In a sudden move, American financial technology company, Mercury, has announced plans to terminate the accounts of businesses based in several countries, including Nigeria, effective August 22, 2024. The decision is part of the company’s revised eligibility criteria for opening accounts, which was recently updated.

According to the revised criteria, Mercury will cease serving companies whose founders hold passports from countries such as Belarus, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria, Ukraine, and Venezuela. This development has sparked concerns among entrepreneurs and business owners in Nigeria and other affected countries.

It is not Mercury’s first action against African tech startups. Founded in 2017, the company serves over 100,000 businesses, a significant portion being startups. The exact reasons behind Mercury’s decision remain unclear, but industry insiders speculate that it may result from increased regulatory scrutiny and pressure to comply with international sanctions.

The implications of this move are far-reaching, and business owners in Nigeria and other affected countries are left wondering what the future holds for their companies. As the news unfolds, it remains to be seen how Mercury’s decision will impact the global financial landscape.