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RIMAN Urges Banks to Embrace Best Risk Management Practices

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Risk Management Association of Nigeria (RIMAN) has charged financial services providers, especially banks, to embrace best risk management practices in their operations as new technologies and processes evolve.

According to the association, the appeal was premised on the emerging risks confronting the nation’s financial system, especially as new technologies evolve.

RIMAN also commended the management of Wema Bank for upholding best risk management practices in its operations.

The commendation was made when RIMAN Executive Council, led by Dr. Ezekiel Oseni, its President, paid a courtesy visit to the Chief Executive Officer of Wema Bank, Mr. Ademola Adebise.

Speaking at the event, Oseni appreciated Mr. Ademola Adebise, the Managing Director of Wema Bank and the Management team for upholding best risk management practices in the bank, noting that it is not only that the bank’s risk management department is well staffed but with highly qualified personnel that are also exposed regularly to capacity building programmes organized by the Association.

Oseni also congratulated the MD of Wema bank and the Board of Directors for the impressive financial performance of the Bank for the first 9 months of this year.

He said: “Your EPS for the first nine-month period of 2021 increased from 9.20k that was recorded for the same period in 2020 to 21.60k, representing 135 per cent growth.

“I am happy to also observe that since 2018 the Bank has been consistent in the payment of dividends. The improved and commendable performance of the bank is not unconnected with the quality of your risk management practice across board and the quality of your risk managers.”

However, he appealed to the Bank to sustain its support for best risk management practices in the Bank and if possible, take it to a higher level. According to him there may never be a lasting solution to cybercrimes as long as new technologies and processes emerge.

“The long-awaited Internet of Things has the potential to breach private data privacy, give unauthorized access to private data and so many other challenges. Internal risk management functions should start addressing these risks ahead of time by looking for customized solutions.

Also, new, stiffer and unavoidable regulations to curtail increasing cyber crimes may be in conflict with some strategic focus of some banks to grow their businesses. It will throw up compliance risks for the risk management function. The banks need to weigh their options and ensure that compliance risks do not materialise.

“RIMAN recently provided public enlightenment and heads up on the recently released Basel III regulations by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) via a well-attended Webinar. Due to popular demand, a rerun of the Webinar is proposed for the first week in December 2021 and this time we would partner with Moody’s Analytics, UK”, he said.

Mr. Ademola Adebise, Managing Director of Wema Bank, thanked the president of RIMAN, the EXCO and the entire members for the continuous support to stakeholders in risk management practice and for professionalizing risk management via the Certified Risk Manager (CRM) professional certification.

He urged RIMAN to sustain the tempo in providing capacity building in risk management. Remarkably, he charged RIMAN to speak more around BOFIA and Regulatory risks to bring together operators and regulators in the industry.


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E-Financial

First Asset Management Launches National Initiative to Raise 100m Investment-Smart Nigerians

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First Asset Management, one of Nigeria’s leading investment managers and a subsidiary of FirstHoldCo Plc, launches the 100 million Smart Inventors campaign.

Nigeria’s investment market has huge potential, yet it remains underutilised due to widespread distrust, misinformation, and past losses suffered through fraudulent schemes. Trillions of Naira have been lost, leaving many Nigerians fearful and excluded from real, rewarding investments and leaving them on the economic sidelines.

Reports show that less than 5% of adult Nigerians currently participate in the formal capital market, and as low as 0.25% invest in Mutual Funds, a stark contrast to participation rates often exceeding 50% in developed economies like the United States. This highlights the urgent need to restore trust and improve access to credible investment education.

In response to this critical challenge, First Asset Management has announced the launch of a landmark national movement, the “100 million Smart Investors Initiative”. The campaign is positioned as a direct strategy to rebuild investor confidence and democratise financial knowledge across the nation.

According to the firm, the initiative was conceived from the need to address the anxieties that have historically prevented countless Nigerians from participating in real wealth-building investments. Drawing on its track record of trust and market expertise, First Asset aims to cultivate a new generation of informed, confident investors.

At the heart of the initiative is a comprehensive investor education programme. The goal is to transform casual interest in investing into active participation within a supportive, well-informed community.

Beyond expanding investor numbers, the movement seeks to improve the quality of investment decisions by equipping individuals with the tools to evaluate opportunities and avoid fraudulent platforms.

For everyday Nigerians, the initiative promises simplified, practical financial education that demystifies investing. By building a strong peer network through a nationwide community platform, it seeks to reduce the isolation often faced by new investors and promote collective financial empowerment.

Ultimately, the 100 Million Smart Investors movement represents a significant investment in Nigeria’s human capital. By providing actionable steps, success stories, and sustained education, First Asset Management aims to usher in a new era of financial literacy and participation.

This initiative would not only enhance the financial well-being of individuals and families but also contribute to the broader economic prosperity of the nation by channelling dormant capital into productive sectors of the economy.

To kickstart this bold quest, the brand has planned a series of free educational bootcamps, podcasts and community engagement with industry experts and leaders. The inaugural event will take place live on 26 July 2025.

Follow @FirstAssetManagement on all social media handles to stay informed and visit https://first-assetmanagement.com/smart-investors for details on how to join the movement.


