The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has unveiled a major regulatory proposal that could reshape the relationship between banks, fintech companies, and other financial institutions operating under the same corporate group.
Under the proposed guidelines, banks and their affiliated companies would be required to operate more independently, with stricter boundaries designed to prevent customer funds from being used to support subsidiaries or related businesses.
The move is part of the apex bank’s latest effort to strengthen consumer protection, improve transparency, reduce financial risks, and ensure greater stability within Nigeria’s rapidly evolving financial sector.
According to the draft framework released by the CBN, closely linked entities such as banks, fintech firms, payment companies, and other financial institutions under common ownership would be required to maintain separate governance structures, risk management systems, liquidity positions, and capital requirements.
One of the most significant proposals is a ban on the use of customer funds for intra group lending, proprietary trading, servicing group debts, or covering the operational expenses of affiliated companies.
In simple terms, money deposited by customers in one financial institution should not be diverted to support another company within the same business group.
The CBN is also proposing stronger data protection measures, requiring customer information to be stored separately across related entities to prevent unauthorized access or the mixing of customer data.
Another major provision would require customers to give explicit consent before being enrolled in products or services offered by affiliated companies. Financial institutions would also be expected to clearly disclose such relationships and provide customers with alternative options where available.
Industry observers say the proposed rules could significantly impact the growing partnerships between traditional banks and fintech firms, many of which currently operate within complex group structures.
The CBN argues that the measures are necessary to close regulatory loopholes, prevent conflicts of interest, and reduce the risk of financial problems spreading from one company to another within the same corporate group.
The regulator has opened the draft guidelines for public review and stakeholder feedback, with comments expected before July 9, 2026.
If implemented, the reforms could mark one of the most significant changes to Nigeria’s financial sector in recent years, potentially setting new standards for accountability, customer protection, and corporate governance in an industry increasingly shaped by digital innovation
