Coronation Registrars Limited is at the forefront of transforming Nigeria’s capital market landscape, driven by innovation and a commitment to excellence. Oluseyi Owoturo, chief executive officer, shares the company’s strategic vision and initiatives in this interview…
Coronation Registrars has been described as one of Africa’s most innovative registrars. What sets you apart in the market?
At Coronation Registrars, innovation is not an afterthought—it is our DNA. We have invested heavily in digital platforms that transform shareholder and issuer experiences. From Coronation Self-Service, which allows shareholders to resolve over 20,000 requests online, to ShareholderLive, where retail investors manage their portfolios in real time, and IssuerLive, which gives issuers instant market intelligence, we are redefining what a registrar can do. These products reduce cost, eliminate paperwork, and deliver transparency across the capital market ecosystem.
The SEC recently issued a circular on unclaimed dividends. How has Coronation Registrars responded?
Long before the SEC directive, we had proactively mapped shareholder mandates, validated accounts, and embarked on sensitization campaigns with shareholder associations nationwide. Our goal was to make dividend access seamless. Today, our digital processes have significantly reduced unclaimed dividends across our registers. We support the SEC’s June 10, 2025 directive because it aligns with our own drive to protect investors and strengthen trust in the market.
Coronation Registrars handled major transactions such as MTN’s IPO and Access Bank’s AGM. What did these projects demonstrate about your capabilities?
These landmark events showcased our ability to merge deep market expertise with cutting-edge technology. For MTN’s IPO, one of Nigeria’s largest, we ensured a seamless, transparent process that empowered thousands of investors nationwide. At Access Bank’s AGM, we delivered hybrid participation, enabling real-time voting and engagement without disenfranchisement. Our execution reflects a consistent standard: precision, speed, and stakeholder confidence.
How do you ensure retail shareholders—who often face barriers to participation—are not left behind in these high-profile transactions?
We design every solution with inclusivity in mind. During the MTN IPO for instance, we provided simple onboarding processes accessible via mobile and web, conducted nationwide sensitization campaigns with shareholder associations, and set up support teams to assist first-time investors. With Coronation Virtual and ShareholderLive, retail shareholders can now attend AGMs, view their dividend portfolios. Technology has democratized participation, and Coronation Registrars is leading that charge.
How do you ensure efficiency and accuracy when handling high-volume corporate actions?
Efficiency is achieved through automation, and accuracy is achieved through data validation at every step. We use AI-supported mapping tools to authenticate shareholder records, ensuring that no investor is left out. Our systems flag incomplete mandates, prevent duplication, and ensure every allocation is precise. This combination of technology and market expertise is why we could deliver on major IPOs and AGMs without disruption.
What does your IPO experience mean for future capital market transactions?
It means that Africa’s capital markets are ready for true digital transformation. Investors no longer have to deal with manual forms, long queues, or opaque processes. Issuers can execute faster, at lower cost, while regulators gain real-time visibility. Coronation Registrars has proven that with the right products and platforms, large-scale transactions can be transparent, inclusive, and efficient.
How do these successes tie into your broader strategy as a registrar?
They reinforce our belief that registrars are no longer passive record-keepers; we are infrastructure providers. Every IPO or corporate action we manage is an opportunity to demonstrate how our platforms—Coronation Virtual, ShareholderLive, IssuerLive, and our fully automated bond processing workflow—can deliver better outcomes for shareholders and issuers. These successes show that our innovation is not theoretical; it works at scale in real market conditions.
Coronation recently automated bond processing end-to-end. Why is this important for the capital market?
The bond market has traditionally struggled with manual bottlenecks, delays, and calculation errors. Our fully automated bond processing workflow, covering onboarding, computation, and electronic payment notification, is the first of its kind in Nigeria. It reduces turnaround time for issuers, ensures accurate investor communication, and improves transparency. This innovation, combined with our ISO 9001:2015 certification, underscores our commitment to operational excellence and investor protection.
How does Coronation’s technology enhance shareholder participation in governance?
Through Coronation Virtual, shareholders can now attend Annual General Meetings (AGMs) from anywhere in the world, vote in real time, and access proceedings through data-friendly streaming. By eliminating geographical barriers, we have expanded inclusivity and safeguarded shareholder rights. Our upcoming add-ons, such as proxy voting guidelines and instant messaging, will take engagement to the next level.
What role does customer service play in Coronation’s technology-driven approach?
Even with our heavy digitisation, we have not lost sight of human relationships. Our dedicated team ensures that shareholders and issuers have direct access to experienced professionals for specialised requests such as probate claims. Technology enables speed, but our people deliver the personal touch that builds trust.
What is Coronation Registrars’ vision for the future?
We are shaping a market where investor participation is effortless, issuer decision-making is data-driven, and capital formation is seamless. Coronation is not just participating in Africa’s financial markets—we are setting new standards for transparency, speed, and shareholder engagement. Our products and platforms will continue to transform how value is created and shared.
What’s next for Coronation Registrars after proving its capability on such large-scale projects?
We are scaling these innovations across Africa. Our goal is to make products and platforms that redefine how capital formation happens—whether it’s an IPO, bond issuance, or AGM. We are building borderless shareholder experiences that will give both issuers and investors the confidence to participate fully in Africa’s growth story.
Bamidele Famoofo is the Managing Editor of Business a.m. Newspaper, with over two decades of experience in the media industry. A seasoned journalist and editor, he brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to the newsroom, driving impactful business and financial reporting.
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