Business
CBN bans banks and fintech from international money transfers
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has banned banks and financial technology companies otherwise known as Fintechs, from operating International Money Transfer services (IMTOs).
The ban, communicated in a recent CBN statement, comes amid the apex bank’s resolve to maintain stability in Nigeria’s foreign exchange market and encourage fund remittance through legal channels.
Before now, Fintechs operating in Nigeria had licences to operate international money transfer services as they were not affected by the 2014 guidelines which prohibited deposit money banks from acting as IMTOs.
As of 2021, about 47 approved IMTOs were published by the apex bank as approved operators and included some Fintechs like Flutterwave, Interswitch among others.
IMTOs accept cash to transfer to persons resident in Nigeria or another country. They also help personal accounts and foreign tourists visiting Nigeria carry out cross-border transfer services for personal purposes.
According to the guidelines released via its website and signed by the Director, Trade & Exchange Department, Dr. Hassan Mahmud, the apex bank said “All banks are prohibited from operating International Money Transfer services but can act as agents.
“Also, Financial Technology Companies are not allowed to obtain approval for IMTO.”
The apex bank in the circular, also increased the application fees for IMTO approval to ₦10 million while a minimum operating capital of $1 million was pegged for foreign IMTOs while their indigenous counterparts were to pay the naira equivalent.
The CBN also set the annual renewal fee of the IMTO approval at ₦10 million.
Renewals of IMTO licences are expected to be done within the first quarter of every year and where an IMTO fails to provide a copy of the CBN renewal within the first quarter of the year, banks have been urged to cease any further transaction with the IMTO.
Business
Zenith Bank speaks on resolving system upgrade
Zenith Bank has announced the successful conclusion of its system upgrade.
In a message on Tuesday, Zenith Bank expressed gratitude to its customers for their patience during the upgrade process, promising improved services moving forward.
“Dear valued customer, thank you for your patience. We have successfully concluded the system upgrade, and you will experience improved services going forward,” Zenith Bank said.
Zenith Bank made a similar announcement on October 14, noting that it has upgraded the bank’s core information technology (IT) infrastructure after embarking on the system upgrade on October 1, with assurance that the downtime will last from 12:01am and 2:30pm.
“We have upgraded our core IT infrastructure to ensure you enjoy memorable banking experiences going forward,” the bank said.
“Perform your transactions quickly, safely and conveniently 24/7 with our digital banking channel(s) of your choice.”
On September 29, Zenith Bank informed its customers via various channels that its app would be automatically updated to a new version on October 1.
Following the development, the bank’s customers took to X to complain about their inability to access the financial institution’s mobile app.
Due to the technical issues and challenges faced by Zenith Bank customers, Spectranet had advised its subscribers to avoid making payments via Zenith Bank.
Business
CBN not planning to revoke our licence, says Keystone Bank
Keystone Bank says the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has no plans to withdraw its licence.
On Tuesday, Hassan Imam, the chief executive officer (CEO) of Keystone Bank, said the clarification became necessary due to the constant spread of fake news, especially on social media platforms like WhatsApp.
In June, the CBN said it has no plans to revoke the licences of Unity, Polaris, and Keystone banks.
Online reports had claimed the apex bank would terminate the licences of the three banks, following the revocation of Heritage Bank’s licence.
Imam said the bank’s retail services remain strong, maintaining second place in the industry rankings and being recognised as the ‘Retail Bank of the Year’ in KPMG’s 2023 report.
“We wish to set the records straight that we are strong and have continued to grow our balance sheet while delivering exceptional value to our stakeholders,” the CEO said.
“We are actively pursuing legal action against those responsible for spreading fake news and are committed to holding them accountable.
“As a bank, we have continued to operate from a position of financial strength, consistently meeting our obligations as well as all regulatory requirements.
“Our retail banking services have also been recognised for excellence, ranking second in the industry according to the KPMG BICX 2023 Report, and the bank emerged as the ‘Retail Bank of the Year’ at the Africa Industrial and Development Conference and Awards 2024.”
Imam said the recent appointment of the board of directors by CBN, made up of experienced bankers and professionals from various fields, has further strengthened their governance structure.
Business
Swift Networks, Spectranet warn customers against using GTB digital platforms for payments
Swift Networks has warned customers against making payments for its services through any Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) payment portal.
The company warned its customers not to use GTB USSD code (737), online banking, mobile banking, and bank transfers.
In a statement on Tuesday, the company encouraged customers to switch to alternative payment methods for an easy and quick experience, as the directive will remain in effect until further notice.
“This serves to inform our Valued customers to immediately discontinue making payments for your SWIFT services through any GT Bank Payment Portal (Including Bank Transfers, USSD Code (737), Online Banking, Mobile Banking etc) – until further notice,” SWIFT said.
“You can also make EASY and QUICK payments for SWIFT Services using any of the following Options:
“SWIFT Online Payment Options: Click https://bit.ly/34xSK9J to view our online payment options including: Quickteller, SWIFT Website, SWIFT App, Other Bank App (Excluding GT Bank), Mobile Banking App, Other USSD Code (Excluding GT Bank).
“(ii) Via Bank Transfer to our Access Bank account with details below: Bank: Access Bank: Account Number: 0041908015 Account Name: SWIFT Networks Limited.”
Swift Networks advised customers to visit www.swiftng.com, contact the company via Whatsapp: 08167002398 or send an email to customercare@swiftng.net.
The company also urged customers to download its app for transactions.
In a similar update, Spectranet advised customers to avoid bank transfers to both Zenith Bank and GTB due to ongoing technical issues.
Spectranet urged customers to use the company’s online payment options for a seamless transaction experience.
“Dear Customer, We encourage you to use our online payment options for your transactions for a smoother experience,” Spectranet said.
“Please avoid bank transfers to Zenith Bank and GTB at this time, as they are currently experiencing issues. Thank you for your understanding!”
On September 29, Zenith Bank informed its customers via various channels that its app would be automatically updated to a new version on October 1.
Following the development, the bank’s customers took to X to complain about their inability to access the financial institution’s mobile app for 48 hours.
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