CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, Bags CIBN Fellowship; Unveils 2025 Economic Agenda

CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, Bags CIBN Fellowship; Unveils 2025 Economic Agenda

By Anthony Emeka Nwosu

The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso, has been conferred with the prestigious Fellowship of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) at the 59th Annual Bankers Dinner held in Lagos. In his keynote address, Cardoso outlined Nigeria’s economic outlook for 2025, emphasizing the need for greater economic diversification and robust reforms to ensure financial stability.

Banking Sector Resilience and Economic Reforms
Reflecting on the past year, the governor highlighted the resilience of the banking sector, citing a non-performing loan (NPL) ratio under 5% and liquidity ratios exceeding 30%. He assured that banks are well-positioned to drive economic growth, particularly through increased credit access for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

“Our journey toward economic reform has yielded encouraging results,” Cardoso noted, adding that the CBN is committed to fostering trust and stability in the financial system.

The Riot Act on Financial Malpractices
Addressing allegations of financial malpractice and deliberate cash flow disruptions, the CBN governor read the riot act to institutions found culpable. “The CBN will not tolerate any sabotage of seamless cash flow for Nigerians,” he said, urging customers to report difficulties in withdrawing cash from bank branches or ATMs directly to the CBN starting December 1, 2024.

Inflation, Innovation, and Financial Inclusion
While acknowledging that inflation remains unacceptably high, Cardoso expressed optimism, saying, “Our commitment to price stability is unwavering. We aim to ensure the benefits are felt by every Nigerian.”

He commended Nigeria’s burgeoning fintech sector for driving financial inclusion and attracting global investors, with several startups achieving unicorn status this year. “Nigeria’s leadership in innovation is undeniable,” he declared.

Payment System Vision 2025 and Capacity Building
Unveiling the CBN’s Payment System Vision 2025, Cardoso outlined plans to advance cross-border payments, implement an open banking framework, and expand the regulatory sandbox to foster innovation.

He also announced the launch of comprehensive mentorship and capacity-building initiatives to equip young Nigerians with the skills needed to drive economic resilience and sustainable growth.

A Call to Collective Action
Cardoso charged financial institutions to rise to their market-making responsibilities and deliver tailored solutions that empower customers to manage risks effectively. “This is not just the Central Bank’s journey; it is Nigeria’s journey. Building an economy where every individual, business, and community thrives requires collaboration among banks, regulators, businesses, and citizens,” he stated.

Recognition and Fellowship Awards
The evening also celebrated outstanding contributions to the banking industry, with CBN Governor Cardoso and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu being awarded the CIBN Fellowship for their dedication to economic transformation.

As Nigeria steps into 2025, Cardoso’s vision signals a robust and inclusive approach to tackling economic challenges and positioning the nation as a leader in innovation and financial growth.

 

PalmPay Named Among Top 250 Fintech Companies in the World by CNBC and Statista

PalmPay Named Among Top 250 Fintech Companies in the World by CNBC and Statista

PalmPay (www.PalmPay.com), a leading Africa-focused fintech platform, has been included in the 2024 edition of CNBC and Statista’s prestigious list of the “Top 250 Fintech Companies in the World.” This recognition underscores PalmPay’s rapid growth and significant contributions to advancing financial inclusion.

 

The CNBC/Statista list honours fintech pioneers significantly transforming the financial services industry through technology. More than 2000 companies were evaluated globally based on general and sector-specific KPIs to determine the final selection. In 2024, some of the most influential fintechs in the world were included in the list, including Alipay, Nubank, Monzo, and Revolut. Six other African firms made the list: Flutterwave (Nigeria/US) – Payments; Kuda (Nigeria/UK) – Neobanking; MTN (South Africa) – Payments; Piggyvest (Nigeria) – Financial planning; and Yoco (South Africa) – Payments.

PalmPay has developed an integrated platform that caters to consumers and businesses in the African market. The startup, which has been operating since 2019, pioneered a unique model in Nigeria that provides financial services such as money transfers, bill payment, credit services and savings via a one-stop-shop fintech ‘superapp’ and mobile money agents.

This dual approach of easy-to-use digital banking, combined with offline touchpoints for those without smartphones, has contributed to driving financial inclusion in a market where more than 40% of adults remain unbanked.

