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Forex

Bureau De Change License Fee Reduced by Over 50% to N15 Million as CBN Eliminates Arbitrage

The cost of obtaining a Bureau De Change (BDC) license dropped to N15 million following news of the country’s transition towards a single exchange rate

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In a major development for Nigeria’s financial landscape, the cost of obtaining a Bureau De Change (BDC) license dropped to N15 million following news of the country’s transition towards a single exchange rate. 

On Wednesday, following the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) announcement that it has floated the Nigerian Naira, the Naira experienced a significant drop of up to 38% on the Investors and Exporters (I&E) window, marking its largest slide in four years.

However, the shift towards a unified exchange rate is expected to have adverse effects on the profitability of Bureau De Change operators, who have traditionally benefited from arbitrage opportunities and Nigeria’s multiple exchange windows.

Historically, BDCs have thrived by capitalizing on the disparity between exchange rates and leveraging the arbitrage opportunities presented by Nigeria’s complex currency market. However, with the introduction of a unified exchange rate, the market has already begun to react, and interest in BDC licenses has cooled significantly.

Reliable sources have revealed that the registration cost, which previously stood at N35 million, has dropped to N15 million, and it is anticipated to decrease further.

A market expert explained, “Until now, BDCs received a weekly allocation of $20,000 at the official rate, allowing them to sell it on the parallel market at a nearly 100% margin. This substantial arbitrage made their business highly profitable and led to an influx of BDC dealers. However, with the unification of rates, the motivation to hold on to these allocations diminishes.”

BDCs have enjoyed tremendous profitability, with the Central Bank receiving an overwhelming 500 requests for BDC licenses on a weekly basis. However, the recent floatation of the Naira by the CBN has caused the USD exchange rate to reach N700. As a result, the activities of BDCs, which largely operate in the parallel market, are expected to slow down significantly.

Explaining the implications of rate parity, a financial analyst said, “With a floating Naira, BDCs will no longer have a monopoly on readily available foreign exchange. Rate parity means that whatever a BDC offers will be similar, if not the same, as what the banks provide. This will drastically reduce the assurance that BDCs are the exclusive source of accessible FX, as anyone can obtain it from any bank.”

While the move towards a unified exchange rate holds potential for the long-term stability of the market, it presents significant challenges for BDCs that heavily rely on arbitrage. The CBN had previously threatened to halt the issuance of BDC licenses in 2021, but even with a unified exchange rate, the underlying issue of the FX demand backlog in Nigeria remains unresolved.

As Nigeria continues to navigate its path towards a single exchange rate, the future of Bureau De Change operators hangs in the balance. While the potential benefits of rate unification are evident, the profitability of BDCs, once considered “insanely profitable” businesses, now faces uncertainty and disruption. The financial landscape in Nigeria is undergoing a transformation, and the fate of BDCs will depend on their ability to adapt to the changing market dynamics.

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

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Forex

Naira-Dollar Exchange Rate Hits N1000/$1 Amidst Forex Scarcity Turmoil

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Dr. Olayemi Michael Cardoso

The Nigerian naira’s exchange rate to the US dollar has remained a cause for concern as the exchange rate hovered around N1000/$1.

Earlier this week, Investors King reported that the exchange rate had weakened to N983/$1, but several social media sources indicate it reached as high as N1000/$1.

Meanwhile, on peer-to-peer (P2P) platforms, it is trading at N984 as of the latest update. Officially, the exchange rate closed at N770.7/$1 on the NIFEX window.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had announced a plan to clear a $10 billion foreign exchange backlog within two weeks, with Acting Governor Folashodun Shonubi stating that commercial banks would play a significant role in the process.

However, liquidity issues in the market have raised doubts about the feasibility of this plan.

Operators in the forex market have reported disarray, with many licensed bureau de change operators struggling to access dollars for trading. This scarcity has led to the emergence of various exchange rates, including rates on platforms like Binance and Dubai, reflecting the market’s complexity.

Experts, speaking at a recent Nairametrics ClubHouse session, expressed skepticism about the CBN’s timeline to improve forex liquidity, emphasizing the need for a well-executed strategy rather than short-term promises.

Adding to the complexity, the exchange rate depreciation coincides with President Tinubu’s trip to New York, where he seeks foreign direct investment for Nigeria. US Deputy Secretary of Treasury Wally Adeyemo mentioned the importance of Nigeria’s macroeconomic framework to attract such investments.

As Nigeria grapples with forex scarcity, the government faces the challenge of restoring confidence in its economic stability to attract much-needed foreign investments.

