Banking
CBN Orders Banks, OFIs to Deploy AI Tech to Flag Illicit Money Flows
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has rolled out fresh technology-driven rules compelling banks and other financial institutions to deploy automated anti-money laundering systems capable of detecting suspicious transactions in real time.
The directive, contained in a circular issued on March 10, 2026, applies to deposit money banks, mobile money operators, international money transfer operators, payment service providers, and other institutions under the apex bank’s supervision.
According to the regulator, the new framework sets minimum standards for automated anti-money laundering solutions designed to strengthen the detection and reporting of financial crimes within Nigeria’s rapidly digitising financial ecosystem.
In the circular, the CBN explained that the guidelines establish a baseline structure for financial institutions to deploy advanced monitoring tools capable of flagging suspicious financial activities instantly.
“The baseline standards provide a framework for implementing automated solutions that strengthen the detection and reporting of suspicious transactions in real time and enhance compliance with applicable AML/CFT/CPF laws and regulations, while also supporting the use of emerging technologies to improve overall financial crime risk management,” it stated.
The circular was jointly signed by the Director of Banking Supervision, Mrs Akinwunmi A. Olubukola, and Mrs Olubunmi Ayodele-Oni, acting for the Director of the Compliance Department.
Under the new policy, financial institutions must deploy automated anti-money laundering platforms that combine customer identification systems, transaction monitoring, sanctions screening, and risk assessment tools into a single integrated framework.
The CBN said the guidelines apply to all institutions operating within the financial system under its regulatory authority, including banks, payment companies, and other licensed financial service providers.
While the new rules take effect immediately, institutions have been given specific timelines to fully implement the required technology infrastructure.
Deposit money banks are expected to achieve full compliance within 18 months, while other financial institutions have 24 months to meet the regulatory requirements.
In addition, all institutions are required to submit detailed implementation roadmaps within three months of the issuance of the circular.
“The implementation of these guidelines shall start from the date of issuance, while full compliance shall be 18 months (for Deposit Money Banks) and 24-months (for Other Financial Institutions) from the date of issuance,” the apex bank added.
A major highlight of the framework is the emphasis on advanced technology tools such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, predictive analytics, and behavioural monitoring to identify unusual financial patterns that may indicate criminal activity.
Under the guidelines, institutions must deploy systems capable of conducting risk-based customer due diligence, monitoring transactions across multiple financial channels, and screening customers against sanctions databases and lists of politically exposed persons.
The CBN also directed that these automated systems must integrate seamlessly with core banking infrastructure and customer identity databases, enabling continuous real-time analysis of transaction flows and behavioural patterns.
According to the apex bank, traditional manual monitoring processes are increasingly inadequate in a financial environment that is becoming more complex and heavily driven by digital payments, fintech platforms, and mobile banking.
The regulator said automated surveillance systems would enable institutions to identify potential financial crimes earlier and report suspicious transactions promptly to authorities such as the CBN and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU).
The guidelines further require financial institutions to establish governance structures to oversee the performance of automated systems, validate artificial intelligence models, and ensure that data protection safeguards comply with Nigeria’s privacy regulations.
Beyond technology deployment, institutions must maintain detailed audit trails and case management systems that document investigations into suspicious financial activity and track regulatory reporting obligations.
The central bank warned that institutions that fail to comply with the new standards or operate ineffective anti-money laundering frameworks could face regulatory penalties.
Compliance will be monitored through a combination of off-site regulatory surveillance, on-site examinations, and targeted thematic reviews conducted by the banking regulator.
The CBN emphasised that the newly issued standards represent only the minimum compliance benchmark, adding that institutions may be required to implement stronger controls depending on their operational scale, transaction volumes, and risk exposure.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
In a bid to ensure consumer safety across the telecommunications and financial services sectors, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) have decided to work together.
On Monday, both organisations sealed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the establishment of joint committees for the protection of consumers against fraud in the sectors.
The two teams set up by the CBN and the NCC include the Joint Committee on Payment Systems and Consumer Protection, and the Joint Committee on Telecoms Identity Risk Management System (TIRMS) Portal.
Through the TIRMS portal, which aggregates data on churned (recycled) phone numbers, as well as numbers flagged within the financial services sector, it will now have enhanced visibility into the status of phone numbers, one of the most widely utilised resources in the sector, although regulated by the NCC.
