The Financial Market Dealers Association (FMDA) convened its 9th Annual Financial Market Conference, gathering policymakers, regulators, bankers, dealers, and fintech leaders to discuss strategies for building a resilient and future-ready financial system in Nigeria.
Held under the theme, “Future-proofing Nigeria’s Financial Market System: Policy, Technology and Market Confidence,” the conference focused on the interplay of regulation, innovation, and market trust. FMDA President Anwuli Femi-Pearse emphasized that sustainable growth requires smart policies, collaboration, digital investment, and transparency to bolster investor confidence.
Keynote speakers included Mrs Aisha Issa Olatinwo, Director of Consumer Protection at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), who highlighted the role of financial inclusion in national economic transformation. The CBN reaffirmed its commitment to NFIS 4.0, aimed at closing access gaps and expanding digital financial services to underserved populations.
Other speakers, including CBN’s Mrs Monsurat Modupeola Vincent and Dr Blaise Ijebor, stressed balancing innovation with financial system stability and strengthening cyber defenses amid growing digital risks, with projected global cybercrime losses expected to reach $10.5tn by 2025.
Representatives from top commercial banks, including FirstBank and Wema Bank, shared insights on boosting investor confidence through market transparency, policy clarity, and technological adoption. FirstBank noted a 70% increase in foreign capital inflows between January and October 2025 and a 61% rise in NSE transactions in the first half of the year.
The conference concluded with FMDA Vice President Benedict Ekatah urging all stakeholders to collaborate in safeguarding Nigeria’s financial markets, stressing that progress depends on shared responsibility, clear policies, and technological adoption.
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