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Finance

‘CBN, Others’ll Play Key Role in Cryptocurrencies’ Use’

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6 years ago

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Cryptocurrency - Investors King
  • ‘CBN, Others’ll Play Key Role in Cryptocurrencies’ Use’

The Central Bank of Nigeria and other African countries’ central banks will play an important role in promoting the use of blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies in the future, a financial expert and Chief Operating Officer of United Digital Currency Reserve Foundation, Victoria Walker, has said.

According to her, blockchain technology has created a wave of innovation that has the power to revolutionise business, trade and finance in Africa.

She, therefore, emphasised the need for Africa’s big economies like Nigeria to harness the potential of crypto currencies.

Walker, in a presentation obtained by our correspondent, said, “For example, last year, $22bn was remitted into Nigeria through money transfer companies. Now to send £200 to Nigeria, you can expect to pay 12 per cent in charges. Why? Because in Britain they impose a ‘super tax’ on remittances sent to African countries, causing a loss of £1.8bn a year from money sent home by workers.

“Think about it, £1.8bn is taken away from the people sending money to support their families in Nigeria. Imagine what £1.8bn a year could do in the pockets of families depending on money sent to them from abroad? This is where blockchain technology comes in. It solves a problem like this by making it easier and cheaper to transfer and remit payments internationally.”

According to her, there are already new payment remittance companies using blockchain that make sending payments internationally cost a few pennies.

The COO of the United States-based firm said if African central banks and governments encouraged and fostered this type of innovation, Nigeria and other Africa countries could see more economic growth and prosperity for their people.

According to the expert, leveraging blockchain technology in the Nigerian remittance market alone will see an average of £1.8bn coming into the economy every year.

She said, “But payments and remittances are just one case of how the blockchain and cryptocurrencies can boost economic growth in Nigeria, and Africa as a whole. There are other industries the blockchain can help strengthen in the African economy, for example supply chain.

“Through utilising blockchain technology in the supply chain ecosystem, African countries can open up new opportunities in the global economy, utilising both their natural resources and human capital in a way that has never been done in history.”

According to her, to harness the potential of blockchain technology, African regulators need to understand how blockchain technology works and its use for everyday life.

Walker said, “Many banks and regulators are confused and do not fully understand how Bitcoin and blockchain technology work, but I think once the Central Bank of Nigeria and other key figures get to understand the true nature of blockchain technology and what it can bring economically, I believe they may embrace the technology with open arms.”

Walker also spoke on the sustainability of Nigeria’s borrowing to fund its budget.

She said, “As the interest continues to compound each year, the debt continues to exponentially increase over the years, making it difficult to repay. I believe we’ll eventually move away from the debt-based fiat system in the future, and move to a gold-backed currency again.

“Nigeria has one of the fastest-growing economies in Africa; I don’t see these debts impacting the country too much, especially if Nigeria deploys blockchain to boost economic growth.”

Is the CEO and Founder of Investors King Limited. He is a seasoned foreign exchange research analyst and a published author on Yahoo Finance, Business Insider, Nasdaq, Entrepreneur.com, Investorplace, and other prominent platforms. With over two decades of experience in global financial markets, Olukoya is well-recognized in the industry.

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Finance

CBN New Policy Boosts Nigeria’s Economy and Increases FX Reserve to Over $40 Billion

Published

1 day ago

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November 9, 2024

By

Dr. Olayemi Michael Cardoso

In celebration of one year in office, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), under the leadership of Olayemi Cardoso, has recorded another milestone with an over $40 billion increase in Nigeria’s foreign exchange reserves.

The announcement of the increase was made on Thursday by Cardoso during a symposium in Abuja titled Promoting Stability in an Era of Economic Reforms: The Journey So Far.

It was noted that the increase followed a policy of reform implemented by the administration of Cardoso as the CBN Governor to address Nigeria’s decade-long challenges with declining foreign direct investment and portfolio investments. 

It was gathered that, to further strengthen the nation’s economy, the CBN increased monthly foreign remittances to $1 billion by establishing new operational guidelines for Bureau de Change operators.

“According to Governor Cardoso, the reforms have started to yield positive results, including marked improvements in the FX market and a stabilization of foreign reserves, which have now surpassed the $40 billion mark, the highest in 33 months,” the statement read.

“While noting that inflation remains elevated, he said it is on a downward trend, signaling that the reforms are taking hold in restoring market equilibrium and fostering growth,” the statement added.

