Finance

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE “E-NAIRA”

Submariner. There is no denying that fake Rolex Submariner are a true testament to luxury and craftsmanship.

Learn more about this replica watch website. You can find British Swiss luxury replica watches here.

Browse through the range of scrumptious fake breitling watches available on our website.

In response to the global rise in the use of digital payment solutions and the cryptocurrency market, the Central Bank of Nigeria (“CBN”) has created the eNaira, in a project termed “Project Giant”, which will be launched on 1^st October 2021. In furtherance of this, the CBN engaged a global fintech firm Bitt Inc, as the technical partner for the development of the digital currency. The rationale behind the eNaira is to promote and facilitate the cashless culture amongst Nigerians while keeping up with contemporary economies of the world and maintaining the value of the Nigerian currency/foreign reserve. The eNaira is expected to aid financial inclusion, improve payment efficiency, improve revenue and tax collection, and aid targeted social interventions.It is noteworthy that various central banks worldwide are currently developing and issuing their central bank digital currency (CBDC). Some of these countries include China (digital yuan), Ghana (eCedi), Tunisia (eDinar) Senegal (eCfa), Tunisia (Petra), Dubai (emCash) amongst others.

CBDCS AND CRYPTOCURRENCIES

Although a digital currency, the eNaira is different from other cryptocurrencies using blockchain technology, such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, in that it is issued and regulated by a sovereign authority. The eNaira users will not be anonymous, i.e., the users will undergo an onboarding exercise and will provide identifying information such as BVN or NIN, as the case may be. The personal account details and transaction activity of every user of the eNaira system will be monitored by the CBN.

In addition, the eNaira is fiat currency and is not subject to the volatility associated with the digital currency market; the value of the eNaira will be at par with the value of the Naira and will be subject to the appreciation and devaluation of the Naira currency.

E-NAIRA DESIGN FEATURES 

In a bid to set out the eNaira as distinct, the CBN introduced certain features in the eNaira Design, these features include:

1. It is a legal tender;
2. It is subject to parity of value, which is pegged to the value of Naira;
3. It operates on a tiered structure for consumers;
4. It operates with an account-based wallet;
5. It possesses a transaction limit for customers, determined by their applicable tier;
6. It maintains a tiered AML/KYC approach (NIN, BVN as unique identifiers);
7. It is a non-Interest bearing CBDC;
8. It ensures settlement finality; and
9. It is value-based.

HOW WILL E-NAIRA OPERATE

As the eNaira is an electronic currency, consumers will be required to download the electronic wallet and get onboarded into the system through an invitation link received from their financial institution. Once the process has been successfully completed, users will be able to commence electronic financial transactions with the eNaira. Users can fund their eNaira wallet through their financial institution.

E-NAIRA PARTICIPANTS 

There are several stakeholders involved in the operation of the eNaira model which take on the following roles:

1. Monetary Authority (CBN): The CBN has the sole responsibility to mint, issue, distribute, redeem, destroy the eNaira and act as digital currency manager by executing and managing digital currency transactions. It will also manage the storage of transaction data on the Hyperledger Fabric Blockchain, the blockchain ledger the eNaira will operate on.
2. Financial Institutions: Financial Institutions facilitate the participation of end users in the eNaira technology. They serve digital currency managers by carrying out the following roles:
   1. Requesting eNaira from the CBN and issuing to users;
   2. Managing digital currency across branches;
   3. Conducting Know-Your-Customer (KYC) activities;
   4. Conducting identity and Anti- Money Laundering (AML) compliance activities.

3. Government/ Government Agencies: The government and relevant government agencies are end-users of the eNaira technology and may use the platform for the following purposes:
   1. Processing out going payments such as salaries and interventions; and
   2. Receiving incoming payments from consumers.
4. Businesses and Merchants: Merchants and business will use the eNaira technology to process potentially swifter and lower cost payments from consumers. The eNaira will support payment options such as POS, remote pay and other online payment capabilities.
5. Consumer (Banked and Unbanked Consumer): Individual consumers whether having a bank account or not are allowed to engage in several transactions involving other consumers or directly with financial institutions using the eNaira. They will be able to send and receive eNaira in their eNaira wallets and also process payments.

