A new group known, the FinTech Association of Nigeria, has made its debut in the country.
A statement by the promoters of the Association at the weekend hinted that FTAN has been duly registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja.
According to the statement signed by Femi Awoyemi: “The principal object of FTAN is to serve as a platform for the development of the financial technology industry in Nigeria and to be a forum for the exchange of ideas and dissemination of information by and between various stakeholders in the industry.
“Following decisions reached at the inaugural meeting of the foundation members of FTAN held in Lagos on June 1, 2017, it was decided that members of the founding consultative group transition into the Interim Governing Council (GovCo) and appoint additional members to steer the ship of formation.”
FTAN appointed Dr. Segun Aina as the new President/Chairman, while Bunmi Lawson of Accion Microfinance was named Vice-President.
Barrister Isa Alade of Banwo & Ighodalo law firm would serve as the Secretary, Tunde Kuponiyi of Ecobank Nigeria emerged as Treasurer, while Awoyemi of Proshare, Wole Oyeniran of Deloitte Nigeria, John Obaro of SystemSpecs, Dr. Olayinka David-West of Lagos Business School and Tunji ELESO (Co-Creation Hub) would serve as members.
The statement by Awoyemi added: “Subsequently, the GovCo had its first meeting on Saturday, June 3rd, 2017 and set up six (6) Committees as Working Groups to see to the smooth take-off of the Association.
“The working groups include Membership and Funding, Strategy and Planning, Administration and Technology, Media, Advocacy, Brand and Communications, Events and Programmes as well as Research and Market Trends.
“The Interim GovCo and the Working Groups will midwife the Association until its first Annual General Meeting expected to hold in January 2018 when substantive officers are to be elected into positions.”
As part its initial steps, the Association has made approaches to the Securities and Exchange Commission, National Insurance Commission and the Central Bank of Nigeria on its intent and purposes through the Chairman of the interim GovCo.
All firms and organisations operating in Nigeria’s FinTech space are invited to join FTAN, Awoyemi said.