The fintech industry is popular for its dynamic approach to delivery and relies on technological advances. Innovations such as blockchain, mobile payments and savings, peer-to-peer lending platforms, crowdfunding and similar internet-based solutions have radically transformed the financial services landscape in Nigeria, challenging its traditional business models and regulatory infrastructure. However, beyond the noteworthy advancements in this sector, a key concern is giving the country’s growing population access to these innovative solutions.
Our team is specifically structured to handle large and complex finance transactions and to meet clients’ needs in a modern business environment. We have handled some of the country’s largest banking transactions and are consistently called upon to act on the most complex financings in Zambia. Our team is a coherent and dedicated unit that has the skills, strength and professionalism that ensure that clients achieve their objectives.
We consistently and carefully monitor Zambia’s developing banking laws, regulations, ordinances and decrees to ensure that clients are always well informed about the changes that could affect their business.
Experience has included advising:
- A large multinational UK based bank and Deutsche Bank AG (joint lead managers) on Zambia’s first USD750 million sovereign bond
- Citibank on the establishment of a global depositor note program for Zambia
- Rand Merchant Bank South Africa on financing Global Plantations Limited, a leading commodity trader
- Standard Bank (South Africa) on the financing of Kafubu Mall, Cosmopolitan Mall, Jacaranda Mall and East Park Mall
- Commerzbank in relation to Zambian banking laws
"This firm maintains an impressive reputation in Zambia for its expertise in banking and finance and M&A, where it is one of the leaders in the market. The lawyers are very organized, professional and ambitious." (Chambers & Partners 2015)
Open banking is a system where banks allow or authorize third parties, such as financial technology or fintech companies, to access their clients’ financial data to build applications or services. Anchored on providing better customer experiences, open banking has stirred a lot of interest in Africa, including banking apps with detailed analytics of finances, the ability to send money from one bank to another using mobile phones, or the ability to transfer money from one telecoms network to another.
Third-party funding is not new; however, it is about to enter a period of unprecedented global growth – notably in Africa. The measures implemented by governments in response to COVID-19, coupled with the rapid economic downturn and ongoing uncertainty arising from the pandemic, have created the perfect storm. The outlook may seem bleak, but third-party funding offers a ray of hope for beleaguered boardrooms looking to maximize cashflow in this unpredictable period.
Regulation of financial services in Tanzania is largely conducted by the Central Bank of Tanzania (the Bank).