9 Payment Service Bank (9PSB), Nigeria’s digital payment service bank, focused on financial inclusion, has echoed the impressive progress demonstrated by the female professionals and entrepreneurs in the fintech sector, and Small and Medium Scale Enterprise (SMEs) at this year’s Digital Pay Expo and Exhibition held at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The year’s event themed, ‘Redefining Payment,’ focused and analyzed the payment habits of the Millennials and Gen Z, the largest generation groups. It spotlighted the crucial effects of the group on the payment world to continue to develop solutions that will gain their loyalty and that of the total market.

Speaking at the session, Women in Fintech, themed, Inclusive Finance for SMEs, designed to mentor participating female undergraduates across institutions of higher learning in Lagos State, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, 9 Payment Service Bank (9PSB), Branka Mracajac, emphasized that women are making significant breakthroughs in the fintech sector and in Smal and Medium Scale Enterprises in recent years compared to what was obtainable in the past.

Although, women are still contending with the male counterparts for positions, it is evident that many women are assuming key executive positions in the finance and fintech sector, as well as other areas of human endeavours. The fintech industry is striving to improve the situations occasioned by gender disparity, inclusivity, and financial inclusion to ensure equal growth and opportunities.

In her words, ‘’Women are founding many business entities and SMEs, it is important to have the right mindset, work hard and put in more efforts to educate yourselves, acquire the right expertise and skills, network and find someone who will inspire you and the opportunities would present itself. We need more prominent professional women leaders in fintech to inspire young girls. We did not have this in my time, but the dynamics have changed. Women should stay focused, connected, and look for opportunities to kick-start their careers’’.

Other female Chief Executive Officers in the fintech sector who also formed part of the session are Ronke Kuye, (Shared Agent Network Expansion Facilities Limited, SANEF Nigeria); Dr. Markie Idowu (Xpress Payment Solutions Limited); Kemi Okunsanya (Hydrogen, Nigeria), and Yemi Keri (Heckerbella Limited).

They also shared pieces of advice to the young undergraduates on the need to have mentors who have attained progressive stages of career growth; build good rapport; have improved social capital, utilize the social media as a means of communication; and communicate their capability, competencies, and experience.

In addition, they advised them to offer their best and be ready to add value to prospective organizations they will be employed in. Furthermore, the youngsters were also implored to build and keep relationships with colleagues and ensure leave on a good note whenever they meet people, because the future is unpredictable.

Digital Pay Expo is a yearly event designed to bring together industry regulators, fintech top executives, and innovators in the fintech and payment solution space to collaborate and move the industry forward.

The platform provides a unique opportunity for industry players to discover new innovative cases and technologies that will accelerate the much-needed growth in the fintech ecosystem.

OPay, a leading financial technology company, wishes to reaffirm its strict prohibition of cryptocurrency and virtual asset trading on its platform. As a compliant organization committed to upholding legal, constitutional, and regulatory duties, OPay prioritizes the safety, strength, and integrity of the financial system.

OPay does not permit trading in any form of cryptocurrency or virtual currency on its platform. Additionally, OPay accounts and wallets must not be used in connection with such activities.

To ensure compliance with this directive, OPay conducts daily scans of its platform to detect any unauthorized cryptocurrency or virtual currency trading. Any account or wallet found in breach of this policy will be closed immediately, with details reported to the relevant regulatory authorities.

According to the Mr. Gotring Wuritka Dauda, CEO, OPay Nigeria, he stated that, for absolute clarity, OPay has never condoned, nor will it permit, the trading of cryptocurrency or virtual assets on its platform.

He continued by urging all customers to ensure their OPay wallets and accounts are not involved in cryptocurrency or virtual currency transactions. Non-compliance with this policy will result in account closure.

He appreciated all customers for their continued trust and support as they work together to maintain a secure and compliant financial environment.

Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has delisted 47 unregistered loan apps, Google playstore as at May 2024, in a renewed crackdown on such platforms.

This is coming after it was discovered that despite the efforts of the agency, the proliferation of unregistered loan apps continues, with many operating through Android Package Kit (APK) files, circumventing official app store regulations.

According to a statement from the FCCPC, as of May 2024, the number of registered loan apps in Nigeria has risen to 284, comprising 232 companies with full approval and 11 others licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

It also noted that it has placed 88 others on a watchlist amid a surge in the number of unregistered and potentially predatory loan apps, which have been causing considerable distress among Nigerians.

Despite these advancements, the ongoing challenges posed by unregistered apps continue to impact Nigerian borrowers adversely.

Dr. Adams Abdullahi, chief executive officer, FCCPC, said infractions have been on the rise as more Nigerians are now taking loans from the various loan apps.

Despite these advancements, the ongoing challenges posed by unregistered apps continue to impact Nigerian borrowers adversely.

Abdullahi said the commission would now involve law enforcement agents in tackling the menace in addition to regulatory prohibition and consequences.

He noted that this is in line with the FCCPC’s Limited Interim Regulatory/Registration Framework and Guidelines for Digital Lending, established in 2022,  which is aimed at promoting ethical lending practices and protect consumer rights.

The situation, according to financial analysts, underscores the need for stronger regulatory frameworks and consumer protection measures in Nigeria’s digital finance sector.

According to them, the gloomy state of the Nigerian economy has led to the rise of loans taken by its citizens.