Forex

Understanding Key Aspects of CBN’s New Forex Guidelines

Published

8 years ago

June 18, 2016

Understanding Key Aspects of CBN’s New Forex Guidelines

The Central Bank of Nigeria has been hailed by analysts for abandoning its Naira peg rate for a more flexible exchange rate, after previous refuting the decision even as its external reserves plunged and inflation surged to a six-year high.

Here are the key aspects of the new forex guidelines. Click here for the 13 guidelines.

CBN will participate in the market through periodic interventions to either buy or sell forex.

The central bank periodic interventions, would allow the CBN to regulate possible market imbalances, either to prop up Naira against the US dollar or to lower the Naira to stimulate the economy through exports. This will also allow the central bank to manage the activities of Forex Primary Dealers (FXPD), since there is no predetermined spread between the CBN and FXPD, which means spread can also be adjusted to accommodate the current market situation.

CBN to introduce non-deliverable over-the-counter naira-settled futures.

The introduction of non-deliverable forward, perhaps is the most unique of all the guidelines, one because it will help curtail the loophole created in the previous forex policy that allow speculators determine the exchange rate at the parallel market, and also encourage businesses and investors to hedge against eventualities. Hence, eliminate hoarding due to fear of uncertainties.

What this means is that, if you need forex transaction in December, you can peg your foreign exchange rate at let’s say N250 and if in December exchange rate is N270, the central bank will offset the N20 gap, such that you are not losing any money.

“But if the rate on that day is lower than the deal date rate, you’ll pay the Naira equivalent.”

Again, it will encourage capital importation from foreign investors, since they can now hedge against a further plunge in oil prices and at the same time buy forex at a predetermined rate to remit proceeds.

Non-oil exporters now allowed unfettered access to their FX proceeds.

Another bold move, is allowing non-oil exporters unbridled access to their FX proceeds, this initiative has officially brought back diversification agenda to the table and indicate the readiness of the government to tackle Nigeria’s mono-crude oil status. Especially, knowing that non-oil sector contributed 89.71 percent to the first quarter GDP, after falling 5.77 percent, the highest in years.

However, this does not mean gauge of consumer prices (inflation) will drop from the current 15.6 percent, if any changes it might surge to 16 percent in the second quarter pending the time the current policy would have filtered through key industries.

Overall, the flexible exchange rate will once again position Nigeria as an investment destination, boost job creation, enhance importation, increase consumer confidence and modulate consumer prices in the long run if well implemented.

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Samed Olukoya

Is the CEO/Founder of Investors King Limited. A proven foreign exchange research analyst and a published author on Yahoo Finance, Businessinsider, Nasdaq, Entrepreneur.com, Investorplace, and many more. He has over two decades of experience in global financial markets.

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Forex

Bureau De Change Operators Demand CBN Reversal on New Capital Requirement

Published

3 hours ago

May 29, 2024

Samed Olukoya

In a move that underscores growing tensions between the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Association of Bureau De Change Operators of Nigeria (ABCON), the latter has vehemently demanded the reversal of the new capital requirements set forth by the apex bank.

The CBN recently issued fresh guidelines for the operations of Bureau De Change (BDC) operators, introducing two new categories of licenses with significantly higher capital bases.

The Tier 1 category necessitates a minimum capital requirement of N2 billion, alongside non-refundable application and license fees of N1 million and N5 million, respectively.

Similarly, Tier 2 BDCs are mandated to maintain a minimum capital base of N500 million, with corresponding fees.

This move by the CBN has elicited strong opposition from BDC operators, who argue that the new requirements pose a significant threat to their businesses.

During a virtual meeting themed “New CBN Regulatory & Supervisory Reforms for BDCs: Challenges and Way Forward,” the association presented recommendations aimed at addressing their concerns.

ABCON President, Aminu Gwadebe, emphasized the urgency of the situation, demanding the immediate reversal of the financial requirements.