Additionally, the CBN had raised the Monetary Policy Rate by 850 basis points to 27.25% and also increased the Cash Reserve Ratio for commercial banks to 50%.

It was gathered that the previous administration had created arbitrage opportunities and discouraged foreign investment. 

In a way to correct these issues, the present administration has streamlined Nigeria’s foreign exchange system and eliminated multiple exchange rates to reduce delays in foreign exchange settlements and prevent revenue losses that had reached 6.2 trillion Naira in 2022. 

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Banking Sector

NDIC Issues Fresh Directives to Unpaid Heritage Bank Customers, List Requirements for Refund

Published

2 days ago

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November 8, 2024

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The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has issued fresh directives to customers of the defunct Heritage Bank who are yet to receive the refund of their money deposited in the bank.

The managing director of NDIC, Bello Hassan, through the director of communications and public affairs, Nuhu Bashir, issued the fresh directive during the corporation’s ‘special day’ event at the 36th Lagos International Trade Fair.

Urging unpaid customers to come forward, Hassan said that the requirements needed to claim a refund include the customer’s BVN, proof of account ownership, and alternative account details.

He detailed that affected customers can process their claims via the NDIC website, email, and social media platforms.

Highlighting the corporation’s role in liquidating Heritage Bank and facilitating the ongoing recovery and refund of depositors’ funds, Hassan stated, “Depositors who are yet to receive their payment should come forward with their BVN, proof of account ownership, identification, and alternative account details.”

NDIC reaffirmed its commitment to protecting depositors and ensuring financial stability.

“Our mandate is to safeguard depositors and ensure financial stability,” he stated.

Hassan assured customers that banks that are still in operation are safe saying, “All banks with active licenses from the CBN are safe and healthy,” Hassan said.

He pledged the corporation’s commitment to providing a safe and stable financial environment for Nigerians.

According to him, a stable financial environment will boost public confidence in financial institutions and enable businesses to thrive.

He stated, “The NDIC is committed to ensuring a stable financial environment that safeguards depositors and builds public confidence, enabling businesses to thrive and contribute to our nation’s economic development.”

Gabriel Idahosa, the president of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) praised the NDIC for its vigilant monitoring of banks and its proactive intervention in distressed institutions.

Idahosa said, “The corporation’s vigilant monitoring of banks, proactive intervention in distressed institutions, and ongoing commitment to depositor protection have instilled confidence in the banking sector.

“These ensure that banks can continue to serve businesses and individuals even in uncertain economic times.

“Its unwavering commitment to depositor protection and financial stability has been vital in navigating recent economic challenges and safeguarding the integrity of Nigeria’s banks.”

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Banking Sector

Zenith Bank Commends Customers After Successfully Unveiling Upgraded Enhanced Tech infrastructure

Published

4 days ago

on

November 6, 2024

By

Zenith Bank - Investors King

Zenith Bank Plc has announced that it now boasts the best technology infrastructure in the banking industry, positioning itself to provide an exceptional customer experience and superior service delivery moving forward. This upgrade follows a recent comprehensive technology enhancement.

The bank expressed its heartfelt gratitude to customers for their support and patience throughout the upgrade process, while also extending apologies for any inconveniences experienced during this time.

This announcement was made in a social media post on Wednesday, signed by Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, OON, the Group Managing Director/CEO.

In her message, the GMD/CEO emphasized the bank’s commitment to delivering an unparalleled service experience, stating, “We undertook this upgrade to ensure we can offer our customers the best possible service.”

Umeoji pledged that Zenith Bank will continue to innovate, ensuring that customer needs are met swiftly, safely, and conveniently.

The post read in part: “On behalf of the Board, Management, and Staff of Zenith Bank PLC, I would like to thank you for your patience and support during our IT infrastructure migration to a new and more robust operating system.

“We are truly grateful for the trust and confidence you have placed in us. The primary reason for undertaking this extensive endeavor was to better position Zenith Bank PLC for improved service delivery to all our valued customers and to create memorable banking experiences at all our touchpoints.

“While I regret the inconveniences and challenges you faced during and immediately after our migration, I am pleased to inform you that Zenith Bank PLC now has the best technology infrastructure in the industry. We are committed to ensuring you experience superior service delivery going forward.

“Rest assured, you remain our top priority, and Zenith Bank will continue to innovate and offer value-added products and services to meet all your banking needs quickly, safely, and conveniently.”

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