This recognition validates our unique approach to financial services and our commitment to driving financial inclusion

In 2023, PalmPay announced a major milestone of reaching 30 million registered users on its smartphone apps and 1.1 million businesses in its network of mobile money agents and retail merchants. A third of PalmPay customers report that the platform was their first-ever financial account.

PalmPay has quickly grown to become a market leader in Nigeria thanks to its user-friendly interface, reliable transactions, and focus on driving market share through fee-free transfers and promotions. PalmPay processes 15 million transactions on its consumer app daily and maintains a 99.5% transaction success rate.

To achieve this scale in a market where 10% transaction failure rates were common, the company built out its payment infrastructure, channel integrations and transaction routing systems. In addition to its consumer wallet, PalmPay offers services to businesses that leverage the PalmPay platform via its suite of POS machines, APIs and checkout solutions.

“It’s an honour for PalmPay to be recognised by CNBC and Statista as one of the World’s Top Fintech Companies,” said Sofia Zab, Global CMO, “This recognition validates our unique approach to financial services and our commitment to driving financial inclusion. We are actively expanding PalmPay’s reach and offerings, ensuring more people have access to essential financial services and promoting economic development in emerging markets”

PalmPay operates in several key markets across Africa, including Nigeria, Ghana and Tanzania, with plans to expand further in the region and other emerging markets. The company has global HQs in China and London.

Step into the Next Generation of Banking with FinTrak’s Comprehensive Suite of Solutions!

Step into the Next Generation of Banking with FinTrak’s Comprehensive Suite of Solutions!

 

FinTrak Software Co. LTD, an international IT powerhouse headquartered in Lagos, has launched an upgraded version of its core banking solution, aimed at revolutionizing the banking experience for African financial institutions. This robust and adaptable core banking system is designed to meet the diverse needs of banks across the African continent, from East to West and down to Southern Africa. The new system is supported by a comprehensive, round-the-clock client support framework, ensuring seamless operations and customer satisfaction.

FinTrak Software Co. LTD is a global financial technology organization renowned for providing innovative technology and business solutions to financial institutions and enterprises worldwide. The company’s extensive deployment of its solutions across numerous African countries stands as a testament to its reliability and effectiveness.

“Discover the power of FinTrak’s comprehensive suite of financial technology solutions,” enthused Bimbo Abioye, the Group Managing Director of FinTrak Software LTD. “With our innovative budget planning, automation, and reporting tools, we are redefining modern banking solutions for success.”

FinTrak’s Core Banking  product offers an integrated approach to enterprise performance management. This toolstreamlines reporting processes and provides valuable insights for informed decision-making, crucial for banks aiming to stay competitive in today’s fast-paced financial landscape.

“Tailored solutions for unique needs,” Abioye continued. “FinTrak’s software offers unmatched customization while maintaining top-tier quality. Experience the freedom to adapt and thrive in today’s dynamic financial environment.”

He further emphasized the advantages of their core banking system: “Your journey to financial excellence starts with FinTrak’s Core Banking System. Seamlessly integrated, highly efficient, and strategically designed for success. Choose FinTrak for unparalleled performance.”

FinTrak’s innovative automation tools simplify financial processes, eliminating the need for manual tasks and significantly boosting efficiency. “Transform your banking experience with FinTrak today,” Abioye added. “Elevate your financial operations with FinTrak’s Core Banking System. More than just software, it’s a strategic choice for excellence. Experience seamless integration and efficiency like never before.”

Beyond traditional banking services, FinTrak Software also excels in offering comprehensive risk management solutions. Banks face credit risks in various financial instruments, including interbank transactions, trade finance, forex, futures, swaps, bonds, and equities. FinTrak’s solutions are designed to fortify credit risk strategies across the financial services sector, ensuring robust risk management and operational resilience.

Anthony Emeka Nwosu

 

 

 

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Financial Education: 8 Important Steps To Secure Your PalmPay Account

Financial Education: 8 Important Steps To Secure Your PalmPay Account

 

In today’s digital age, securing your financial transactions and personal information is more important than ever.

