Fintech Association of Nigeria was established in 2017 to foster an ecosystem that supports all stakeholders to achieve a thriving and growing Nigerian FinTech industry and to make Nigeria one of the world’s leading markets for FinTech Innovation and Investment. The association has embarked on the implementation of its three (3) year strategic plan (2019 – 2021) aimed at strengthening its capacity to be of greater relevance to all its stakeholders. These involves restructuring of its Secretariat, opening up membership to individuals and establishing new and sustainable funding sources for the Fintech industry.
To achieve these objectives, management of the Association has been strengthened with the recruitment of a Chief Operating Officer, an Engagement Manager and a Relationship Manager.
Dr. Segun Aina, President of FinTechNGR commented that “Dr. Obrimah is joining Fintech Nigeria at this crucial stage to position the Association as one of the most impactful on the globe”. Dr. Obrimah is happy to join the FinTech team and expressed his intentions to ensure that FinTech Nigeria achieves its objectives of positioning FinTechNGR as one of the best in the world through synchronization of talents, capacity development, capital, markets, progressive regulation and strong government support for its members.
These objectives he further indicated will be activated through many programs and activities such as establishment of a unique innovation Program especially for start-ups by linking talents to capital and markets as well as working with regulators to develop frameworks to support the Fintech Industry, ensure business ethics and good corporate governance. FintechNGR will work with government to develop policies and to institutionalize technology as the tool of the future by ensuring that Fintech Curriculum is introduced into the tertiary institutions to prepare the country for the future that will be driven by emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, blockchain, virtual reality and others.
Dr. Obrimah, the Chief Operating Officer is a fintech enthusiast who has nurtured a few startups and participated in a number of Fintech activities and initiatives. He is multi-skilled with wealth of experiences spanning the banking sector, non-bank financial services consulting/project management and Public Sector. Prior to joining Fintech Nigeria, Dr. Obrimah was head of the Industrial Commodities Value Chain at NIRSAL Plc. (a subsidiary of the Central Bank of Nigeria). Babatunde holds a Doctorate in Business Administration (D.B.A.) from Northcentral University U.S.A, M.B.A. (Management) from ESUT Business School, B.Sc. Agric. /M.Sc. Agronomy from University of Ibadan and he is PMP and PRINCE2 certified. He has attended various international and local programs on leadership, strategy, marketing, risk management, and United Nations Training on Trade Facilitation amongst others.
Also appointed is ‘Damilola Ishie into the role of Engagement/Relationship Manager. ‘Damilola has extensive experience in the areas of Operations Analysis, Brand Management/Positioning, Strategic Business Planning/Execution, Human Resources and Business Development. She is a graduate of Philosophy from the Lagos State University and is currently in pursuit of a Global MBA.
The erstwhile Administrative Secretary, Seun Folorunso is assuming a new role of Resources Manager. Seun has vast knowledge of fintech activities in Nigeria and Africa in view of his role in the association in the past two years. Seun is a professional and experienced manager with demonstrated history of working with Nonprofit Organizations. Skilled in Project Management, Leadership, Communication, Creativity Skills, Teamwork and Strong business development skills. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Food Science and Technology from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. He is a member of Project Management Institute.
FintechNGR established in June 2017, is a professional, self-regulatory, not-for-profit and non-political organization, the Initiator and Founding member of Africa Fintech Network and a member of the Global Fintech Hubs Federation with the vision to make Nigeria one of the world’s leading markets for FinTech Innovation and Investment as well as a mission of fostering an ecosystem that supports all stakeholders to achieve and sustain a thriving and growing Nigerian FinTech industry. The Association Connects key Fintech stakeholders across the globe, Accelerate continuous growth of the Fintech Industry and Advocates on key elements of fintech through its diverse membership base that cuts across thirteen sectors of the economy (currently has over 90 corporate members including 12 Deposit Money Banks, two leading Microfinance Banks, Fintech Companies, leading universities and several professional bodies. Its aim is to be the rallying point for all disruptive technology driven organizations or individuals (Fintech, Tradetech, Insuretech, Agritech, Edutech, HealthTech, MarketingTech, etc.).
The mid-term plans of the Association include; having a well-equipped Secretariat with the right management team, ensure adequate Funding base to support all its activities and increase/diversify its membership base to include professional individuals. Some collaborative activities of Fintech Association of Nigeria include:
- Central Bank of Nigeria – involved in FSS2020 strategic process on Fintech Regulation/Bills
- National Insurance Commission – engagements towards insurance inclusion with technology
- National Assembly – Proposal of Fintech Regulation Bills amongst others
- Capital Market Committee – Proposed, secured approval and chairing the committee on Fintech Adoption in the Capital Market
- Securities & Exchange Commission – empowerment of staff with Fintech knowledge – Fintech Learning Series
- Nigerian Stock Exchange – engagement on exposing budding Fintechs/SMEs to funding opportunities, corporate governance and best practice, potential listing on the Exchange.
- Judiciary – Fintech Learning Series with the Judges of Federal High Court & Justices of Federal Court of Appeal in collaboration with NDIC
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