UK Offers Nigerian Fintechs Gateway to Global Markets
The United Kingdom (UK) provides a trusted regulatory and investment environment that enables Nigerian fintechs to expand globally while maintaining strong operational ties to Nigeria and Africa.
The British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, Mr Jonny Baxter, gave the assurance in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
He described Nigeria as a priority partner for the United Kingdom, citing the country’s economic scale, innovative talent and growing importance in financial technology.
“The United Kingdom is one of the world’s leading fintech hubs, combining global capital markets, deep financial expertise, and one of the most respected regulatory environments anywhere in the world,” he said.
According to him, London serves as a gateway to international markets, enabling companies to scale globally within a trusted and transparent ecosystem.
“Our partnership also gives these companies credibility to operate globally and gives customers confidence to use them because they know there have been checks and some protections.”
The envoy said that the United Kingdom-Nigeria Strategic Partnership was aligning the strengths of both countries to support Nigeria’s economic reforms, encourage sustainable investment and create jobs.
Baxter identified companies including Moniepoint, LemFi, Kuda and PiggyVest, as firms taking advantage of this ecosystem.
“Many of Nigeria’s most dynamic and talented companies are choosing UK’s business-friendly environment.
“This environment is underpinned by world-class regulation, capital that understands the Africa market, and exceptional talent as a springboard to scale globally,” he said.
This, he said, was reinforced by the commercial announcements made during President Bola Tinubu’s State Visit back in March.
“That visit highlighted the depth of the UK-Nigeria fintech partnership and our shared ambition to translate innovation into concrete investment, growth and mutually- beneficial commercial outcomes.”
Baxter said the United Kingdom-Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP) had strengthened cooperation between governments of both countries and the private sector.
NAN reports that ETIP was signed in early 2024. Nigeria is one of the only two countries in the world to have such a partnership with the United Kingdom.
ETIP identifies sectors of mutual interest where both countries’ comparative advantages complement each other, from financial and professional services to education.
According to Baxter, the arrangement is improving market access, strengthening regulatory dialogue and creating opportunities for innovative firms to operate confidently across borders.
“For Nigerian fintechs, establishing operations in the UK allows them to demonstrate compliance at the highest level while accessing capital, talent and global financial networks.
“By combining Nigerian innovation with UK regulatory assurance and global market access, fintechs are delivering safer payment platforms, new credit and savings products and more efficient cross-border services, particularly benefiting Small and medium enterprises.
“This translates directly into job creation, skills development and knowledge transfer across both economies,” Baxter said Nigeria’s GDP Expands by 3.89% in Q1 2026- Statistics Office