According to the 2023 NIBSS Annual Fraud Landscape report, incidents of “Fraud loss via Internet Banking increased by 325% between 2022 and 2023, with Mobile, Web and POS being the most exploited channels by fraudsters in the country.”

At PalmPay, we prioritise the security of our users’ accounts, ensuring that your financial activities are safe and secure. But we also require you to be informed on the right steps and actions to take to secure your account. Here are eight crucial steps to help you secure your PalmPay account:

1. Create Strong Passwords

Passwords should be complex but easy to remember. To prevent your account from being hacked, use a complex password with a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters, for example (GOdsent123@) and avoid using easily guessable information like birthdays, pet names, names for passwords and numbers that appear in chronological order.
At the minimum, we advise you to change your password across all your online platforms every 3 months.

2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Where applicable, enable two-step authentication for your online banking to ensure an extra layer of security. Because this requires that a second form of verification is sent to your mobile device, it makes hacking your bank account difficult. Users of the PalmPay app can enjoy its built-in safety and security features.

3. Monitor Your Account Regularly

Safety may begin with ‘S’ but it starts with ‘You’. The human component of safety is as important as the technology side. Bank security measures are not enough to protect your money; follow safety precautions to enhance your account security. You are less prone to financial attacks when you keep an eye on your bank statements and transaction history and immediately report any discrepancies to your bank customer support

4. Do Not Disclose Your PIN, Password and OTP

Your PIN is called a Personal Identification Number for a reason. You must avoid sharing such and other sensitive information and be cautious about sharing your personal information online, especially on social media. Thread carefully when using a bank or making payments through a point of sale (POS). Always stay vigilant and watch out for possible irregularities while patronising POS agents.

In addition, don’t disclose your password and OTP (One-Time Password) to anyone.

5. Regularly Update Banking Apps

Failure to regularly update your banking app leaves your account open to fraudsters. This is because the latest bank app updates often include security enhancements like PalmPay’s auto-logout feature. This security feature requires users to always input their PIN when they reopen the app after each logout.

6. Check Your Transaction Again

We understand how busy we could be in our day-to-day activities but you can always take an extra to check your transaction details before paying. Avoid falling into the trap of erroneous transactions by having a second look at the transaction.

With the PalmPay app, you get a warning pop-up to confirm the transaction details before paying.

7. Beware of phishing attempts

There are going to be numerous phishing attempts during this period. Be cautious about emails, messages, or phone calls asking for personal information. Do not click on links or download attachments from suspicious sources. Legitimate financial platforms like PalmPay won’t call, text or email requesting your personal information.

8. Education, Education, Education

Educate yourself by staying informed about common scams and fraud tactics, and be cautious about clicking on links in emails or text messages, especially if they seem suspicious. We are big on financial literacy in PalmPay. Take advantage of our Wallet Safety Workshops to educate yourself on best safety practices via our social media platforms or website www.palmpay.com

 

Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Investment Forum shows opportunities in West Africa

Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Investment Forum shows opportunities in West Africa

The forum gathered leaders in government, finance and business from across the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). They unpacked ways that investment can improve farming and food security across West Africa.

 

The ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) hosted the event in Lome, Togo, from 4 to 5 April.

Togo Prime Minister Victoire Tomegah Dogbé opened the forum, held under the theme ‘Transforming ECOWAS Communities in a Challenging Environment’.

She emphasized the need for a wide range of investment across human capital, energy, the digital economy, and infrastructure.

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), spoke by video about how regional integration can strengthen investments.

Simon Tiemtore, President of Vista Group Holding, and Kanayo Awani, Executive Vice President of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) stressed the importance of collaborative efforts and innovative strategies to advance investment priorities.

Discussions during the forum addressed crucial topics such as food security, fortifying agricultural supply chains, and enhancing security in West Africa.

Panellists proposed strategies for tackling challenges in agriculture, underscoring the significance of cooperation and innovation for sustainable development.

They underscored major challenges around access to finance, which seriously affects small businesses, particularly for agribusinesses and young entrepreneurs. Among the solutions discussed were ways development finance institutions such as EBID could make facilitate access to loans.

This is one of the issues that the International Trade Centre (ITC) addresses with the ECOWAS Commission through the West Africa Competitiveness Programme (WACOMP).