He proposed a return to the previously submitted proposal, suggesting capital thresholds of N500 million for Tier 1, N100 million for Tier 2, and N35 million for Tier 3.

Also, he advocated for existing BDC owners to be given the opportunity to recapitalize instead of reapplying for licenses.

The association further urged the CBN to recognize the existing N35 million capital requirement and incorporate it into the recapitalization process.

They called for a nationwide enlightenment campaign to allay investors’ fears and an extension of the compliance timeline to two years for fairness. Furthermore, existing BDCs should be permitted to retain their generic names, and the terms of engagement for mergers and acquisitions clarified.

Operators expressed outright rejection of the new guidelines, with concerns raised about the CBN’s perception of their role in the financial sector.

Ibrahim Bala voiced the collective sentiment, labeling the guidelines as unacceptable, while Kayode Taiwo questioned the government’s motives behind the capital hike.

In response, the CBN defended its stance, emphasizing the importance of corporate governance and compliance with anti-money laundering regulations for BDC operators.

As the standoff between BDC operators and the CBN intensifies, the outcome of this dispute will likely shape the future landscape of Nigeria’s foreign exchange market.

Naira

Black Market Dollar (USD) to Naira (NGN) Exchange Rate Today 29th May 2024

The black market, also known as the parallel market or Aboki fx, US dollar to Nigerian Naira exchange rate as of May 29th, 2024 stood at 1 USD to ₦1,520.

Published

5 hours ago

May 29, 2024

Samed Olukoya

The black market, also known as the parallel market or Aboki fx, US dollar to Nigerian Naira exchange rate as of May 29th, 2024 stood at 1 USD to ₦1,520.

Recent data from Bureau De Change (BDC) reveals that buyers in the Lagos Parallel Market purchased a dollar for ₦1,510 and sold it at ₦1,500 on Monday, May 28th, 2024.

This indicates a decline in the Naira exchange rate when compared to today’s rate.

The black market rate plays a crucial role for investors and participants, offering a real-time reflection of currency dynamics outside official or regulated exchange channels.

Monitoring these rates provides insights into the immediate value of the Naira against the dollar, guiding decision-making processes for individuals and businesses alike.

It’s important to note that while the black market offers valuable insights, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) does not officially recognize its existence.

The CBN advises individuals engaging in forex transactions to utilize official banking channels, emphasizing the importance of compliance with regulatory frameworks.

How much is dollar to naira today in the black market

For those navigating the currency exchange landscape, here are the latest figures for the black market exchange rate:

Buying Rate: ₦1,520
Selling Rate: ₦1,510

As economic conditions continue to evolve, staying informed about currency exchange rates empowers individuals to make informed financial decisions. While the black market provides immediate insights, adherence to regulatory guidelines ensures stability and transparency in forex transactions.

Naira

Black Market Dollar (USD) to Naira (NGN) Exchange Rate Today 28th May 2024

The black market, also known as the parallel market or Aboki fx, US dollar to Nigerian Naira exchange rate as of May 28th, 2024 stood at 1 USD to ₦1,510.

Published

1 day ago

May 28, 2024

Samed Olukoya

The black market, also known as the parallel market or Aboki fx, US dollar to Nigerian Naira exchange rate as of May 28th, 2024 stood at 1 USD to ₦1,510.

Recent data from Bureau De Change (BDC) reveals that buyers in the Lagos Parallel Market purchased a dollar for ₦1,520 and sold it at ₦1,510 on Monday, May 27th, 2024.

This indicates an improvement in the Naira exchange rate when compared to today’s rate.

The black market rate plays a crucial role for investors and participants, offering a real-time reflection of currency dynamics outside official or regulated exchange channels.

Monitoring these rates provides insights into the immediate value of the Naira against the dollar, guiding decision-making processes for individuals and businesses alike.

It’s important to note that while the black market offers valuable insights, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) does not officially recognize its existence.

The CBN advises individuals engaging in forex transactions to utilize official banking channels, emphasizing the importance of compliance with regulatory frameworks.