THE E-NAIRA WALLET

In a bid to safeguard the eNaira and for convenience, a special feature is being introduced, which is the eNaira wallet, a virtual enclosure where every consumer or user of the eNaira platform can comfortably track and manage available eNaira funds. It is expected that there will be no service charge for wallet-to-wallet transactions.

It is important to note that the licensed Financial Institutions shall be responsible for providing their customers with their eNaira Wallets.

PAYMENT FEATURES

Users will be able to engage in a number of payment transactions with the eNaira, including:

1. E-Naira wallet to eNaira wallet payments;
2. E-naira wallet to bank account payments;
3. Bank account to eNaira wallet payments;
4. User E-naira wallet to Ministry, Departments and Agency (MDA) eNaira wallet payments;
5. MDA eNaira wallet to user eNaira wallet payments;
6. E-Naira to cash conversion;
7. cash to eNaira conversions;
8. FX to eNaira conversion (through the Central Bank); and
9. FX to eNaira Wallet payment (through International Monet Transfer Operators).

ON-BOARDING A CONSUMER ON THE E-NAIRA SERVICE

As a way of popularizing the eNaira initiative within the Nigerian citizenry, the several financial institutions, particularly banks, are directed to encourage the participation of their customers in the eNaira service and send out invitation codes to verified and validated customers. This makes the process easier as customers with already generated codes have a rather seamless onboarding.

RETENTION OF E-SETTLEMENT SYSTEMS

Under the eNaira system, existing infrastructure for electronic settlement systems such as the NIBSS and other switching platforms will be retained and integrated into the implementation of the eNaira.

CONCLUSION

Although the eNaira project is novel and still budding, it is interestingly one project that appears promising especially for the Nigerian economy. There are a number of obvious challenges to its widespread acceptance such as the high rate of technology illiteracy amongst the citizenry, the unrestrained monitoring of transaction activities in the eNaira system, which almost defeats the point of digital currency as is widely accepted, and lack of access by users to the ledger records. There are however some positives. Other than ensuring potentially swifter and cheaper payments, the eNaira provides relative value stability (subject always to the inflationary nature of the Naira), will be an officially accepted legal tender, and possesses an anti-fraud management system for the protection of users.

HOW TO GET STARTED

Do you need to know more about the eNaira? Our Technovation team is available to support you. You may contact our team on: Email: info@dealhqpartners.com Telephone: +234 1 4536427 or +234 9087107575

Click here to download PDF

If you want to know about cheap replica watches, you can come to our website to have a look. The watches here are not only cheap but also have free shipping.

Welcome to the online store of high-end replica rolex Deepsea. All the models are on stock.

High-quality cheap replica watches UK online store for men. The best fake watches for sale.

Simply is the sponsored Podcast of DealHQ Partners, where we engage thought leaders on trending issues around law and business in the most simplistic manner.

Our Tosin Ajose joins Mrs. Nkemdilim Uwaje Begho, the CEO of Future Software Resources Limited and a Non-Executive Director in Stanbic IBTC Bank who is recognized as a  seasoned digital transformation executive and one of Forbes top 10 female tech founder in Africa in conversations around the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement and the role of technology in achieving competitiveness in Africa’s new borderless and integrated market.

This episode examines the role of digital in fast-tracking the gains of AFCFTA, how technology and innovation will facilitate connectedness and a truly homogeneous market, big data, data share, and regional collaboration, and how Nigeria can position itself for competitive advantage in the free zone

Listen here:   linktr.ee/DealHQ

You can afford perfect cheap sale replica watches UK at low prices from our website.

Fontwatches.com is the world’s leading manufacturer of high-quality replica watches. We offer a wide range of replica watches..

Buy Best Online Replica Watches UK For Men And Women At replicamades.is.

Simply is the sponsored Podcast of DealHQ Partners, where we engage thought leaders on trending issues around law and business in the most simplistic manner.