WACOMP facilitated the participation of nine investment promotion agencies from West Africa. These agencies showcased investment projects in their countries. The delegates engaged with business leaders on investments in critical areas such as agriculture, infrastructure development, support to small businesses, energy and climate change.

Participants deliberated on concrete projects and investment opportunities, with a focus on fostering employment, financing infrastructure, and embracing climate-resilient energy solutions. Along with  ITC and the ECOWAS Commission, the delegation met with EBID management on how to strengthen collaboration to support the inflow of investment in the region.

Tony Elumelu Mourns the Loss of Herbert Wigwe and Bimbo Ogunbanjo – Tribute to Great Lights and True Patriots

Tony Elumelu Mourns the Loss of Herbert Wigwe and Bimbo Ogunbanjo – Tribute to Great Lights and True Patriots

 

Tony Elumelu, a prominent figure in business and philanthropy, expresses deep sorrow and distress at the untimely passing of Herbert Wigwe and Bimbo Ogunbanjo. Describing them as “Great Lights” and “True Patriots,” Elumelu reflects on the significant contributions both individuals made to Nigeria and Africa as a whole.

In a heartfelt statement, Elumelu notes, “The news of Herbert Wigwe’s and Bimbo Ogunbanjo’s untimely passing is terribly sad and distressing. Nigeria, indeed Africa, has lost two of our brightest minds. I admired them both, and we all shared the desire to drive Nigeria’s transformation.”

Herbert Wigwe, recognized as an exceptional talent, devoted his efforts to advancing the banking and financial sector in Nigeria through his role at Access Holdings. Similarly, Bimbo Ogunbanjo’s tenure as the Group Chairman of the NGX group was marked by excellence and dedication.

Elumelu emphasizes the profound impact of their leadership and entrepreneurial drive, stating, “Both will be sorely missed by all. Their leadership and entrepreneurial drive will continue to serve as shining examples to millions of our young people.”

The business tycoon extends his condolences to the families affected by this tragedy, saying, “May Bimbo, Herbert, his dear wife, Chizoba, and his son, Chizi, rest in perfect peace. May God give their immediate families strength and grace in this difficult time.”

Tony Elumelu encourages the community to join him in remembering and honoring the legacies of Herbert Wigwe and Bimbo Ogunbanjo, emphasizing the enduring impact they have had on Nigeria’s business landscape.

 

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No alternative text description for this image

 

“May Bimbo, Herbert, his dear wife, Chizoba, and his son, Chizi, rest in perfect peace. May God give their immediate families strength and grace in this difficult time.”

 

Heirs Holdings: Transforming Communities Through Profitable Ventures – Elumelu

Heirs Holdings: Transforming Communities Through Profitable Ventures – Elumelu

At Heirs Holdings, we create institutions that do more than just make profits – we do well in business and do good in society.

We carry a vision: To improve lives and transform Africa by investing our resources, our time, and our knowledge in critical sectors of the economy, and the UBA Group Graduate Management Accelerated Program (GMAP) is a testament to this vision.

UBA Group recently concluded its Graduate Management Accelerated Program – a program focused on identifying outstanding, young, fresh graduates across Africa, and equipping them with a wide range of specialized training to launch their careers in UBA Group, Africa’s Global Bank.

For me, it is a critical testament to our mission to be truly pan-African and truly invest in African talent. UBA is Africa’s Global Bank – we had young graduates from Cameroun, Ghana, Nigeria, Tanzania, and other African countries. There were 700 graduates in the 2023 GMAP cohort!

After undergoing the 6 months of intensive training program, spanning Treasury, Sales, Marketing and Customer Service, Financial Accounting, Risk Management, and Governance, these aspiring young professionals have now been equipped with the best skills and knowledge required to accelerate their banking career – and Africa.

We all know the reality when it comes to youth unemployment in Africa. Unemployment is the biggest challenge we face – a betrayal of a generation. We know governments alone cannot create all the jobs we need on the continent – so it is up to us, African private sector leaders to intervene and support the government in solving this unemployment deficit. And it is gratifying to see UBA play its part.

