In a bid to woo global capital and enhance investor’s confidence, Nigeria’s top financial leaders presented a unified front at a strategic investment forum hosted at the Nasdaq MarketSite in New York.

The event was organised by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in collaboration with Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX Group), JPMorgan, and the African Private Capital Association (AVCA).

The exclusive gathering brought together leaders from the Nigerian diaspora, global investment institutions, and corporate executives for insightful dialogue on the country’s evolving financial landscape and its readiness to attract global capital for sustainable growth.

Governor of the CBN, Olayemi Cardoso in a fireside chat with Nobel Prize-winning economist Dr. James Robinson, outlined Nigeria’s monetary policy direction, growth prospects, and efforts to deepen its financial markets.

He reaffirmed the CBN’s commitment to disciplined policy management, market-friendly reforms, and enhanced transparency to foster a stable, investor-friendly environment. Cardoso also stressed the importance of strong collaboration between regulators like the CBN and market operators such as NGX Group, describing it as critical to building a resilient financial system and mobilising long-term investments.

Temi Popoola, Group Managing Director/CEO of NGX Group, moderated an engaging discussion on how Nigeria’s reforms are repositioning the country as an increasingly attractive destination for global capital.

“Today’s dialogue marks a pivotal step in reshaping global perceptions of Nigeria’s investment story,” said Popoola. “The candid engagement between policymakers, market operators, and investors reflects the real progress Nigeria is making. NGX Group remains committed to supporting reforms that strengthen market structures, drive innovation, and accelerate economic growth.”

While investors welcomed Nigeria’s reform agenda, they emphasized that sustained confidence will require consistent FX policies, lower transaction costs, reduced regulatory friction, clearer direction on non-oil revenue reforms, an improved ease of doing business, and continued transparency in monetary and fiscal communication.

The forum ended on an optimistic note, with participants expressing strong confidence in Nigeria’s economic prospects and its potential for deeper integration into global financial markets, provided reform momentum continues.

For decades, financial institutions have struggled to communicate the depth and breadth of their services in a single, coherent message.

FCMB Group’s latest TVC, The Power Of The Group, masterfully accomplishes this by placing its subsidiaries at the heart of the narrative.

The ad opens with a heated basketball game with a lone basketballer then pans out to the full force of the 5-woman team, subtly introducing the idea of collaboration. As the story unfolds, viewers are taken on a journey across Taraba, Abuja and Lagos States, each symbolising a key aspect of FCMB’s ecosystem.

The imagery of the drummers playing on Mambila Plateau reinforces the brand’s message: success is not achieved in isolation—it’s built through strategic partnerships.

From banking to consumer finance, investment management to investment banking, the TVC seamlessly weaves in elements from all arms of the FCMB Group, making it clear that power lies in collaborative innovative efforts.

The tagline ‘The Power Of The Group’ encapsulates the campaign’s essence, reinforcing the importance of unity in financial empowerment.

The production process was an extensive undertaking, requiring 4 months of production and a team of over 1,000 industry professionals.

The investment, said to run into hundreds of millions, underscores the bank’s commitment to delivering not just a commercial but a landmark campaign that defines its brand for years to come.

As the industry takes note, FCMB Group’s approach could redefine how corporate Nigeria tells its story.

Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has reminded banks, payment service banks, and fintech companies of their obligations to comply with applicable sanctions regimes.

These sanctions include the United Nations Consolidated Sanctions List, the Nigerian Sanctions List in line with the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022, and guidelines on targeted financial sanctions related to terrorism and its financing.

This was contained in a letter dated April 17, 2025 and signed by Amonia Opusunju for the director of the Compliance Department.

The CBN directed all financial institutions to ensure strict adherence to sanctions lists maintained at both international and national levels.

According to the apex bank, financial institutions are expected to regularly update their systems to identify designated persons or entities and prevent the misuse of financial platforms to facilitate illegal transactions.

The letter read: “Financial Institutions are required to maintain a robust and dynamic sanctions compliance framework that enables them to Identify and respond promptly to updates or changes across all applicable sanctions lists; Prevent the use of their systems and platforms for transactions involving designated individuals or entities; Conduct real-time screening of customers, transactions, and beneficial owners; and File appropriate reports with the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) and notify the CBN, where necessary.”

The CBN’s directive also covers real-time screening of customers, transactions, and beneficial owners.

Institutions are to report suspicious activities to the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) and notify the apex bank where necessary, the apex bank warned.

According to the bank, non-compliance with the regulations could attract sanctions in form of enforcement actions or regulatory penalties.

It added that sanctions compliance frameworks must be periodically reviewed and aligned with prevailing laws and regulatory expectations.

The CBN advised all financial institutions to take note of the guidance and act accordingly.

“This letter serves as a regulatory reminder and all Financial Institutions are expected to ensure continued compliance with applicable laws and CBN directives,” the apex bank stated.