In this maiden episode, Our Lead Advisor, Tosin Ajose is in conversation with Mr. Michael Ugwu, the Founder and CEO of Freeme Digital Limited and pioneer General Manager for Sony Music Entertainment West Africa, a venture capital investor and cryptocurrency enthusiast discussing issues bothering on cryptocurrency adoption, market trends, trading, counterparty risks and regulations from a Nigerian perspective and from a broader Africa wide view.

The whole world acknowledges the unprecedented growth in the global cryptocurrencies MARKET with Nigeria recording over $400 million traded in 2020 alone inspite of its low internet penetration. Statistics show a high level of enthusiasm around the adoption of cryptocurrencies, especially amongst the youth. This episode examines the cryptocurrency market in Nigeria from an investor’s perspective, opportunities in Decentralised Financing (DeFI), lessons, and opportunities for new adoptors.

Listen here:   linktr.ee/DealHQ

In June 2020, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) released the exposure draft of its Framework for Regulatory Sandbox Operations which set out the rules, processes and guidelines for participation in the CBN regulatory sandbox in a bid to get stakeholder input ahead of its adoption. Following the exposure, on the 13th of January 2021, the Apex Bank published the final version of the Framework which establishes the CBN regulatory sandbox – a controlled facility where fintech developers/innovators can test new and innovative services under the Supervision of CBN. This will enable safe and reliable deployment of innovative fintech solutions without compromising the integrity of the financial system or the experience of the consumers.

WHAT IS A SANDBOX?

In simple terms, a sandbox is an isolated, safe, testing environment where developers/innovators can test new programmes or software applications under a system that promptly identifies and quarantines malware or other zero-day vulnerabilities without compromising the host device(s). These tests are typically conducted prior to go-live.

WHAT ARE THE OBJECTIVES OF THE CBN REGULATORY SANDBOX?

The Apex Bank, has recognized that the introduction of the CBN regulatory sandbox will:

1. Reduce time to market for innovative products by allowing developers and the CBN to simultaneously monitor the pre go-live product testing in the sandbox thereby shortening approval timeline.
2. Ensure customer protection safeguards as prescribed by CBN are adhered to;
3. Promote adequate regulation and an enabling environment for innovation without compromising consumer safety;
4. Encourage innovative solutions that will advance financial inclusion; competition and ultimately lower cost to consumer;
5. Define the roles of different stakeholders within the sandbox ecosystem and the bigger payment systems industry.
6. Provide a communal environment for continuous engagement between fintech innovators/developers and the CBN.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO PARTICIPATE?

The Sandbox application process is open to both existing CBN licensees (financial institutions regulated by the CBN) and other Nigerian Companies or Enterprises not regulated by the CBN but who wish to test innovative payment products deemed acceptable by the CBN. Innovators whose proposed solution involves technologies which are not covered under existing CBN regulations may also apply to the CBN for special consideration to participate.

Apart from the Applicant’s eligibility, the underlisted are additional criteria for selection to participate:

1. The product or service must be innovative and show potential to improve efficiency, security and quality of services in the overall financial market or enhance risk management amongst financial institutions;
2. The proposed project must fall within prescribed value and volume for effective risk management and mitigation;
3. The product or service must clearly demonstrate usefulness and functionality;
4. The applicant must have all resources required for testing in the sandbox;
5. The applicant must have a business plan showing how the product is to be deployed to market after testing is completed.

HOW DO I APPLY TO PARTICIPATE IN THE CBN REGULATORY SANDBOX?

CBN will make a call for applications once in each calendar year via its website and local newspapers. The advertisement will include minimum eligibility criteria, interested participants are to address their application to the Director, Payments System Management Department and submit same through the CBN official email address: sandbox@centralbankofnigeria.gov.ng. Successful applicants will be issued a letter of approval within 45days from close of application.  Upon the issuance of the letter of approval, the applicant is required to comply with all necessary documentary filings prescribed in the framework.  Upon entry into the Sandbox, Applicants are additionally required to comply with the operational and reporting requirement prescribed in the framework.

CAN CBN WITHDRAW OR REVIEW AN APPROVAL TO PARTICIPATE AFTER IT IS GRANTED?

