By Ahmed Rahma
A leading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc, has concluded plans to host its diaspora webinar series with the inaugural edition on Saturday, March 6, 2021.
The virtual session themed The New CBN FX Policy and Positive Impact to Diaspora Investments in Nigeria seeks to enlighten Nigerian citizens’ resident abroad on recent policy measures by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and their attendant implications for diaspora investments.
According to the lender in a statement, the session will also aim specifically at providing the people with valuable insights, intelligence, and expertise on how to stay on top of their investments back home.
The event, to be streamed live on YouTube and Zoom, will have in attendance dignitaries and several other persons in the financial industry.
It was disclosed that the programme was borne out of the need to deepen engagement with Nigerian diaspora community particularly as developmental partners considering the critical role remittances play in driving sustainable economic growth.
Speaking on the webinar, the CEO of Fidelity Bank, Mrs Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, stated that the session was most appropriate and timely, adding that “the session will offer the Nigerian diaspora greater clarity on all of the recent policies enacted by government with a view to enabling them make sound investment decisions.”
According to Mrs Onyeali-Ikpe, the bank, in the last 12 years, has become a dependable partner for diaspora remittances and investment.
Armed with a deep understanding of these customers’ needs, she explained that the bank has continued to offer bespoke products and services that are unrivalled in the financial services industry which includes, diaspora mortgage and dollar denominated fixed deposit investment account that attracts up to 5 per cent annual interest depending on the amount and tenure.
Recall that the CBN, as part of efforts to liberalise, simplify and improve the receipt and administration of diaspora remittances into the country had issued guidelines to ensure that beneficiaries of diaspora remittances through International Money Transfer Operators (IMTOs) receive such inflows in foreign currency (US dollars) through the designated bank of their choice.
The policy became necessary in view of the urgent need to deepen the foreign exchange (FX) market, provide more liquidity and create transparency in the administration of diaspora remittances into Nigeria.