Launch of Licensing Module of the SCPNG’s Centurion Enterprise System

The Securities Commission of Papua New Guinea (SCPNG) officially launched the Licensing Module of the Centurion Enterprise System on Tuesday, 27th January 2026, at the Hilton Hotel in Port Moresby. This groundbreaking digital platform transforms the way regulatory processes are managed by SCPNG in PNG’s capital markets.

The launch marked a significant milestone in SCPNG’s commitment to modernize the PNG capital markets through innovation and technology. SCPNG’s new Licensing Module steps away from unreliable paper-based systems and now provides a secure, efficient, and transparent digital platform for market participants to apply for, renew, and manage licenses online with real-time communication with the regulator throughout the process. The digital platform enables ease of business for stakeholders in PNG’s capital markets.

For SCPNG’s regulatory purposes, the platform is engineered to enhance compliance oversight of the capital markets. The digital platform serves as a digital repository and improves licensing and supervisory data collection and furthermore serves as a regulatory tool for SCPNG’s mandatory mandate for licensing, supervising and enforcement in the capital markets.

The new platform strengthens market entry compliance, including enhanced fit-and-proper assessments of license applicants. It also requires applicants to be registered with the Financial Analysis and Supervision Unit (FASU), reinforcing regulatory coordination and establishing a direct linkage within Papua New Guinea’s Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing (AML/CTF) framework.

“The Licensing Module of the Centurion Enterprise System is a bold step forward in our mission to ensure innovation in Papua New Guinea’s capital markets and strengthen investor confidence. By embracing digital transformation, we are setting a new benchmark in the PNG capital markets and encourage the capital market participants to do the same so that they can better serve investors in Papua New Guinea through innovation and technology,” said Mr. James Joshua, Acting Executive Officer of SCPNG.

Hon. Richard Maru, Minister for International Trade and Investments, commended SCPNG for its leadership in delivering such an innovative system.

“This launch demonstrates the government’s commitment to modernizing our financial systems and creating an enabling environment for investment. SCPNG’s Licensing Module now makes it easier for interested capital market participants to do business in Papua New Guinea’s capital markets, thereby attracting more participants as well as investors, and ultimately drives economic growth for Papua New Guinea.”

Minister Maru stated that a well-regulated capital market is essential for attracting investment, promoting economic diversification, and supporting PNG’s long-term development aspirations under Vision 2050 and the Medium-Term Development Plan IV (2023–2027). Minister Maru further stated that this now marks the start of major reforms in the PNG capital market that are intended to grow the market.

“The Licensing Module positions SCPNG as a modern, digitally enabled regulator, reinforcing transparency and trust by the general public in PNG’s capital market.”

“This platform strengthens Papua New Guinea’s ability to safeguard financial integrity, uphold international standards, and protect investors,” Minister Maru said.

Mr Joshua (Acting CEO of SCPNG) thanked the Marape-Rosso Government for funding the project through the Public Investment Program (PIP), administered by the Department of Treasury, Department of National Planning & Monitoring, and Department of Finance. The project was fully funded by the PNG Government and is one of the first PIP Projects undertaken by a PNG government agency to be managed and delivered in accordance with strict reporting guidelines and timelines. The digital platform was developed internally by SCPNG in collaboration with a local consultant and a European software developer, ensuring that the platform is fit for purpose and in line with all the regulatory laws of PNG as well as international standards.

Minister Maru congratulated Mr. Joshua for his leadership and successful delivery of this initiative, while acknowledging the contributions of all stakeholders and partners.

“With all national aspirations in mind, and in recognition of the hard work invested by SCPNG and its partners, I am honoured to officially declare the Licensing Module of the Centurion Enterprise System launched,” Minister Maru announced.

A locally owned license holder, Namani Capital Partners, present at the event expressed gratitude.

“We thank the management and staff of SCPNG for their professionalism and openness in supporting local firms with this new platform. This approach builds national capacity while protecting the integrity of the market. The launch is a step forward for transparency, regulatory efficiency, and stronger engagement between the Commission and licensed entities.”

The launch concluded with SCPNG advising all capital market license holders to liaise with SCPNG to renew their licenses on the new system and for continued collaboration to ensure the system’s successful implementation and sustained utilisation, reinforcing PNG’s position as a reliable and investor-friendly capital market.

The Securities Commission of Papua New Guinea (SCPNG) extends its sincere appreciation to the media, all stakeholders and partners who attended and supported the launch of the Centurion Licensing System. Their presence and contributions reaffirm their enduring commitment to the growth and strengthening of Papua New Guinea’s capital markets ecosystem.

The SCPNG herein thanks the following institutions who attended the launching event:

Regulated Entities