E-Financial
Kuda’s Revolutionary Offerings Improve Customer Experience
When pundits say the future of banking is technology, many people seem not to fully appreciate this posturing. Such people critique the assertion based on either the time it took the industry to migrate from the manual banking operations to online service provision or the challenges of transiting the customers, who are hugely analogue in orientation, to becoming technology or internet savvy.
These joined with some of the challenges that come with technology-based operations – proneness to frauds, connectivity issues and so on convince such naysayers that such future is still far away.
From all indications, it seems the “future” in the industry is now. The coming on board of internet banking is redefining the way customers bank today in such a way they never thought possible.
Today prospective customers can open bank accounts and carry out transactions even without going to any of the physical branches of a bank. What’s more? The digital banks seem to be taking the role of technology in banking many notches higher.
Recently, Kuda, the money app for Africans, introduced a set of new features that allow its existing and prospective customers to perform their individual bank transactions with ease. These features are nothing short of revolutionary, going by the power these features repose in the hands of its customers.
Chief among these features in the personal banking category is the use of selfies for authentication – sign-in confirmation, to reset passwords and for revamping bank verification numbers (BVN). With this feature, customers can use their selfies to confirm their sign-in on a new device.
Also, by comparing the selfie taken at BVN registration with the selfie captured at onboarding, customers can confirm true ownership of a BVN and reduce impersonation attempts.
Also in the personal banking category, Kuda customers who don’t have a BVN or a valid ID can send money within the Kuda community with a username instead of an account number. They can also pay bills and buy airtime on the Kuda app.
Kuda also recently launched a self-help portal for its customers to block and unblock their account without human intervention, another step in the company’s efforts to increase account security..
The fintech’s customers can also buy gift cards on the Kuda app to shop globally, and buy JAMB and Direct Entry PINs. Also, customers without access to the phone number on their account can change their phone numbers on the web.
Babs Ogundeyi, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Kuda says these features are in line with the fintech’ overarching mission of improving the banking experience of its customers by conveniently meeting them at the various points of their banking needs.
“Our goal is to deliver the future of financial services to our customers today and we are happy to be delivering this future one aspect at a time. Most of the things no one thought were possible in banking are unfolding before our eyes, thanks to our dedication to innovation.,” he quipped.
E-Financial
First Asset Management Launches National Initiative to Raise 100 Million Investment-Smart Nigerians
First Asset Management, one of Nigeria’s leading investment managers and a subsidiary of FirstHoldCo Plc, launches the 100 million Smart Inventors campaign.
Nigeria’s investment market has huge potential, yet it remains underutilised due to widespread distrust, misinformation, and past losses suffered through fraudulent schemes. Trillions of Naira have been lost, leaving many Nigerians fearful and excluded from real, rewarding investments and leaving them on the economic sidelines.
Reports show that less than 5% of adult Nigerians currently participate in the formal capital market, and as low as 0.25% invest in Mutual Funds, a stark contrast to participation rates often exceeding 50% in developed economies like the United States. This highlights the urgent need to restore trust and improve access to credible investment education.
In response to this critical challenge, First Asset Management has announced the launch of a landmark national movement, the “100 million Smart Investors Initiative”. The campaign is positioned as a direct strategy to rebuild investor confidence and democratise financial knowledge across the nation.
According to the firm, the initiative was conceived from the need to address the anxieties that have historically prevented countless Nigerians from participating in real wealth-building investments. Drawing on its track record of trust and market expertise, First Asset aims to cultivate a new generation of informed, confident investors.
At the heart of the initiative is a comprehensive investor education programme. The goal is to transform casual interest in investing into active participation within a supportive, well-informed community.
Beyond expanding investor numbers, the movement seeks to improve the quality of investment decisions by equipping individuals with the tools to evaluate opportunities and avoid fraudulent platforms.
For everyday Nigerians, the initiative promises simplified, practical financial education that demystifies investing. By building a strong peer network through a nationwide community platform, it seeks to reduce the isolation often faced by new investors and promote collective financial empowerment.
Ultimately, the 100 Million Smart Investors movement represents a significant investment in Nigeria’s human capital. By providing actionable steps, success stories, and sustained education, First Asset Management aims to usher in a new era of financial literacy and participation.
This initiative would not only enhance the financial well-being of individuals and families but also contribute to the broader economic prosperity of the nation by channelling dormant capital into productive sectors of the economy.
To kickstart this bold quest, the brand has planned a series of free educational bootcamps, podcasts and community engagement with industry experts and leaders. The inaugural event will take place live on 26 July 2025.
Follow @FirstAssetManagement on all social media handles to stay informed and visit https://first-assetmanagement.com/smart-investors for details on how to join the movement.
PalmPay, a leading neobank and fintech platform focused on emerging markets, has been recognised in CNBC and Statista’s 2025 Top 300 Fintech Companies in the World list. This marks the second year in a row that PalmPay has earned a place among the world’s most innovative and impactful financial technology firms.
The selection is based on a rigorous evaluation of thousands of companies globally, assessing growth, innovation, market penetration, and impact. This year’s list includes a mix of global leaders – including Revolut, Nubank and Ant Group – alongside rising stars from high-growth markets, underscoring the growing influence of emerging-market fintechs like PalmPay.
