**SEC Considers Reducing Earnings Reports to Twice a Year** In a move that could ease the financial burden on listed companies in Nigeria, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is proposing a change to the way public companies report their earnings. Instead of releasing earnings reports every quarter, as is currently required, companies might only have to do so twice a year. This shift has been in discussion for a while now, driven by concerns that the quarterly requirement is too costly and time-consuming for companies to maintain. Some have even suggested that it's one reason why companies choose to stay private for longer periods. By reducing the frequency of earnings reports, the SEC hopes to make it easier for companies to go public, which could be a boon for the Nigerian capital market. SEC Chairman Gary Gensler has expressed support for this idea, echoing comments made by his predecessor, Paul Atkins, and former US President Donald Trump. The SEC has already begun talks with the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) and other relevant stakeholders to explore the feasibility of this change. If the proposal is released (which could happen in the next few weeks), it will be open to public comment and a vote before it can be implemented. Interestingly, other countries like the European Union and the UK have already made similar changes, adopting semiannual reporting requirements around a decade ago. While both markets still see some companies voluntarily releasing quarterly reports, the shift has helped to reduce the regulatory burden on listed companies. A twice-yearly earnings report requirement could have significant implications for Nigerian companies, particularly smaller ones that might struggle to keep up with the current quarterly reporting schedule. If implemented, it could help make it easier for more companies to access the capital they need to grow and develop, ultimately contributing to the growth of the Nigerian economy.