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FBNQuest Explains How Artificial Intelligence is Changing the World of Finance, Investing

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Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a popular trend these days, but it seems so abstract that it is easy to assume only people savvy with technology should be concerned about it. This is far from the truth.

AI is expected to add $13 trillion to the global economy within the next decade. It is helping to make the world a faster and smarter place, so every savvy investor and wealth collector needs to pay attention to it. AI is not a passing trend that will one day become popular, rather it is at the centre of every leading industry in the world today.

American computer scientist, John McCarthy, who was also one of the founders of the discipline of artificial intelligence, defined AI as “the science and engineering of making intelligent machines, especially intelligent computer programs. It is related to the similar task of using computers to understand human intelligence.”

This means that the goal of AI is to create machines that think and act like humans and use human intelligence to solve problems and perform tasks that are ordinarily done by people but in a more efficient manner.

Machine learning is the most popular branch of AI at this time and it simply means the creation of systems that can learn from their experiences and data gathered without human intervention.

AI is already a part of our everyday lives. We use it when we check emails while shopping online and for ease of connection with our friends and family on social media. Google uses AI to predict what you want to search for online and finishes your sentences for you. Also, when you get directions to a venue with your digital maps, you are using AI.

It is therefore evident that, just as AI has changed our daily lives, it will also change how we do business, manage finances and invest wealth.

Investment expert and prominent member of the “Shark Tank” team, Mark Cuban, said, “As big as PCs were an impact, as big as the internet was, AI is just going to dwarf it. And if you don’t understand it, you’re going to fall behind. Particularly if you run a business.”

The financial world has evolved and developed smart solutions to keep up with the unique needs of consumers in the digital age. Here are few ways that AI has changed and is changing the world of finance and investing:

Fraud prevention

Technology is currently being used to spot credit card fraud and money laundering by monitoring large deposits and unusual activity. Money can be moved around very quickly online and this has caused an increase in fraud. AI-based systems can now analyse normal customer behaviour and quickly detect when something is out of the ordinary.

Data-driven investments

AI applications are used to regulate the supply, demand, and pricing of securities. They are also able to accurately predict stock performance by analyzing past data. Furthermore, AI systems can provide more personalized investment options by taking into account the investor’s goals, and previous financial habits.

Personal banking

Personal banking applications are also a product of AI and they are used to provide customized services to the consumer at the touch of a button. Customers no longer need to go to the physical bank branch to carry out routine tasks such as checking balance, requesting statements and monitoring account activity.

Increased accuracy in financial markets

AI is transforming the financial markets by ensuring increased accuracy in analysis, predictions and trading decisions. Smart advisers in the stock market can analyze a massive amount of data and carry out trades at a satisfactory price.

Also, National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations (NASDAQ) is using artificial intelligence to detect irregular and potentially malicious trading activity on the U.S. stock market. In the area of forex, AI has brought massive improvement through predictive analytics programmes which identify market patterns and make fewer errors in processing data.

There’s no denying that AI has brought disruptions to the world of finance and investing. The landscape is changing rapidly and both financial organizations and their customers will need to adjust accordingly. However, it is safe to say that the improvements already brought on by AI have made this change something we can look forward to rather than dread.


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Lagos Plastic Ban: MAN Warns of Job Losses, Closure of Businesses

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Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has expressed concerns over the impending ban on Single-Use Plastics (SUPs) by the Lagos State Ministry of Environment.

Lagos Plastic Ban:  MAN Warns of Job Losses, Closure of Businesses

It warned that it could lead to job losses and  and lead to economic, operational, and social consequences for manufacturers, traders, recyclers, and end users.

Segun Ajayi-Kadir, director general, MAN, in a statement called on the Lagos State government to reconsider the ban, citing a lack of credible data and stakeholder engagement.

According to Ajayi-Kadir, a recent study revealed that 100% of manufacturers surveyed expressed fears of job losses and workforce restructuring if the ban is implemented.

He said, “A recent MAN-supported study evaluating the possible impacts of the Lagos State SUPs ban revealed significant adverse economic, operational, and social implications across the value chain, from manufacturers to wholesalers, traders, and end users. It has been noted that only poor and developing countries often tilt towards plastic ban as a strategy to combat environmental problems.

“A hundred percent of the manufacturers consulted expressed concern over a ban-induced workforce restructuring. Thus, several jobs will be lost in the industry if this ban were to be implemented.

“It is noteworthy to mention that there is no form of arrangement for social protection for the employees who will lose their livelihoods as a result of this ban.

“Also, there has been no form of social dialogue on the part of the government with these workers or the industry on the potential job losses.”

According to him, findings showed that 89% of operators in the plastic value chain rely on SUPs as their primary source of income with no alternative source of livelihoods, over 75% of end users, including SMEs, depend on plastic packaging with no affordable or practical alternatives, and  93% of dealers, many of whom are women, reported no prior information or social support mechanisms to cushion the impact.

Ajayi-Kadir emphasised that banning SUPs would not resolve pollution issues but merely substitute one problem for another, especially without scalable alternatives or infrastructure to support the transition.