PalmPay’s inclusion reflects its continued momentum as one of Africa’s leading fintech platforms. With over 35 million registered users and up to 15 million transactions processed daily, the company offers a comprehensive suite of digital financial services tailored to the needs of underserved communities.
In its main market, Nigeria, PalmPay operates as a full-service neobank, offering consumer financial services such as transfers, bill payments, credit, savings, and insurance – all accessible through its user-friendly app and supported by a nationwide network of over 1 million agents and merchant partners. The company also provides POS and API-driven B2B solutions tailored to the needs of merchants and enterprise clients.
“To be recognised as one of the world’s top fintech companies by CNBC and Statista is a powerful affirmation of our mission to build a more inclusive financial system,” said Sofia Zab, Founding Chief Marketing Officer at PalmPay.
“Through cutting-edge technology, deep local distribution, and a customer-first mindset, we’ve built Nigeria’s leading neobank. As we scale PalmPay to more emerging markets, including Tanzania and Bangladesh, our focus remains on closing financial access gaps for everyday consumers and businesses, while expanding the partner ecosystem that fuels our reach and impact.”
As part of its broader expansion strategy, PalmPay recently launched in Tanzania and Bangladesh through a smartphone device financing model that serves as an entry point to digital financial services.
“PalmPay is building a neobanking platform tailored to the realities of emerging markets,” said Jiapei Yan, Group Chief Commercial Officer at PalmPay. “We are creating the infrastructure for a connected digital economy – where people and businesses can thrive through reliable, inclusive financial tools.
This recognition from CNBC and Statista affirms our progress and also the scale of the opportunity ahead. As we expand across more emerging markets, we are committed to creating lasting value for our users, partners, and the communities we serve.”
PalmPay’s inclusion follows another major recognition earlier this year: the company ranked #2 overall and #1 in the financial services sector on the Financial Times – Africa’s Fastest-Growing Companies 2025 list. The ranking, based on revenue growth between 2020 and 2023, highlighted PalmPay’s rapid scale and market traction across Africa.
PalmPay currently operates in Nigeria, Ghana, Tanzania, and Bangladesh, and is expanding its presence across Africa and Asia through device financing, digital banking, and B2B payment services. Backed by a robust neobanking platform and a partnership-led approach, the company is committed to shaping the next chapter of inclusive financial growth.
Fidelity Bank Plc has reaffirmed its commitment to quality education and youth empowerment with the renovation of a classroom block and donation of textbooks to Aso Pada Government Secondary School in Karu LGA, Nasarawa State.
L-R: The Team Lead, CSR, Fidelity Bank Plc, Victoria Abuka; Vice Principal, Government Secondary School, Aso Pada, Maraba, Mr. Abdullahi Idris; Project Co-ordinator, Elite Bankers 2025 Inductee Class, Fidelity Bank Plc, Onyinyechi Ihesiaba; Vice Principal -Academics, Government Secondary School, Aso Pada, Maraba, Mr. Ela Isa; during the commissioning of a renovated block of classrooms and the distribution of Back-to-School Materials at Government Secondary School Aso Pada, Maraba, Nassarawa State recently.
The project was executed through the Fidelity Helping Hands Program (FHHP), a corporate social responsibility initiative that enables staff to identify community needs, raise funds, and receive matched support from the bank.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Dr. Meksley Nwagboh, Divisional Head, Brand and Communications, said the school was chosen due to its impact on the local community and its lack of renovation in over 15 years.
Vice Principal Abdullahi Idris praised the bank’s gesture, calling it “an investment in the future of our nation,” and expressed hope for a lasting partnership.
The initiative follows Fidelity Bank’s recent donation of 1,000 solar-powered schoolbags to pupils across Ogun State, aimed at improving study conditions in areas with limited electricity.
Fidelity Bank serves over 9.1 million customers and has received multiple awards for innovation and SME support, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation Award and Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by Euromoney.
First Asset Management Launches National Initiative to Raise 100 Million Investment-Smart Nigerians
Operators Seek Action Over Persistent Vandalization of Telecommunications Infrastructure Across Nigeria
MTN’s $150 Million Data Hub Gets Government Nod for Advancing Digital Economy
FirstBank Celebrates ₦1 Trillion Milestone in Instant Loans via AI-Powered Platforms
Critical Telecom Infrastructure Under Siege as Vandalism and Theft Rise – ALTON
Telecom2 days agoMTN’s ₦31.75Bn Investment in Health Lauded at Arthur Mbanefo Lecture
News2 days agoCAC Flags Three Companies, Warns Nigerians
E-Business2 days agoFrance Moves to Tackle Online GBV in Africa with $4.3m Funding
- E-Business2 days ago
NDPC Asks Court to Dismiss Meta’s Suit Challenging $32.8m Fine
General News2 days agoFG to Launch Fully Digital Expatriate Residence Permit Application Portal August 1
Broadcasting2 days agoBig Brother Naija Season 10 to Premiere July 26 with Record ₦150m Grand Prize
Telecom2 days agoPIN to Empower 20 Million Youths with New Digital Rights Board Game
News2 days agoAfDB to Introduce Systems Reforms to Prioritize Investing in Africa’s Youth