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Naira

Naira Declines Further as Exchange Rate Hits N980 on Black Market

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Naira Exchange Rates - Investors King

Nigeria’s economic woes seem to be deepening as the Naira continues its steep decline, reaching N980 against the US Dollar on the black market.

This alarming depreciation has sent shockwaves through the nation, raising questions about the stability of the country’s financial system and the effects of Naira devaluation.

However, as the Nigerian Naira continued to decline against its global counterparts, cryptocurrency attraction surged across the country.

According to a recent report by Chainalysis, Naira devaluation in 2022 has driven cryptocurrency transaction volume to $56.7 billion year-on-year, defying the Central Bank of Nigeria’s ban on crypto-related activities in the banking sector.

While the ban, implemented in February 2021, was expected to limit cryptocurrency transactions in the country and compel Nigerians to make payments using the central bank’s channels, more Nigerians continue to jump on cryptocurrency. Making Nigeria the second-highest crypto adopter.

Commenting on the report, Chainalysis said, “These dynamics are reflected in the data. Interest in Bitcoin and stablecoins has generally risen as the Naira’s value has decreased, particularly during the most recent extremely steep drops in June and July of 2023.”

The firm attributes Nigeria’s growing crypto economy to citizens seeking to preserve the value of their savings amidst rising inflation and debt. It also points out that crypto adoption may be a solution to Nigeria’s economic challenges, which have been exacerbated by political instability, the COVID-19 pandemic, and plummeting oil prices.

As Nigeria grapples with its currency’s decline, the crypto market offers a glimmer of hope. Despite regulatory constraints, Nigerians are turning to cryptocurrencies to secure their financial future, creating a unique financial landscape where digital assets thrive in the face of traditional currency devaluation.

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Black Market Rate

Naira to Dollar Black Market Exchange Rate September 21st, 2023

As of September 21st, 2023, the dollar to naira exchange rate is 1 USD to 980 NGN at the black market. This means that for every one US dollar, you can exchange it for ₦980, Investors King reports.

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New Naira Notes

As of September 21st, 2023, the dollar to naira exchange rate is 1 USD to 980 NGN at the black market. This means that for every one US dollar, you can exchange it for ₦980, Investors King reports.

This digital business news platform has obtained the official dollar to naira exchange rate in Nigeria today including the Black Market rates, Bureau De Change (BDC) rate, and CBN rates.

How Much is Dollar to Naira Today in Black Market

This rate is subject to change depending on a variety of factors including global economic trends, political developments, and market fluctuations. However, you can buy and sell 1 USD at ₦980 and ₦975 as of the time of writing today.

What is the current exchange rate of the dollar to naira in the black market today?

According to Investors King, as of the time this report was filed, a dollar can be purchased at the Lagos parallel market (black market) for ₦980 and sold for ₦975.

Exchange Rate of Dollar To Naira in Black Market Today?

Dollar to Naira (USD to NGN) Black Market Exchange Rate Today
Buying Rate 975
Selling Rate 980

Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Naira Exchange Rates for Banks

Investors King understands that although the dollar to naira opened at N980 per $1 in the parallel market today, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) does not acknowledge the parallel market, also referred to as the black market. The CBN has instructed individuals in need of forex to approach their bank as the I&E window is the sole recognized exchange.

On Thursday, September 21th, 2023, individuals in the black market purchased one US dollar for N980 and sold it for N975. This shows that the value of the Naira declined further when compared to Wednesday, September 20th, 2023 when the local currency was exchanged at N965 to a Dollar and a Dollar was purchased at N957.

To stay informed about the dollar to naira exchange rate, there are a number of reliable sources that you can turn to. Here are some tips for staying up-to-date:

  • Check the Central Bank of Nigeria’s website: The CBN is responsible for regulating the country’s monetary policy and is a reliable source for the latest exchange rates. You can check their website regularly for updates.
  • Follow financial news outlets: Financial news outlets such as Investors King, Bloomberg, Reuters, and CNBC provide regular updates on the global currency markets, including the dollar to naira exchange rate.
  • Use online currency converters: There are a number of online currency converters that allow you to quickly and easily check the exchange rate between the dollar and the naira.
  • Follow social media accounts of financial experts: Following social media accounts of financial experts such as analysts, economists, and financial advisors can give you valuable insights into the latest trends in the currency markets.

By staying informed about the dollar-to-naira exchange rate, you can make informed decisions when buying or selling foreign currencies. Whether you are a business owner looking to trade in foreign currencies or an individual looking to invest in the currency markets, knowledge of the latest exchange rates is key to success. Keep these tips in mind and stay informed about the latest trends in the global currency markets.

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