He urged the government to focus on improving waste management infrastructure and promoting recycling, rather than imposing bans.

 

 


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Court Hands 23 Chinese Nationals 1 Year Jail Term Each for Cyberterrorism, Fraud

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A Federal High Court in Ikeja, Lagos state has sentenced 23 Chinese nationals to one year imprisonment each for their involvement in cyberterrorism and internet fraud.

Court Hands 23 Chinese Nationals 1 Year Jail Term each for Cyberterrorism, Fraud

Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned them before Justices D.E. Osiagor, D.I. Dipeolu, and A.O. Faji on a single count of cyberterrorism and online fraud.

Dele Oyewale,  spokesperson, EFCC,  revealed that the convicted individuals were members of a cyber-fraud syndicate comprising 792 people.

He noted that the culprits were arrested on Thursday, December 19, 2024 in Lagos, during an operation known as ‘Eagle Flush.’

Oyewale stated that the individuals identified as Yu Hui (also known as A. Bin), Huang Jin Hui, Fei Fan, Lu Qiang, Hu Xi Zheng, Sun Zhi Peng, Wu Hao, Cong Bing, and Li Qiang alias Yang Huan Huan, Zheng Wei alias A. Hong, Cheng Jian, Da Tou, A Wen, Zhang Lei, Huang Zhi, Pan Jiong, Chen Wen Yuan, Jia You alias A. You, Wang Zheng Feng alias Feng, Liu San Hua, Liu Beixing, and Wen Zong Xu alias Li Long were all charged on one count of online fraud and cyber-terrorism.

One of the charges brought against Yu Hui (also known as A. Bin) claimed that he, along with others, unlawfully accessed computer systems in Lagos around December 2024 with the intent to destabilize and damage Nigeria’s economy and social structure.

According to the EFCC, this act violated Section 18(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015, and is punishable under that law.

Similarly, another charge filed against Jia You, accused him of accessing computer systems with the aim of undermining and harming Nigeria’s economic and social stability.

This action was said to be in breach of both the Cybercrimes Act and the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

Initially all the defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.

However, during the court session, they pleaded  guilty.

The EFCC prosecution team comprising of Nneemeka Omewa, Babatunde Sonoiki, U.S Kyari, and B.M Isah informed the court that the defendants had reached plea bargain agreements.

The defence team confirmed this and requested the court to adopt the terms of the agreements.

Justices Osiagor, Faji, and Dipeolu found each defendant guilty and sentenced them to one year in prison, with the sentence starting from their arrest date on Tuesday, December 10, 2024.

Each convict was also fined N1 million.

Additionally, the judges ordered the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) to deport the convicts within seven days of completing their sentences.

All devices recovered during the operation including mobile phones, laptops, and routers were forfeited to the Nigerian government.


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Galaxy Backbone Reaffirms Commitment to Support Security Agencies with Its Vast Digital Infrastructure

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The Board, Management, and Staff of Galaxy Backbone (GBB) express profound sorrow and heartfelt condolences to the governments and people of Benue, Borno, Plateau, Anambra, and other states affected by recent waves of violent attacks and insecurity. We mourn with every family, community, and institution that has suffered the pain of loss, displacement, and trauma.

At Galaxy Backbone (GBB), we firmly believe that security is the bedrock of any thriving society. No nation can make meaningful progress when peace is threatened. These tragic incidents are not just national emergencies, they represent deep personal losses to every Nigerian, and they call for urgent, united, and technology-enabled solutions to support lasting peace.

As a Federal Government organization, entrusted with delivering secure digital infrastructure and smart technology solutions to public institutions across Nigeria, Galaxy Backbone remains resolute in its commitment to supporting state governments and security agencies through cutting-edge digital platforms that enable proactive and intelligent security management.

We also acknowledge and commend the visionary leadership of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the concerted efforts of the Federal Government of Nigeria in responding decisively to the security challenges facing parts of the country. The President’s unwavering commitment to peace, safety, and national unity under the Renewed Hope Agenda is evident in the bold steps being taken to restore order and build a more secure Nigeria.

Through our Safe City Security Solutions, GBB offers an integrated suite of smart surveillance systems, real-time data analytics, emergency communication networks, and AI-enabled threat detection tools. These solutions are specifically designed to enhance operational capabilities, strengthen coordination across security agencies, and empower informed decision-making in high-risk environments.

GBB stands ready to partner with both state governments and security agencies that are committed to building safer, smarter, and more resilient communities. We believe that technology must lead the charge in safeguarding lives, and we are proud to serve as a trusted digital ally in Nigeria’s journey toward modern, tech-enabled public safety.

Together, we can bolster early warning systems, expand surveillance coverage, enable faster emergency responses, and ensure that every Nigerian lives in a country where peace and prosperity are not aspirations, but realities.

May the souls of the departed rest in peace. And may strength, healing, and hope return to the hearts and homes of all those affected.

Galaxy Backbone remains aligned with the vision of a secure, digitally connected, and inclusive Nigeria, where every citizen has the freedom to live, work, and dream in peace.


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