The Financial Market Dealers Association recently held its 9th Annual Financial Market Conference, gathering key stakeholders to discuss the future of Nigeria’s financial system. The event, themed “Future‑proofing Nigeria’s Financial Market System: Policy, Technology and Market Confidence,” examined how regulation, innovation, and trust can strengthen the country’s markets.
FMDA President Mrs. Anwuli Femi‑Pearse stressed the need for a deliberate strategy to build resilience, deepen trust, and position Nigeria’s markets for long‑term competitiveness. She argued that sustainable growth will depend on smart policies, strong collaboration, investment in digital infrastructure, and a firm commitment to transparency and accountability.
The conference featured presentations from top regulators, bankers, and fintech leaders, including the Central Bank of Nigeria. Mrs. Aisha Issa Olatinwo, Director of Consumer Protection at the CBN, delivered the keynote address, highlighting the importance of financial inclusion in Nigeria’s economic transformation. She noted a significant decline in financial exclusion between 2012 and 2023, driven by the increased adoption of digital wallets and formal financial channels. The CBN reaffirmed its commitment to the National Financial Inclusion Strategy, aiming to close access gaps, strengthen digital delivery channels, and expand credit to underserved populations. Technology was identified as a key driver of inclusion, with collaboration among regulators, financial institutions, and innovators essential to sustaining progress.
Other presentations focused on risk management and cybersecurity. The CBN’s Risk Management Department warned that cybercrime could reach $10.5 trillion annually by 2025. Contributions from commercial banks such as FirstBank and Wema Bank underscored the importance of market transparency, policy clarity, and investor confidence.
Overall, the conference emphasized a proactive approach to future‑proofing Nigeria’s financial system, anchored in intelligent technology, sound policy, and strong public trust. Stakeholders were urged to work together to strengthen professionalism, ethical standards, and global alignment through clearer policies, stronger partnerships, and greater courage in adopting technology. The event concluded with a call to action, highlighting the shared responsibility of all parties to shape the future of Nigeria’s financial system. With the country’s financial markets poised for growth, collaboration, innovation, and trust have never been more pressing, and the conference outcomes are likely to have significant implications for Nigeria’s economic development.
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