An Appraisal of the Regulation of Digital Banks in Nigeria

The advent of the computer age saw industries across the world hopping on the Information and Communications Technology train in a bid to survive. The financial industry is no exception, having since incorporated Information and Communications Technology in its operations. Traditional financial institutions like banks now utilize technology to render financial services to their customers. Aside the traditional banks, a new class of banks called digital banks has emerged in recent times in Nigeria, examples include Kuda, Aladdin, and VBank. These banks operate without a physical banking hall and render their services digitally. Although digital banks were not originally included in Nigerian laws, these banks now have the backing of the principal legislation regulating banks in Nigeria: the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act 2020, hence solidifying their place in the Nigerian financial sector. With the aim of evaluating the effectiveness of the extant legal framework for digital banks in Nigeria, this paper explored the evolution of banking in Nigeria, the emergence of digital banks, the pros and cons of such banks as well as the existing legal framework for digital banks in Nigeria. The research methodology adopted is the doctrinal research methodology and primary sources like statutes, guidelines and case laws as well as secondary sources like textbooks and journals were utilized. The paper found that the existing legal framework for digital banks in Nigeria is fragmented and does not sufficiently address the uniqueness of these banks. It recommended the development of a comprehensive legal framework for digital banks in Nigeria, which incorporates a licensing regime solely for digital banks.