E-Financial
NIBSS Approves Standard Guidelines for BVN Matching System
The Nigeria Interbank Settlement System (NIBSS) has issued approved standard operating guidelines for Bank Verification Number (BVN) matching system, mainly for a harmonized way of verifying customer’s identity.
This, the company owned by all deposit money banks said, is to undergird the centralized BVN for a uniform repeatable approach in using the system in the banking industry.
This uniform approach needs to define the routine processes and procedures followed by every organization in the industry that would facilitate consistent conformance to technical and quality system requirements and support data quality.
In a statement to this effect, it said, the NIBSS standard operating procedure for the BVN system would be specific to the banking industry and assist the industry to maintain their quality control and quality assurance processes and ensure compliance with governmental and nongovernmental regulations.
This document is developed by the Bankers’ Committee Operations committee for the project. The Operations Committee is commissioned to champion the development of BVN standards for the banking community.
“The purpose of these standard operating guidelines (SOG) is to prescribe the processes for collecting, updating, linking, storing and using identification data from bank customers.
“This SOG takes into consideration the regulatory requirements as well as established standards and industry best practices. In particular, this SOG describes the operationalization of the approved regulatory framework for BVN operations and watch-list for the Nigerian banking industry,” the statement read in part.
The DMBs presently adopt various methods for Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements. The methods used in identifying customers differ from bank to bank because there is no harmonized way of verifying customer’s identity.
In view of this, the financial services sector through the Bankers’ Committee proactively embarked upon the deployment of a centralized bank verification system for the banking industry.
This is to aid the delivery of its services by building a technology system for verification and secure authentication of the identity of bank customers.
Recall that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), in furtherance of its mandate for the development of the electronic payments system in Nigeria released the exposure draft on the regulatory framework for Bank Verification Number (BVN) operations and watch-list for the Nigerian financial system for your review and comments.
This harmonized system, according to NIBSS, will have the ability to identify a person by a physical characteristic such as fingerprints, facial, voice or retinal scans.
This has had several applications in security and has been used by several organizations. It has become popular because of its many advantages over traditional security systems such as passwords and Personal Identification Numbers (PIN).
The selected identification option for the Nigeria Bank Customer Identification Scheme is fingerprints and facial recognition.
The CBN in conjunction with the bankers’ committee embarked on a shared services program with three key objectives. These are to: improve KYC process within the banking sector; increase access, convenience, service levels across the industry and enable greater financial inclusion and integration of financial services into the economy, with its attendant positive impact on economic development.
The Bankers’ Committee with CBN recognized that payments are a key driver of costs, hence the committee’s focus on payment system transformation.
A major requirement that affects the Nigerian payment system is the need to “Know Your Customer”. Additionally, the need to know your customer is reinforced by the latest anti-money laundering/ counter-terrorism directive and requirements.
NIBSS explained that uniquely identifying bank customers would help immensely to reduce the current administrative costs of the KYC requirement.
This is in addition to the revision of the KYC requirement. More importantly, as the regulators (CBN and others) are focused on transforming the payment system (policy and its processes), a unique identity for customers would impact other areas such as credit check, authenticity and non-repudiation of transactions and fraud management creating more efficiency and effectiveness within the payment system.
“In view of this, the financial services sector through the Bankers’ Committee and the CBN proactively embarked upon the deployment of a centralized bank verification system for the banking industry.
“The BVN matching system will aid in uniquely identifying customers across all banks. This solution will also help in reducing the repudiation of transactions. Verification of identity is possible without resort to documents that may be stolen, lost or altered,” the statement clarified.
On the benefits of this new system, it noted that a person’s fingerprint cannot be shared easily or stolen and no two persons can have an exact match.
Biometrics is easy to use and does not have associated stress of forgotten password/password resets and can never be forgotten as they are physical characteristics of the person; a biometric feature unequivocally attaches a person to an event.
If there is a fraudulent/suspicious transaction, regulatory authorities and banks would have an accurate record of the customer involved among others.
FirstBank of Nigeria has announced an upward review of its transaction alert fee, raising the charge from N4 to N6 per SMS.
In a customer notice, the bank attributed the increase to the recent hike in telecom service costs by network providers.
“We understand that staying connected and informed about financial activity on your FirstBank account is crucial,” the bank stated. “Unfortunately, due to the recent increase in telecom service charges by service providers, the fee for our SMS transaction alerts has been adjusted from N4 to N6 per message.”