With this, according to the chief executive of NCC, Mr Aminu Maida, financial institutions will be able to determine when a line is active, when it has been swapped, when it has been disconnected due to inactivity and reassigned to a new subscriber, and when it has been flagged for suspicious or fraudulent activity. “This ensures that our financial services industry is better equipped with timely and relevant information to effectively combat e-fraud, particularly those perpetuated using phone numbers, in the country,” he stated.
It was stated that the partnership between the two parties will reduce electronic fraud, which has become increasingly pervasive, with significant implications for the integrity of the digital economy.
In his remarks, the Governor of the CBN, Mr Yemi Cardoso, said the MoU will strengthen coordination on approvals, technical standards, and innovation trials, including sandbox testing that supports market-led solutions, while safeguarding stability.
“Going forward, the CBN remains fully committed to working with the NCC to deliver a safer, more resilient, and more inclusive digital financial system that supports national productivity, protects consumers, and strengthens trust in Nigeria’s digital economy,” the central bank chief said.
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
Mid-level Nigerian lender, Wema Bank Plc, has set its eyes on expanding its market presence and supporting the government in achieving its $1 trillion economy by 2030.
In a statement, the financial institution said it hopes to achieve these and others through its recently recapitalisation exercise, which saw its capital base rise to about N265 billion, well above the N200 billion-threshold set by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for its category of licence.
Wema Bank operates with a national licence, and based on the regulator’s requirement, the capital base must be at least N200 billion.
Before the March 31, 2026-deadline set be the CBN, banks were required to have at least N25 billion, but to meet up with the 2030 target of the federal government, this threshold was raised, with banks operating branches out the country asked to have at least N500 billion, while regional banks were told to have a minimum of N50 billion.
To comply with the new directive, Wema Bank embarked on a strategic capital raise through the stock market, successfully strengthening its shareholder base and securing the required capital through strong participation from existing investors.
Its N150 billion rights issue, which opened on April 14, 2025, and closed on May 21, 2025, marked a significant step in this journey. This was subsequently complemented by a N50 billion special placement later in the year, ensuring the bank not only met but exceeded the regulatory threshold well ahead of schedule.
“The successful completion of our recapitalisation exercise is a defining moment for Wema Bank. It is a strong validation of our strategy, our performance, and the enduring confidence our shareholders and stakeholders have in our vision.
“We have not only met the CBN’s requirements; we have exceeded them, reinforcing our position as a National Bank with the scale, strength, and stability to compete and lead,” the chief executive of Wema Bank, Mr Moruf Oseni, stated.
“Looking ahead, we remain focused on deepening our market presence, driving customer-centric innovation, and strengthening our role as a catalyst for growth across retail, SME, and corporate segments.
“This is not just about retaining our license; it is about building a bigger, stronger, and more impactful Wema Bank,” the bank executive further stated.
By Adedapo Adesanya
President Bola Tinubu has given approval for the investment of $75 million in Flutterwave, as part of the payments company’s efforts to raise $250 million through an Initial Public Offering (IPO).
The investment is expected to be executed through the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MoFI), according to reports on Monday.
Since its founding in 2016, Flutterwave has rapidly expanded and now has a presence in about 30 African countries. The company’s valuation is at $3 billion.
According to the reports, the fintech company approached the federal government last year to participate in the offer, which has been in motion since it was first touted as far back as 2022.
Flutterwave’s IPO has been delayed by its lack of sustained profitability, earlier governance and misconduct scandals, and unfavourable global market conditions.
It was gathered that MoFI engaged two of the Big Four global accounting and auditing firms to carry out a detailed review of the company’s financial statements and operations, in a move aimed at ensuring due diligence and strengthening investor confidence.
Citing sources, the newspaper said Flutterwave brought Nigerian government participation to secure sovereign backing and reinforce confidence in Nigeria’s growing technology sector.
According to the sources, the move was also intended to project Nigeria’s potential on the global stage, adding that the company is also using the IPO to widen ownership and allow more Nigerians to invest in its growth.
The paper also reported that the IPO would expand ownership, giving more Nigerians the opportunity to invest in one of Africa’s leading fintech companies.
Market interest in the offer is said to be strong, with existing investors indicating plans to increase their stakes, while new institutional players are also positioning to participate.
This development is coming after the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) granted Flutterwave a license to operate microfinance banking services in Nigeria. The license enables the company to hold funds and deposits directly, strengthening its financial infrastructure across its largest market and enabling more efficient financial services and settlement flows for consumers, businesses and enterprises.
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