E-Financial
Beware! Cryptocurrencies Will Make Ponzi Schemes More Fraudulent- Deloitte
Aside the undisputable fact that emails and passwords used on Ponzi Schemes could be compromised or sold to criminals out there or used in other places were people reuse passwords, the inclusion of cybertocurrencies will even make the scheme more fraudulent, cyber security expert has warned.
In a series of Tweetchat via @TopeAladenusi, Tope Aladenusi, leader, CyberRisk Services, Deloitte West Africa demystified the cryptocurrencies world, especially as it affects the Nigerian market.
The conversation was the first in a 4-part series that will focus on each key component of the 2017 hosted by hosted by #DeloitteCyberOutlook.
He said, in the cyber world, data is not permanently lost even though it is invisible; however “this action (tweetchat) may minimize the risk”, especially when the participants are educated.
Ponzi schemes will become more fraudulent with the adoption of cryptocurrencies and the economic situation.
He further defined cryptocurrency a digital or virtual currency that uses cryptography for security.
Nigeria CommunicationsWeek recalled that MMM Nigeria, popular Ponzi scheme, announced, recently, the introduction of bitcoin, the world’s best performing currency, as part of its mode of payment in its comeback plans.
Sun reported that the Ponzi scheme, which froze accounts of participants on December 13, 2016, is preparing to return, and it is throwing up a number of plans to get its community active again.
Bitcoin, the increasingly popular cryptocurrency or digital currency, was the best performing currency in 2016, appreciating by more than 100 percent in 2016, from about $400 per bitcoin to over $1,000 per bitcoin.
Prior to the freeze of MMM, participants were allowed to provide help in bitcoin, but they were paid back in naira.
In a statement to participants, MMM said “due to the recent sharp price fluctuations of Bitcoin, MAVRO-BTC is being introduced in the system.
“So far, we have only had Mavro-Naira in the system. Even though you provided help via Bitcoin, your Bitcoins, anyway, were recalculated into the Naira at the exchange rate at the moment of providing help, and you were credited with Mavro-Naira in your PO.
“It was the naira amount that grew. In other words, you received 30 percent a month specifically in naira (not in Bitcoins, although you originally provided help using Bitcoins).
“Now, you have a chance to have 30 percent growth of the Bitcoin amount, not the naira amount. So, acquire MAVRO-BTC which will be credited in your PO and will grow at a 30 percent monthly growth rate.
“In a month not only 30 percent will be added to your initial amount, but, it can increase itself due to Bitcoin price growth.
“And, what if Bitcoin price is going to fall? In case Bitcoin price might go down, you will be able to return to naira at any time — instantly convert your MAVRO-BTC into Mavro-Naira (and vice versa, if Bitcoin price might increase again).
“This option is available in PO. You can convert both confirmed and unconfirmed Mavro.
“We hope that with implementing MAVRO-BTC, your participation in MMM will become more comfortable!”
But, Aladenusi warned that Cyber Ponzi schemes are perpetrated on the internet with a promise of unbelievable financial returns on investment, but it actually generates returns for older investors by acquiring new investors or from re-investors.
The Scheme, he reiterated, relies on a constant flow of new investments to continue. When this flow runs out, d scheme falls apart.
“Several cryptocurrencies exist the most popular being Bitcoin. Some ponzi schemes now utilize Bitcoins which will further disrupt the economy as they are not regulated. Some of these schemes are actually used as bait to advance other types of cyberattacks,” he said.
On the cyber security implications, he said, “Some of the schemes require victims to visit infected websites that can compromise the individuals computer; as a result, systems could be compromised with malware which could affect the user or organization’s data. Cyber Ponzi schemes are addictive & greed may make it continue to be attractive until the user gets seriously hurt”.