Listening to and interacting with the brilliant minds at the graduation ceremony, I am proud to say that we made the right decision. I would like to see branch managers form this cohort in the next 3 years and CEOs in the next 5 years. I believe that this is possible because we have selected the best talents, with the right enthusiasm and energy, and we, at UBA Group will continue to provide the right environment for them to flourish – this is a testament to our corporate mantra of “building to last”.

We have all learned the importance of Enterprise, Excellence, and Execution. So, congratulations to you all, the world is just about to start.

My sincerest appreciation goes out to the Group Managing Director, UBA Group, Oliver Alawuba, and his executive team, as well as our Group HR Director, Katrina Modupe Akindele, and her amazing team for delivering this wonderful project.

And to everyone else who was part of this dream, I appreciate so much your commitment to transforming lives the #HeirsHoldingsWay, #TheUBAWay #TheTOEWay.

Africa Investment Forum showcases $1.475 billion in green and renewable energy deals at African Development Bank 2023 Annual Meetings

Africa Investment Forum showcases $1.475 billion in green and renewable energy deals at African Development Bank 2023 Annual Meetings

The Africa Investment Forum presented four renewable energy and sustainability projects worth nearly $1.5 billion to investors on the sidelines of the African Development Bank Group’s (www.AfDB.org) 2023 Annual Meetings.

 

The curated projects, which are drawn from all of Africa’s regions, are sourced from the Africa Investment Forum’s pipeline. They reflect gathering urgency in Africa, the world’s most vulnerable region to climate change, to accelerate climate action, including closing financing gaps by securing an ever-increasing share of global capital for the continent.

The African Development Bank’s 2023 Annual Meetings are being held under the theme, Mobilizing Private Sector Financing for Climate and Green Growth in Africa.

The investment roundtable, held in Sharm El Sheikh, attracted a range of private investors, including venture capital and private equity firms.

From hydropower to plastic recycling green projects showcase ample opportunities on the continent

The transactions included a hybrid hydrogen feedstock/ ammonia project in North Africa that will source 400 MW of renewable energy to produce—without Co2 emissions— 183 tons of hydrogen feedstock daily to generate 1,000 tons a day of green ammonia via electrolysis. Additional investment of $27 million is needed to move the project towards bankability.

The second transaction, in West Africa, is a 27 MW hydropower project that has successfully undergone feasibility assessments. It has also attracted funding support from a number of international entities and multilateral development agencies.  Among projected benefits, the deal will service 700,000 households, generate 600 direct and indirect jobs over the life of the project, and reduce Co2 emissions by 81,000 tons each year. The project represents an increase of 10% in the country’s total electricity generation capacity.

The investment roundtable, held in Sharm El Sheikh, attracted a range of private investors, including venture capital and private equity firms

The investment roundtable also featured an opportunity to invest in a $73 million plastic recycling and sustainability company’s expansion drive into seven African countries across West, Central and Southern Africa. The project has attracted the interest of several funders of project preparation and technical assistance to conduct feasibility studies in the target countries. It promises important benefits: creation of 16,000 jobs as well as opportunities for 20,000 waste pickers in targeted countries. It will also divert 214,000 metric tons of plastic waste (PET,PP,PE) from landfill dumps and reduce carbon emissions by 149,000 metric tons. Currently only 10% of Africa’s plastics are recycled.  The project resonated positively with growth capital investors that attended the roundtable.

The transaction incorporates important technological features, including cutting-edge processing lines and app-based collection and payment options. These features were viewed as enhancing the project’s scalability across Africa  and the project resonated positively with growth capital investors that attended the roundtable..

The fourth transaction is an opportunity to invest in a $440 million Southern Africa hydropower independent power producer that will generate 544,000 MWh/year of energy. It will also include water distribution and flood prevention elements. Other benefits include 3,000 construction jobs through project completion. The transaction sponsors are seeking $12.5 million to finalize the project’s development phase.

Africa Investment Forum Senior Director, Chinelo Anohu, hosted the event. She said, “there is a need for the Africa Investment Forum on the continent. We can’t overemphasize both the convening power and the strength of the platform.” She said the transactions showcased represented only a small part of the platform portfolio.

In addition to the African Development Bank, representatives of the Africa Investment Forum founding partners Africa Finance Corporation, Africa50, Islamic Development Bank, Development Bank of Southern Africa, Trade and Development Bank and Afreximbank attended.

