By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The need for stakeholders in the payments landscape to see collaborations as a strategy to expand their operations and deepen the industry has been emphasised by the Managing Director of Payment Processing and Switching (Interswitch Purepay), Mr Akeem Lawal.
Speaking as a panellist at the Committee of E-Business Industry Heads (CeBIH) in Lagos, Mr Lawal said partnerships among players in the sector would help financial industry stakeholders navigate the complexities of the modern market and reshape the financial ecosystem.
He emphasized the critical need for synergy in the rapidly evolving financial landscape. Lawal highlighted that collaboration is not only essential for staying competitive but is also a catalyst for driving innovation and promoting a culture of continuous improvement.
“In the evolving payment landscape, collaboration is not just a choice but a strategic imperative.
“By cultivating a culture of innovation through collaborative efforts, we can reshape the financial ecosystem, drive positive change and ensure a resilient future for the industry,” Mr Lawal said at the panel themed Fostering a Culture of Innovation Through Collaboration.
Also commenting, the Vice President for Issuing & Acquiring Management at Verve, Mr Paul Ohakim, said Verve was committed to deepening financial inclusion and improving the experience of cardholders across various touchpoints.
He revealed that Verve recently launched the Verve Ultra Card to provide flexible access to credit facilities for Nigerians, noting that the card will avail cardholders of convenient repayment plans, contactless payment and a 45-day interest-free period among other benefits.
On her part, the Head of Retail Payment at Interswitch, Ms Susan Fasipe, shed light on key payment modernization trends, outlining the evolving nature of consumer expectations and technological advancements driving the need for continuous innovation.
“Embracing modernization ensures that we are equipped to meet the evolving needs of businesses and consumers.
“Therefore, we designed the Enterprise Payment Platform product to address prevailing issues within the ecosystem, enhance business development, and provide seamless payment solutions to customers across the African continent,” Ms Fasipe stated.