He recalled that “In 2016, events occurred as forecasted. There was a twist in cyberattacks; elections were allegedly swayed by hackers. In Nigeria, phishing attacks, hacking competitions and enforcement of cybercrime act were top issues in 2016”
On what happens eventually? Aladenusi predicts “There won’t be enough money to go around, and the scheme unravels. Some Ponzi schemes operate as pyramid schemes, as they use the funds of new investors’ to pay earlier investors. The first Ponzi scheme was orchestrated by Charles Ponzi in 1919 through postal services”.
In 2017, he continued, “We should expect a persistent rise in these cyber Ponzi schemes as the economic recession looms. A lot of Ponzi schemes will also fall in 2017 and people would lose their money. The failure of these Ponzi schemes have led to several negative impacts such as suicide among affected citizens.
The Tweetchat was part of Deloitte’s key forecast and continues till 13 January 2017 before the official release next week #DeloitteCyberOutlook.
ChatPay has launched Africa’s conversational banking platform, enabling individuals and businesses to access financial services through WhatsApp.
The Lagos-based fintech startup, is in controlled rollout, connecting WhatsApp to linked-bank management, airtime and supported electricity payments through simple conversations.
The company said the platform is designed to enable users to send money, pay bills, buy airtime and manage business transactions within WhatsApp conversations, subject to the completion of regulatory approvals and integration with licensed banking partners.
According to ChatPay, the platform is operated by CP Technology Limited and is currently undergoing a phased rollout ahead of its planned public launch.
The company said the initiative is intended to simplify access to financial services by leveraging WhatsApp, which it estimates is used by more than 50 million Nigerians monthly.
Speaking on the idea behind the platform, Adeoluwasubomi Odebunmi, product lead and co-founder, said the concept emerged while she was studying Software Engineering at Babcock University.
“I saw the gap while I was still in school—how much friction there was just to move money. I didn’t want to just study the problem. I wanted to help fix it,” she said.
Odebunmi said she had previously worked on software solutions spanning e-commerce, real estate management, school administration and artificial intelligence applications before co-founding ChatPay.
Aseoluwa Siyanbola, growth lead and co-founder, said his experience managing Nigerian bank accounts while studying abroad highlighted some of the challenges users face with digital banking services.
According to him, difficulties such as one-time password (OTP) failures and inconsistent banking applications inspired the team to explore conversational banking solutions.
“We each encountered similar challenges and came together to build a solution that simplifies everyday financial transactions,” he said.
cAbraham William, tech lead and co-founder, said the company is focused on improving access to financial services through a platform that many Nigerians already use daily.
“We want to make financial services easier to access by allowing people to carry out transactions through a familiar messaging platform,” he said.
William said he oversees the company’s engineering, technology strategy and system architecture.
ChatPay said its services will be introduced in phases as regulatory requirements are met and integrations with banking partners are completed.
The company added that its newly launched “Founding 2,500” programme will enable selected early users to test features, provide feedback and participate in product development before the platform’s wider rollout.
According to the company, interested users can register for the waitlist and the Founding 2,500 programme through its website.
Founded by Odebunmi, Siyanbola and William, ChatPay said its long-term goal is to expand conversational banking services beyond Nigeria into other African markets after its domestic rollout.
United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has been named Nigeria’s Best Bank for Retail Banking and Best Bank for Sustainability Leadership (ESG) at the 2026 Euromoney Awards for Excellence, reinforcing its position as one of Africa’s leading financial institutions.
The awards were presented on July 17 at The Peninsula London in the United Kingdom, recognising financial institutions that have demonstrated outstanding performance, innovation, customer impact and sustainable banking practices.
The double recognition highlights UBA’s growing influence in retail banking and its commitment to advancing environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles across its operations.
According to Euromoney, UBA distinguished itself through a series of sustainability initiatives, including the introduction of a Green Financing Facility designed to support households and businesses transitioning to renewable energy.
The publication also cited the bank’s ₦5 billion financing programme, implemented in partnership with the Bank of Industry (BOI), to provide funding for women-owned businesses.
