By Adedapo Adesanya

Global blockchain ecosystem behind the world’s largest digital asset exchange by trading volume and users, Binance, has appointed its co-founder, Ms Yi He, as its co-CEO.

“Yi has been an integral part of the executive leadership team since the launch of Binance. Her innovative and user-focused approach has been instrumental in shaping the company’s vision, culture, and bottom-up business strategy,” said Binance CEO, Mr Richard Teng. “This appointment is a natural progression and she will continue to guide the organization from strength to strength.”

“We remain dedicated to being the most trusted and regulated exchange in the world, always putting our users first. Yi plays a critical role in growing our community and driving product innovation as we work to reach one billion users. Together, we are focused on building the Web3 infrastructure and promoting financial freedom, empowering people to participate in a more open and fair financial system,” added Mr Teng.

“I am honored to build alongside Richard, who brings decades of experience in regulated financial markets and was among the first to regulate crypto in its early days,” said Ms He. “Together, we bring diverse perspectives and are confident in leading the future of the industry during this pivotal time, as we responsibly expand our global presence and drive sustainable innovation with our users always at the center.”

Binance remains one of the world’s largest players in crypto trading, and leadership changes within the company continue to draw attention due to its scale and influence.

The appointment of a co-CEO adds structure during a period when global exchanges emphasize compliance, operational clarity and more formal management frameworks.

The company did not announce changes to its product lineup or platform priorities alongside the leadership update, and no financial terms were disclosed. The addition of a co-CEO role reflects an internal effort to distribute responsibilities as the firm works with regulators and seeks stability in a competitive and closely watched industry.

By Adedapo Adesanya

The African Petroleum Regulators Forum (AFRIPERF) has chosen Nigeria as its official headquarters and also elected the chief executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Mr Gbenga Komolafe, as its chairman.

Recall that in September, 16 countries, led by Nigeria, gathered in Accra, Ghana, to witness the signing of the charter establishing the forum, which seek to harmonise oil regulation in Africa.

Others include Ghana, Somalia, Gambia, Madagascar, Sudan, Guinea, and Togo among others.

The decisions were announced at the inaugural executive committee meeting of the forum which took place virtually on December 2, 2025. The meeting which was attended by the 16 African countries, was convened to pick its leadership, headquarters and logo.

Prior to his endorsement as the substantive pioneering chairman, Mr Komolafe acted in interim capacity.

Also, Mrs Eyoanwan Ndiyo-Aiyetan also emerged as the secretary of AFRIPERF.

According to a statement on Wednesday, NUPRC notes that the development affirms Nigeria’s central role in the African petroleum regulatory space and as Africa’s largest producer of crude oil.

In his acceptance speech, Mr Komolafe thanked his African counterparts for the trust and honour, promising to ensure that no member country is left behind.

AFRIPERF aims to strengthen regional petroleum governance by fostering collaboration, cooperation and coordination among member regulators.

Its mission includes creating standards, enhancing transparency and addressing cross-border challenges such as gas trade, emissions, and digitalisation while making the African continent energy sector attractive for crucial investments.

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

Mr Joseph Tegbe has been appointed as the chairman of the newly established National Tax Policy Implementation Committee (NTPIC), which is expected to enhance revenue mobilisation, minimise leakages, and reinforce accountability, thereby strengthening the government’s fiscal sustainability and national development objectives.

The tax implementation team was formed by President Bola Tinubu, according to a statement issued on Friday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga.

The Special Adviser to the President on Finance and Economy, Mrs Sanyade Okoli, will serve as the secretary, while members include Ismaeel Ahmed, Rukaiya El Rufai, and others.

It was disclosed that the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, will oversee activities of the panel.

The committee has the mandate to ensure the implementation of the landmark tax reforms in line with the economic aspirations of the government and the people of Nigeria.

It will also undertake extensive consultations across the public and private sectors to ensure broad-based input into the implementation process.

In addition, the NTPIC’s mandate emphasises broad stakeholder consultation through nationwide engagements with the private sector, professional bodies, and sub-national governments, alongside public awareness campaigns to support effective implementation of the new tax laws.

It also prioritises strong inter-agency coordination by aligning the work of key revenue and regulatory institutions, harmonising existing frameworks with new statutes, and ensuring unified oversight and reporting throughout the transition process.

Mr Tinubu stressed that effective implementation of the tax laws is central to the nation’s economic transformation agenda and critical to strengthening public finance management while safeguarding the legitimate expectations of investors and the productive sectors.

“These new tax acts reflect our administration’s commitment to building a fair, transparent, and technology-driven tax system that supports economic growth while protecting the interests of citizens and businesses.

“The National Tax Policy Implementation Committee will ensure coherent, effective, and well-aligned implementation across all levels of government,” he noted.

On his part, Mr Edun said, “With the establishment of this Committee, Mr President has not only set the direction but also provided the authority and support required to reset not just the tax system but the entire fiscal policy framework of Government, to deliver significant economic growth for the benefit of all Nigerians.”

Reacting to his appointment, Mr Tegbe expressed the team’s readiness to work diligently in support of national development.

“We understand the strategic importance of these Tax Acts. Our committee will work closely with all stakeholders to support the Minister of Finance in ensuring seamless implementation and building public trust in the tax system,” he said.

Mr Tegbe is a Fellow of both the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (FCA) and the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (FCIT).

He has over 35 years of professional experience across the public and private sectors, having previously served as a Senior Partner and Head of Advisory Services at KPMG Africa.