CBN charts new path for fintech future

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has said Nigeria’s fast-growing financial technology, also known as fintech, sector can play a major role in boosting the economy, expanding access to banking services and creating jobs.

The apex bank also warned that clearer rules, stronger infrastructure and closer cooperation between regulators and private companies are needed for the industry to reach its full potential.

This position is contained in a new CBN report titled: “Shaping the Future of Fintech in Nigeria: Innovation, Inclusion and Integrity,” which draws from surveys, interviews and roundtable discussions with fintech operators, regulators and other industry players.

According to the report, many Nigerian fintech companies are already thinking beyond the country’s borders. More than half of the firms surveyed said they plan to expand into other African countries, but they believe the process is made difficult by the need to apply for fresh licences in every new market.

The CBN noted that while some companies see Nigeria’s regulatory environment as supportive, others feel held back by delays and unclear processes. The report stated that about half of those surveyed believe the current rules encourage innovation, while the other half say it slows down the launch of new products. Several firms complained that it can take more than a year to get approvals, making it difficult to compete in a fast-moving digital market.

On digital payments, the report praised Nigeria’s real-time transfer system, which allows people to send and receive money instantly through banks and fintech apps. This system, supported by the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System, has helped millions of Nigerians move away from cash.

However, some operators said the system still needs improvement, especially during periods of heavy use. One participant noted that during festive seasons and major holidays, transactions sometimes fail or take longer than expected, causing frustration for customers. The CBN said better planning and communication among payment service providers would help reduce such problems.

The report also examined the growing interest in cryptocurrencies and other digital assets. While many fintech leaders believe these tools can make cross-border payments cheaper and faster, they also raised concerns about fraud, market instability and lack of consumer awareness.

A senior industry voice quoted in the document said: “People need to understand the risks involved. Clear rules and strong consumer education are important so that Nigerians are not misled or exposed to losses they do not fully understand.”

AI is another area where Nigerian fintech firms are making progress. The report revealed that most of the companies surveyed use AI tools to detect fraud and improve customer service. Many also use it to assess credit risk and verify new customers.

Despite this, firms said the lack of skilled workers and uncertainty about how AI will be regulated in the future limits how far they can go. The CBN said building local expertise and setting clear guidelines would help companies use these technologies more responsibly and effectively.

On financial inclusion, the report pointed out that fintech companies are helping to bring banking services to people who were previously excluded, especially in rural and underserved areas. Through mobile phones, simple account opening processes and partnerships with telecom companies, many Nigerians can now save, send money and receive payments without visiting a bank branch.

Still, challenges remain. Weak internet access in some parts of the country and problems with digital identity systems make it harder for people to sign up and use these services fully. The CBN said improving national identity systems and expanding network coverage would support the growth of digital finance.

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Access to funding was described as one of the biggest problems facing fintech companies. Many operators said it is difficult to attract investment because of economic uncertainty and concerns about currency risks. Some also mentioned long delays in getting approvals for foreign funding.

One founder told the CBN that “without easier access to capital, it is hard for young companies to grow, hire staff and invest in better technology.” In response, the report suggests the creation of special funding schemes or credit support programmes to help promising fintech firms expand.

The issue of system compatibility also featured strongly. While efforts such as open banking are underway, many companies said different platforms still do not “talk” to each other properly. This makes it harder to share data securely and offer smooth services to customers across different apps and banks.

Looking ahead, the CBN said stronger cooperation between regulators and industry players is key. The report calls for regular meetings and the creation of a single point of contact where fintech companies can address regulatory issues instead of dealing with multiple agencies separately.

The bank also proposed expanding the use of regulatory sandboxes, which allow new products to be tested under supervision before they are fully released to the public. This, the CBN said, can help protect consumers while still encouraging innovation.

In addition, the report suggests improving digital identity systems, speeding up the rollout of open banking standards and supporting the development of digital banking services such as online savings and credit platforms. These steps are aimed at lowering costs and making financial services more accessible to ordinary Nigerians.

The CBN also expressed a desire for Nigeria to play a stronger role in shaping fintech policies across Africa. By working with other countries to reduce regulatory barriers, the bank believes Nigerian fintech firms can grow into regional and even global players.

In its closing remarks, the report said Nigeria’s fintech sector stands at an important point. “With the right balance of innovation, strong rules and cooperation, the industry can support economic growth, protect consumers and help more Nigerians take part in the formal financial system.”

For millions of users who rely on mobile apps to send money, pay bills and run small businesses, the CBN said these reforms could lead to faster services, safer transactions and greater trust in the digital financial space.