Investors present asked follow-up questions to learn more about the projects presented.

The event also included an update on the Africa Investment Forum’s current pipeline, comprising 90 deals valued at $62.9 billion and classified as either in the capital raise phase or the bankability phase.

The Africa Investment Forum’s flagship Market Days event, to be held in November 2023, will bring together international deal sponsors, investors and government leaders to showcase transactions that are ready to progress toward closure.

Championed by the African Development Bank and seven other founding partners (Africa50, Africa Finance Corporation, Afreximbank, Development Bank of Southern Africa, European Investment Bank, Islamic Development Bank and Trade and Development Bank), the Africa Investment Forum is Africa’s investment marketplace to accelerate transactions to close Africa’s investment gaps.

Trends shaping global payment processing in 2023

Trends shaping global payment processing in 2023

A global payment processing system is a network that enables financial institutions to process cross-border payments. It allows for currency exchange between banks and other financial institutions across borders. The system is used by businesses and individuals to make international payments, such as for goods and services purchased online.

 

Currently, this system is going through radical changes that are transforming how individuals and businesses send and receive money. Furthermore, there are several exciting trends emerging that will shape the way businesses and consumers process payments worldwide. From cryptocurrency and contactless transactions to artificial intelligence, these innovations are set to transform the industry as we know it.

What is a payment processor?

A payment processor is a financial institution that provides the technology and infrastructure necessary to facilitate global payment processing. Payment processors work with acquiring banks to provide merchants with the ability to accept credit card and debit card payments from customers around the world. Payment processors typically offer a suite of payment-related services, including merchant account management, payment gateway (https://apo-opa.info/42IetFv) and point-of-sale (POS) services, fraud prevention, and security solutions, and access to financing products. In addition, many payment processors offer value-added services such as loyalty programs, customer data analytics, and marketing assistance.

How big is the global payment industry?

A report by the Business Research Company suggests that the global payments market (https://apo-opa.info/3ZsekTH)  will record a growth of $612.04 billion in 2023 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.9%. Additionally, the report indicates that the global payments market will grow to $847.59 billion in 2027 at a (CAGR) of 8.5%. To begin with, new real-time payment platforms allow consumers and businesses to transfer money quickly, securely, and reliably across different banks and institutions. Again, there is an increased focus on security and data privacy (https://apo-opa.info/431uF4X) regarding payment processing. For instance, financial institutions are implementing more robust authentication processes to protect against fraud, as well as introducing new technologies such as biometrics and blockchain to strengthen security.

Trends reshaping payment processing in Africa

How we make and receive payments (https://apo-opa.info/3JVIxVx) is changing rapidly, and Africa is at the forefront. What’s more, new technologies and trends in global payment processing are reshaping the continent, making it easier for businesses to trade with each other and with the rest of the world. One of the most significant changes is the growth of mobile money. Equally important, more and more people in Africa are using their phones to send and receive payments, thanks to platforms like M-Pesa in Kenya and MTN Mobile Money in Ghana.

Additionally, payment gateways like Tingg (https://apo-opa.info/42IetFv) are reshaping how to send and receive money online in Africa.  This makes it easier for businesses to transact without going through a traditional bank. Another trend that’s reshaping Africa is the rise of blockchain technology. Blockchain allows for secure, fast, and cheap transactions without a middleman. This could potentially revolutionize African economies by making it easier to move money around without losing value through exchange rates or fees. These trends are just some ways that global payment processing is changing Africa. They’re making it easier for businesses to trade with each other and connect with the rest of the world.

Is cash declining?

The decline of cash has been a long time coming. For years, experts have predicted the death of cash as we know it, and while that hasn’t happened yet, the writing is on the wall. Moreover, several factors are driving this shift away from cash.

Perhaps most importantly, technological advances have made alternative payment methods more convenient and secure. At the same time, consumer behaviour is changing, with younger generations, in particular, preferring digital payments. Interestingly, a survey from McKinsey indicates that the domination of cash in Africa will be challenged soon as e-payments become increasingly popular (https://apo-opa.info/3JThrOT). Banks and nonbank organizations are trying to simplify domestic and international payments.