The bank acknowledged that the change may cause some inconvenience to customers but assured that efforts are being made to minimise the impact while maintaining service quality.
“We know that this change might cause you some inconvenience, but we are committed to minimising the impact of this change while we continue to provide you with the best financial services possible,” the message read.
The bank encouraged customers with concerns or questions about the adjustment to reach out through its official contact channels.
The adjustment comes at a time when banks are reviewing cost structures following increased operating expenses, including rising telecom tariffs and inflationary pressures across sectors.
The new SMS fee will apply per transaction alert received by customers.
However, some customers took to X (formerly Twitter) to criticise the move, especially at a time when other banks are reportedly scrapping similar charges.
An X user, @Tonyvyncent, wrote, “FirstBankngr have mercy. In a period when others like Sterling Bank are removing charges for customers, you’re increasing charges. No emotional intelligence.”
Tijjani Borodo, chairman, Chartered Institute of Directors (CIoD) Nigeria, has blamed bank failures on poor corporate governance, but commended the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) for its notable achievements in bank liquidation and resolution.
The NDIC excellence in operational standards, consistent implementation of its mandate, and unwavering commitment to ethical leadership and sound corporate governance especially in banking supervision and depositor protection, have been critical factors in the Corporation’s success in promoting the stability of the banking sector and the nation’s financial system.
He made these remarks during a courtesy visit by the CIoD Governing Council to the Management of the NDIC at the Corporation’s Head Office in Abuja.
He stated that as the apex professional body for directors in Nigeria, the CIoD had instituted mechanisms and procedures to sanction erring directors found culpable of unethical conduct.
He reaffirmed the Institute’s strong commitment to promoting high standards of governance and leadership across all sectors, including the banking industry.
Borodo described the visit of the Governing Council of the CIoD opportunity to strengthen and sustain the partnership between the Institute and the NDIC, particularly in the area of capacity building through Board induction programmes, executive leadership development, and governance training tailored to the specific needs of directors in both the public and private sectors.
In response, Bello Hassan, NDIC managing director/CE, expressed appreciation to the CIoD leadership in promoting professionalism and corporate accountability.
He emphasised the NDIC’s commitment to depositor protection and financial system stability, stressing that corporate governance is central to the Corporation’s operational mandate and critical in strengthening the integrity and resilience of banks as well as instilling public confidence in the financial system.
Hassan further reiterated the Corporation’s readiness to sustain its partnership with the Institute in advancing a strong culture of corporate governance among the NDIC’s executive staff and across the broader financial industry.
E-Financial
Moniepoint Secures Place Among Africa’s Fastest-Growing Companies for Third Consecutive Year
Moniepoint Inc. has once again been recognized by the Financial Times as one of Africa’s fastest-growing companies, marking its third consecutive year on the prestigious list.
This ranking reinforces Moniepoint’s rapid expansion and its position as a leading financial institution dedicated to serving Africans globally.
Released on May 14, 2025, the ranking was compiled by Statista, which rigorously screened companies based on their revenue growth from 2020 to 2023.
Moniepoint stood out with a remarkable 2023 revenue of $264.51 million, outperforming competitors across diverse industries including technology, telecoms, financial services, and healthcare.
The fintech powerhouse processes over 1 billion transactions monthly, with a total payments volume exceeding $22 billion, serving ten million businesses and individuals across Nigeria. Its continuous success is reflected in its $110 million Series C funding round in October 2024, which attracted investment from Visa, a global digital payments leader.
Moniepoint’s expansion goes beyond Africa, with the recent launch of MonieWorld, a remittance and digital financial service tailored for the UK’s African diaspora, offering seamless money transfers to Nigeria.
CEO Tosin Eniolorunda expressed his excitement about the company’s achievements and future growth, emphasizing Moniepoint’s dedication to financial inclusion and innovation.
The company has also received multiple awards, including Financially Inclusive Fintech of the Year by the Central Bank of Nigeria and Best Bank for SMEs at BusinessDay’s BAFI Awards.
Since its first ranking in 2023, Moniepoint has rapidly scaled its services, providing millions with reliable financial solutions while enabling access to essential banking tools for businesses and individuals, including those in underserved areas.
With its continued recognition by the Financial Times, Moniepoint remains a trailblazer in Africa’s fintech sector, solidifying its reputation as a key player in driving financial empowerment and accessibility across the continent and beyond.
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