Euromoney further recognised UBA’s commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, describing it as a demonstration of the bank’s long-term sustainability strategy.
The publication also highlighted the bank’s efforts to integrate sustainability into its operations through the deployment of solar-powered energy solutions across 50 branches and comprehensive ESG capacity-building programmes that have trained more than 16,000 employees across the UBA Group.
In the retail banking category, Euromoney noted that UBA continued to consolidate its position as one of Africa’s largest retail banking institutions.
According to the publication, the bank expanded its customer base to more than 37 million by the end of 2025, while retail banking revenue increased more than fourfold to ₦429.5 billion.
The awards also recognised UBA’s continued investment in digital banking innovation, particularly enhancements to its artificial intelligence-powered chatbot, LEO.
Euromoney noted that LEO became Africa’s first AI-powered banking platform to facilitate cross-border money transfers in local currencies through the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS).
Commenting on the awards, UBA’s Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Oliver Alawuba, described the recognition as a validation of the bank’s commitment to delivering value to customers while promoting sustainable development across Africa.
“To be recognised as Nigeria’s Best Bank for both ESG and Retail Banking in the same year sends a powerful message that sustainable banking and commercial success are mutually reinforcing.
“At UBA, we are committed to financing Africa’s future, supporting businesses and communities, promoting financial inclusion, and delivering innovative banking solutions that improve lives.
“These awards belong to our customers for their confidence in us and to every member of the UBA family whose dedication continues to make our vision a reality,” he said.
Also speaking, UBA’s Group Head, Marketing, Brand and Corporate Communications, Mrs Alero Ladipo, said the awards reflected the bank’s unwavering commitment to putting customers at the centre of its operations.
According to her, every innovation, investment and banking solution introduced by UBA is aimed at creating exceptional value for customers while expanding access to financial services.
“These awards are a powerful affirmation of our Customer First philosophy.
“Whether it is supporting entrepreneurs with access to finance, enabling seamless digital payments, advancing clean energy financing or expanding financial inclusion across Africa, UBA remains focused on delivering meaningful impact.
“We are honoured that one of the world’s most respected financial publications has recognised these efforts,” she said.
UBA currently operates in 20 African countries, as well as the United Kingdom, United States, France and the United Arab Emirates, serving more than 45 million customers through a combination of digital banking platforms and physical branch networks.
The bank said it remains committed to strengthening financial inclusion, driving innovation and supporting sustainable economic development across Africa and beyond.
Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has begun paying insured deposits to customers of the 46 recently failed microfinance banks.
Mr Thompson Sunday, managing director and chief executive, NDIC, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.
The interview took place on the sidelines of the International Association of Deposit Insurers Africa Regional Committee meeting.
Sunday said the corporation was using the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBBS) and customers’ Bank Verification Numbers (BVN) for the payments.
He said the NDIC had traced depositors’ alternative bank accounts and credited them directly without requiring physical visits.
He advised depositors without BVNs to visit the nearest NDIC zonal office for verification and payment processing
“The CBN revoked the licences of the 46 microfinance banks on July 1, 2026,” he said.
He said the NDIC automatically became the provisional liquidator after the revocation, in line with the law.
Sunday said the corporation had commenced payment of the insured maximum deposit of N2 million to eligible customers.
He explained that further payments would depend on the recovery of the failed banks’ assets and outstanding debts.
He said proceeds realised from recoveries would be distributed as liquidation dividends to eligible depositors.
Sunday cited Heritage Bank, Aso Savings and Union Homes as examples of the NDIC’s prompt reimbursement efforts.
He said insured depositors of Heritage Bank were paid within four days of the revocation of its licence.
He added that customers of Aso Savings and Union Homes received payments within 72 hours.
“The law allows us 30 days, but we are working to surpass our previous records,” he said.
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) revoked the banks’ licences for failing to meet regulatory requirements for continued operations.
The apex bank said the action was aimed at protecting depositors, strengthening financial stability and ensuring regulatory compliance.
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