The Chamber of Digital Assets and Blockchain Innovations (CDABI) Ghana Chapter has welcomed the Securities and Exchange Commission’s newly released Securities Industry (Regulatory Sandbox Licensing) Guidelines 2026.

It describes the move as a major milestone for the country’s digital finance and virtual asset ecosystem.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Chamber said the guidelines represent a decisive step toward creating a structured pathway for innovative capital market products and services to be tested under regulatory supervision.

According to CDABI, the framework provides a risk-proportionate environment that enables the development of new financial technologies while maintaining regulatory oversight and investor protection.

The Chamber noted that one of the most significant aspects of the new guidelines is the creation of a dedicated Virtual Asset Sandbox Track, which is anchored to the Virtual Asset Service Providers Act, 2025 (Act 1154).

It said this development reflects a maturing regulatory architecture that recognises both the opportunities and risks associated with digital assets.

CDABI also highlighted the importance of aligning the SEC’s sandbox framework with the broader regulatory regime governing virtual asset service providers, describing the approach as a critical step toward building investor confidence and attracting responsible innovation to Ghana’s financial sector.

The Chamber further praised the inclusion of strong consumer protection safeguards within the framework.

These include binding key performance indicators, risk disclosure obligations, and a requirement that foreign Virtual Asset Service Providers maintain at least 30 per cent local participation.

According to the Chamber, these measures demonstrate that the SEC has balanced investor protection with Ghana’s broader economic interests.

CDABI also commended the transparency of the application and approval structure outlined in the guidelines.

The statement pointed to the phased approval process detailed in the framework and the comprehensive documentation requirements for applicants, which it said provide clarity and certainty for firms seeking to participate in the regulatory sandbox.

The Chamber described the new guidelines as an important signal that Ghana is positioning itself as a responsible and forward-looking hub for digital asset innovation in Africa.

As an industry membership and self-regulatory organisation in the virtual asset and digital finance space, CDABI said it works closely with key regulators, including the Bank of Ghana, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the Virtual Assets Regulatory Office.

The Chamber reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the implementation of the sandbox framework and promoting a transparent and well-regulated digital asset market in the country.

It also indicated its readiness to assist member firms and other industry players in understanding and navigating the sandbox application process.

CDABI encouraged eligible firms, including capital market operators, fintech companies and Virtual Asset Service Providers, to engage actively with the new guidelines and explore opportunities within the regulatory sandbox framework.

The Chamber said it will continue working with regulators and stakeholders to support the development of a competitive, inclusive and well-regulated digital asset ecosystem in Ghana.