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PalmPay Named Among CNBC and Statista’s World Top 300 Fintech Companies 2025

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PalmPay, a leading neobank and fintech platform focused on emerging markets, has been recognised in CNBC and Statista’s 2025 Top 300 Fintech Companies in the World list. This marks the second year in a row that PalmPay has earned a place among the world’s most innovative and impactful financial technology firms.

The selection is based on a rigorous evaluation of thousands of companies globally, assessing growth, innovation, market penetration, and impact.  This year’s list includes a mix of global leaders – including Revolut, Nubank and Ant Group –  alongside rising stars from high-growth markets, underscoring the growing influence of emerging-market fintechs like PalmPay.

PalmPay’s inclusion reflects its continued momentum as one of Africa’s leading fintech platforms. With over 35 million registered users and up to 15 million transactions processed daily, the company offers a comprehensive suite of digital financial services tailored to the needs of underserved communities.

In its main market, Nigeria, PalmPay operates as a full-service neobank, offering consumer financial services such as transfers, bill payments, credit, savings, and insurance – all accessible through its user-friendly app and supported by a nationwide network of over 1 million agents and merchant partners. The company also provides POS and API-driven B2B solutions tailored to the needs of merchants and enterprise clients.

“To be recognised as one of the world’s top fintech companies by CNBC and Statista is a powerful affirmation of our mission to build a more inclusive financial system,” said Sofia Zab, Founding Chief Marketing Officer at PalmPay.

“Through cutting-edge technology, deep local distribution, and a customer-first mindset, we’ve built Nigeria’s leading neobank. As we scale PalmPay to more emerging markets, including Tanzania and Bangladesh, our focus remains on closing financial access gaps for everyday consumers and businesses, while expanding the partner ecosystem that fuels our reach and impact.”

As part of its broader expansion strategy, PalmPay recently launched in Tanzania and Bangladesh through a smartphone device financing model that serves as an entry point to digital financial services.

“PalmPay is building a neobanking platform tailored to the realities of emerging markets,” said Jiapei Yan, Group Chief Commercial Officer at PalmPay. “We are creating the infrastructure for a connected digital economy – where people and businesses can thrive through reliable, inclusive financial tools.

This recognition from CNBC and Statista affirms our progress and also the scale of the opportunity ahead. As we expand across more emerging markets, we are committed to creating lasting value for our users, partners, and the communities we serve.”

PalmPay’s inclusion follows another major recognition earlier this year: the company ranked #2 overall and #1 in the financial services sector on the Financial Times  – Africa’s Fastest-Growing Companies 2025 list. The ranking, based on revenue growth between 2020 and 2023, highlighted PalmPay’s rapid scale and market traction across Africa.

PalmPay currently operates in Nigeria, Ghana, Tanzania, and Bangladesh, and is expanding its presence across Africa and Asia through device financing, digital banking, and B2B payment services. Backed by a robust neobanking platform and a partnership-led approach, the company is committed to shaping the next chapter of inclusive financial growth.


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Fidelity Bank Champions Education in Nasarawa with CSR Project

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L-R: The Team Lead, CSR, Fidelity Bank Plc, Victoria Abuka; Vice Principal, Government Secondary School, Aso Pada, Maraba, Mr. Abdullahi Idris; Project Co-ordinator, Elite Bankers 2025 Inductee Class, Fidelity Bank Plc, Onyinyechi Ihesiaba; Vice Principal -Academics, Government Secondary School, Aso Pada, Maraba, Mr. Ela Isa; during the commissioning of a renovated block of classrooms and the distribution of Back-to-School Materials at Government Secondary School Aso Pada, Maraba, Nassarawa State recently.
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Fidelity Bank Plc has reaffirmed its commitment to quality education and youth empowerment with the renovation of a classroom block and donation of textbooks to Aso Pada Government Secondary School in Karu LGA, Nasarawa State.

L-R: The Team Lead, CSR, Fidelity Bank Plc, Victoria Abuka; Vice Principal, Government Secondary School, Aso Pada, Maraba, Mr. Abdullahi Idris; Project Co-ordinator, Elite Bankers 2025 Inductee Class, Fidelity Bank Plc, Onyinyechi Ihesiaba; Vice Principal -Academics, Government Secondary School, Aso Pada, Maraba, Mr. Ela Isa; during the commissioning of a renovated block of classrooms and the distribution of Back-to-School Materials at Government Secondary School Aso Pada, Maraba, Nassarawa State recently.

The project was executed through the Fidelity Helping Hands Program (FHHP), a corporate social responsibility initiative that enables staff to identify community needs, raise funds, and receive matched support from the bank.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, Dr. Meksley Nwagboh, Divisional Head, Brand and Communications, said the school was chosen due to its impact on the local community and its lack of renovation in over 15 years.

Vice Principal Abdullahi Idris praised the bank’s gesture, calling it “an investment in the future of our nation,” and expressed hope for a lasting partnership.

The initiative follows Fidelity Bank’s recent donation of 1,000 solar-powered schoolbags to pupils across Ogun State, aimed at improving study conditions in areas with limited electricity.

Fidelity Bank serves over 9.1 million customers and has received multiple awards for innovation and SME support, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation Award and Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by Euromoney.


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