At any time before the end of the prescribed testing period, CBN may review or withdraw an approval granted to any participant who:

1. Fails to comply with prescribed safeguards;
2. Submits misleading information conceals or fails to disclose material information;
3. Contravenes any applicable law which impacts directly on applicants integrity or reputation;
4. Goes into liquidation;
5. Breaches data security or confidentiality requirement;
6. Compromises consumer safety;
7. Fails to address identified risks, technical flaws or vulnerabilities.

Before withdrawing its approval, CBN will give the defaulting Participant 45days prior notice and the opportunity to respond to the grounds of the withdrawal. In cases where delay is deemed detrimental to consumers or the Financial System generally, CBN may proceed to withdraw the approval without notice. Once approval is withdrawn, the affected Participant must immediately implement its planned exit from the Sandbox and desist from promoting or taking its product/service to market. It must also comply with other obligations imposed by CBN regarding disposal of confidential information and mandatory post-exit reporting.

WHAT RISK ASSESSMENT SAFEGUARDS MUST BE ADHERED TO WHILE IN THE SANDBOX?

Whilst in the Sandbox, Participants are required to promptly identify all potential risks to consumers, financial institutions or the financial systems generally and to develop appropriate safeguards to respond to/address the risks in ways that demonstrate;- sound financial practices, fair and equal treatment of all consumers, compliance with anti-money laundry regulations, preserves confidentiality of consumer information and encourages healthy competition amongst similar financial products or services.

HOW MANY APPLICANTS MAY BE ADMITTED TO THE SANDBOX AT THE SAMETIME?

The number of applicants admitted will be pre-determined by the CBN based on available resources and capacity at the given time. Each group of innovators admitted into the Sandbox at a given time will be referred to as a “Cohort”. It is expected that CBN will admit one cohort per calendar year. Selection will be based on the Sandbox’s strategic objectives and CBN’s prescribed eligibility criteria.

WHAT HAPPENS AT THE END OF THE TESTING PERIOD?

When a Participant has completed its product testing in the Sandbox, the result will be benchmarked against the product objectives and the CBN will determine whether the product or service is suitable to be deployed to the market. Deployment could be direct by the Participant to the market or by licensing the product to another firm to take to market or taken to market in partnership with other CBN regulated firms. Where CBN deems the test as failed either on account of sub-optimal output or unintended negative consequence on the public CBN will prohibit the deployment of the product. A participant may on its own elect to discontinue testing in the sandbox in such case it shall seek the consent of the CBN which may be granted subject to satisfactory performance of all prescribed regulatory obligations. For successfully tested products, participants may proceed to apply for the requisite license to deploy the Product. CBN will typically support successful participants in addressing risks and vulnerabilities detected during the testing phase.

ARE THERE CIRCUMSTANCES UNDER WHICH EXTENSION OF TIME FOR TESTING MAY BE GRANTED TO A PARTICIPANT?

Typically, applications from participants would indicate proposed testing timeline. Each cohort however will generally run for 6 months. Where a participant feels that it is expedient to extend the testing period, an application shall be made to the CBN at least 30days before the end of the initial testing timeline stating the additional time required and the reason for the application. CBN will not permit frivolous or protracted extensions. Where a general positive outcome has been recorded and extension is only required to respond adequately to risks or vulnerabilities identified during initial testing CBN will be most inclined to grant the requested extension.

HOW WILL THE CBN REGULATORY SANDBOX DRIVE PRODUCT INNOVATION AND FINANCIAL INCLUSION?

The CBN sandbox provides the needed anchored support for fintech innovators by reducing the cost and time to completion of new products, more importantly the sandbox will be a major repository for market data whilst also providing the regulator with wider coverage and more intimate interaction with innovators and their products. It is expected that the regulatory sandbox will provide a good foundation for the wider adoption of open banking systems in Nigeria.

HOW TO GET STARTED

Do you need more about the CBN Regulatory Sandbox? Our Finance and Technovation team is available to support you. You may contact our team on: Email: info@dealhqpartners.com Telephone: +234 1 4536427 or +234 9087107575

Click here to download PDF