FMDA Rallies Stakeholders

Nigeria’s financial market stakeholders have renewed calls for stronger collaboration, smarter regulation and wider use of technology as the Financial Market Dealers Association (FMDA) held its 9th Annual Financial Market Conference in Lagos.

The event drew senior policymakers, regulators, banking executives, market operators and fintech innovators to deliberate on how Nigeria can build a more resilient and globally competitive financial system in the face of rapid economic and technological change.

Speaking at the conference, FMDA President, Mrs Anwuli Femi-Pearse, said Nigeria’s financial markets are at a turning point as digital transformation, evolving investor expectations and rising risks continue to reshape global finance. She noted that preparing the market for the future requires intentional policies that strengthen confidence, improve resilience and support sustainable growth.

Femi-Pearse emphasised that long-term stability in the financial system would depend on coordinated policymaking, sustained investment in digital infrastructure and a strong culture of transparency and accountability. According to her, the conference was designed to explore practical ways to deepen financial inclusion, improve market integrity, strengthen risk management frameworks and encourage innovation without compromising stability.

Delivering a keynote address on behalf of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Deputy Governor for Financial System Stability, Mr Philip Ikeazor, the CBN Director of Consumer Protection, Mrs Aisha Issa Olatinwo, highlighted the role of inclusive finance in driving economic development. She said Nigeria has recorded notable progress in reducing financial exclusion over the past decade, largely due to the expansion of digital financial services.

She added that the apex bank remains committed to advancing the National Financial Inclusion Strategy through its next phase, which focuses on expanding access to financial services, improving digital delivery systems and increasing credit availability for underserved communities. Olatinwo stressed that technology and collaboration across the financial ecosystem remain key to sustaining these gains.

On regulatory reforms, the CBN Director of Strategy and Innovation Management, Mrs Monsurat Modupeola Vincent, said the bank continues to promote safe innovation while safeguarding financial stability. She outlined measures introduced to improve transparency, strengthen market confidence and reduce systemic risks, noting that cooperation between regulators and market participants is essential for success.

Addressing cybersecurity risks, the Director of the CBN’s Risk Management Department, Dr Blaise Ijebor, warned that increased digital adoption has heightened exposure to cyber threats. He urged financial institutions to invest in robust security frameworks, proactive risk monitoring and strong incident-response systems to protect the financial ecosystem.

Industry leaders from commercial banks also shared insights on market confidence and reform. They pointed to rising foreign capital inflows and growing activity in the capital market as signs of renewed investor interest, while stressing the need for consistent policies and strong governance to sustain momentum.

Closing the conference, FMDA Vice President, Mr Benedict Ekatah, urged stakeholders to embrace shared responsibility in shaping the future of Nigeria’s financial markets. He called for bolder innovation, closer partnerships with regulators and a collective commitment to building a stable, transparent and trusted financial system.