All of this is having a significant impact on the payments industry. Companies that process card payments are seeing rapid growth. Despite the digital revolution, adopting electronic payment methods in Africa is still not widespread. Although cash use is diminishing, it remains the primary means of transaction in African nations. This shift will likely continue in the years ahead as more consumers and businesses move away from cash.

Here are trends shaping global payment processing:

Mobile wallets

As mobile commerce continues to grow, so does the demand for mobile wallets. A mobile wallet is a digital wallet that allows users to make payments and access their funds using a mobile device. In 2023, it is estimated that there will be 1.31 billion proximity mobile payment transaction users (https://apo-opa.info/3ZpPcwV) worldwide, up from 950 million users in 2019.

The most popular type of mobile wallet is the smartphone wallet, which allows users to make payments and access their funds using their smartphone. Other mobile wallets include NFC wallets, which use Near Field Communication technology to enable contactless payments, and cloud-based wallets, which allow users to store their funds in the cloud and access them from any device. With more and more people using mobile devices to pay for goods and services, it is clear that mobile wallets are here to stay. As such, businesses must ensure they can accept payments via mobile wallets (https://apo-opa.info/3JVIxVx) to stay ahead of the competition.

Cryptocurrencies

The report indicates that the global payments market will grow to $847.59 billion in 2027 at a (CAGR) of 8.5%

Cryptocurrencies are digital or virtual tokens that use cryptography to secure their transactions and control the creation of new units. Besides that, Cryptocurrencies are often traded on decentralized exchanges and can also be used to purchase goods and services. Bitcoin remains the largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, followed by Ethereum, Tether, Binance Coin, and Cardano.

Cryptocurrencies have seen significant growth in recent years, fueled by increased interest from retail and institutional investors. However, cryptocurrencies face scalability issues, regulatory uncertainty, and a lack of mainstream adoption. Nevertheless, the cryptocurrency industry is expected to grow in the coming years.

As digital currencies continue to grow in popularity worldwide, Africa is emerging as a critical market for these new types of payments.

Global payment processing companies are noticing this trend and investing in African countries to tap into this growing market. Blockchain is a distributed ledger system that makes it difficult for anyone to hack or tamper with transactions. Reports indicate that In 2023, more than two dozen nations (https://apo-opa.info/3JXb7po) are expected to take a giant leap with the piloting of CBDCs. Several countries, such as Australia, Thailand, Brazil, India, South Korea, and Russia, already have plans to begin or further their pilot testing.

The growth of e-commerce

The e-commerce industry is expected to overgrow in the coming years. In 2023, the global e-commerce growth rate is expected to grow by 10.4%, bringing global e-commerce sales (https://apo-opa.info/40GSsoK) to $6.3 trillion.

Several factors will drive this growth:

1. The continued expansion of the internet and mobile devices.

2. The rise of social media and mobile commerce

3. The increasing popularity of online shopping.

 

In addition to this overall growth, there are a number of other trends that are shaping the global payment processing industry. These include the rise of alternative payment methods, the increasing use of mobile apps for payments (https://apo-opa.info/40JQDY8), and the growth of cross-border e-commerce. Alternative payment methods, such as digital wallets, are becoming increasingly popular as consumers seek more convenient and secure ways to pay for online purchases.

Biometric authentication

The need for secure authentication methods grows as the world becomes increasingly digitised. Biometric authentication, which uses physical or behavioural characteristics to verify identity, is one of the most promising technologies.

Several factors are driving the adoption of biometric authentication in the payments industry.

  1. Consumers are becoming more comfortable with using biometrics for authentication. This is due to the widespread use of smartphone fingerprint scanners and facial recognition technology.
  2. Biometric authentication offers higher security than traditional methods like passwords and PINs. It is much harder for criminals to steal someone’s identity or to spoof their credentials.
  3. Biometric authentication is becoming more affordable as the technology continues to mature. This is important for financial institutions that must balance security concerns with cost considerations.
  4. Some major payment processors are beginning to support biometric authentication. Some companies like Mastercard notably unveiled fingerprint and iris scanning (https://apo-opa.info/3zdzyKa) into their global network and have embraced biometric authentication.
  5. Government regulations are starting to catch up with the times. This is likely to spur even greater adoption of biometric authentication in the payments sector in the future.

