Understanding Commercial and Microfinance Banking Licenses in Nigeria (TALP’s Fintech Series 3)
Introduction Fintech licenses come with limits and many fast-growing players are now turning to banking licenses as a more scalable path forward. Moniepoint is a prime example. It began as a mobile money operator, transitioned to a microfinance bank, and is now pursuing a full commercial banking license. The aim? To overcome regulatory constraints, broaden […]
Financing your Startup through IP Monetization (Tech IP Series 2)
In our last Newsletter, we highlighted how licensing external tech can help you grow without losing focus on your core business objective. Now, let’s flip the script, what if your IP could do the heavy lifting? Imagine you’ve built an amazing software product, but scaling your business generally feels out of reach. Sound familiar? Don’t […]
Scaling Without Sanctions: The Nigerian Fintech Compliance Playbook (Fintech Series 2)
Introduction Paystack, Moniepoint, and Opay, some of the biggest names in the Nigerian fintech space, have all been hit with major fines by the Central Bank of Nigeria (“CBN”) in the last 18 months, some as high as N1 billion. So, what happened? Compliance slipped through the cracks. It’s a common story, startups get caught […]
Breaking into Fintech: Understanding the Key Licence Requirements and Limitations (TALP’s Fintech Series 1)
Introduction In Nigeria’s increasingly scrutinized and regulated fintech landscape, having a license is no longer enough; it is about understanding what that license permits. Earlier this year, Paystack reportedly paid a N250 million fine for allegedly offering services via its Zap product outside the scope of its CBN license. That’s not just a compliance […]
Scale Smarter, Not Harder: Leveraging IP Licensing for Startup Growth (Tech IP Series 1)
Introduction How startups leverage Intellectual Property (“IP”) can significantly impact their growth trajectory. For startups with limited IP portfolios, leveraging the technology of other startups could provide the required momentum for rapid expansion. Conversely, startups with limited funds and valuable IP can generate revenue to finance operations by monetizing their IP assets. In this part […]
Regulatory Update: Designation of the Nigerian Copyright Commission as a Relevant Organisation under the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act 2022
On 7 February 2025, the Nigerian Copyright Commission (“NCC”) was designated as a Relevant Organisation under the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act, 2022 (“Act”), by the Proceeds of Crime (Designation of Nigerian Copyright Commission as a Relevant Organisation) Order 2025 (“Order”). What’s New The Act provides a legal framework for the recovery and […]
Client Update: CBN Invites Stakeholders’ Feedback on the Exposure Draft of the Baseline Standards for Automated Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Solutions
On May 20, 2025, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) published the Exposure Draft of the Baseline Standards for Automated Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Solutions (the “Exposure Draft” / “Proposed Baseline Standards”). The Exposure Draft was developed in recognition of the rapid pace of technological advancement in the financial sector and the increasing use of innovative […]
Client Update: CBN Reviews Documentation Requirements for PAPSS Transactions in Nigeria
The Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS), launched in January 2024, is a centralized payment infrastructure designed to facilitate faster and more cost-effective cross-border trade transactions in local African currencies. It was adopted as a key mechanism to support the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Following the successful completion of Africa’s […]
Accelerating SaaS Sales through Contract Optimization
The typical Software as a Service (SaaS) Company is fast-paced and driving sales is not just about innovative products and aggressive marketing; it’s also about optimizing the legal framework on which business relationships are formed. Contracts are the backbone of commercial transactions, and optimizing them can significantly enhance sales performance, avoid future disputes, and minimize […]
The Would-be Impact of the SEC-NECA Partnership on the Nigerian Capital Market
Did you know that there is a partnership between SEC and NECA? In 2021, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) partnered with the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) to strengthen the Nigerian Capital Market. This collaboration aims to encourage businesses to approach the capital market for funding. This partnership has had a major impact on […]