 

Global payment processing and regulation

The impact of regulation on payment processing (https://apo-opa.info/3lS4Kvu) is far-reaching. Compliance with regulations such as the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) is costly. In addition to the financial impact, compliance with these regulations imposes significant operational burdens on businesses. These requirements are challenging for small and medium-sized companies in particular.

Despite the challenges, businesses need to stay compliant with payment processing regulations. Non-compliance can lead to severe penalties, including fines, reputational damage, and loss of business.

Conclusion

Global payment processing will be pretty different in the future from what it is today. As technology advances, we will see more secure and efficient payment methods. Additionally, the need for transparency and faster transactions are pushing forward global payment processing trends such as blockchain and fintech. With all these changes coming our way in 2023, businesses should stay competitive (https://apo-opa.info/3KdHdxx) in an ever-changing marketplace.

Cellulant’s Payment Service Solution Provider Licence Gets Renewed by Central Bank of Nigeria

Cellulant’s Payment Service Solution Provider Licence Gets Renewed by Central Bank of Nigeria

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has renewed Cellulant’s Payment Service Solution Provider License in Nigeria. This license enables Cellulant (www.Cellulant.io) to continue providing online and offline payment solutions, including collections, check-out, biller aggregation, and payout services securely to thousands of businesses across Nigeria.

 

Cellulant’s digital payments platform, Tingg (www.Tingg.Africa)- enables businesses to seamlessly accept and make payments offline and online. A single integrated digital payments solution, Tingg addresses the complex needs of managing payments by simplifying the payment experience for the end-user and providing tools and processes for a merchant to manage their collections from a single dashboard.

“At Cellulant, we are committed to providing innovative and accessible digital payment solutions to businesses in Nigeria, which play a pivotal role in enabling financial inclusion and driving economic growth in the country. The renewal of our license is a vote of confidence from the Central Bank of Nigeria on the efforts of our team and partners, who have worked tirelessly to create safe and secure solutions that meet the evolving needs of businesses in Nigeria and the regulatory standards. Tingg is now used by thousands of businesses and outlets in the 36 states across Nigeria, enabling businesses to easily collect and make payments, monitor transactions, reconcile and settle cash seamlessly,” said Akshay Grover, Cellulant’s Group CEO.

At Cellulant, we are committed to providing innovative and accessible digital payment solutions to businesses in Nigeria

Nigerian consumers have different payment options, including card, mobile money, bank transfer and cash- with volatile currency fluctuations and no single settlement framework. As a result, the demand for digital payments continues to increase. Roughly 50% of retail customers request to pay for their purchases using digital payment options. However, this demand presents several challenges for most merchants who might not always support the customer’s preferred payment method, resulting in merchants having to enable multiple solutions to support multiple wallets and varying processes for settlement and reversals for a merchant.

Tingg solves these challenges by delivering a single solution to accept all digital payment methods (Bank Transfers, USSD payments, Cards & Mobile Money) maintained with the highest compliance and security standards.

Speaking to the news, Frances Diribe, Cellulant’s Group Chief Risk & Compliance Officer, said, “Cellulant is dedicated to meeting the highest standards of risk and compliance management as we understand the importance of maintaining the integrity of our payment platform. We have invested heavily in robust security measures and compliance processes to ensure our customers can confidently use our services. We welcome this news that showcases our compliance with the standards, directives, and regulations of the Central Bank of Nigeria.”

In addition to being licensed to operate as a Payments Service Provider in multiple African countries, including Kenya, Ghana, Uganda, Botswana, and Zambia, Cellulant has also achieved global security, privacy, business continuity and service management standards. The company’s certifications include ISO 27001 (ISMS), ISO 27701 (PIMS), ISO 22301 (BCMS), ISO 20000-1 (Service Management) and PCI-DSS.

Cellulant provides two essential payment ecosystem solutions: Collections and Payouts. It has three key offerings – Checkout (https://apo-opa.info/41bqkv0) for businesses who want their customers to pay for goods or services online; In-store Payments (https://apo-opa.info/41bqtyy) enabling businesses to collect payments at a physical location; and Payouts (https://apo-opa.info/3k2nlEq) which allow both local and global businesses to make payments, process international transfers or make payments to service providers.