Oluwaseyi Fayemi, a financial management expert and Chief Executive Officer of SohCahToa Investment Limited, called on the federal government to establish reforms that will regulate the activities of agencies engaged in money transfers in the country. During a media briefing in Lagos, Fayemi asserted that the government needs to establish a different sub agency of the Nigerian Central Bank to monitor and control the activities of the transfer of money agencies adequately. He highlighted that illicit financial flows and the potential for money laundering is a major concern in the unregulated money transfer industry.
Also, the implementation of comprehensive AML measures is required to prevent exploitation by criminals that use these channels for their illegal and unlawful profits. He stated that the economic services at the financial services sector can be operated better than it currently is under the enforcement of self-regulation for all professionals in the industry to execute their responsibilities. Fayemi said that, possibly, the government can initiate reforms that will conform to the industry and markets need, which will have beneficial effects on the society.
Government should evaluate guidelines and current regulations.
He gave additional insight on the requirements that the government needs to provide in order to boost the activities of the sector. Also, the government should evaluate the guidelines and current regulations on the money transfer operators to show the present realities of market today. The introduction of a computer-based system is likewise needed to maximize the advantages of blockchain technology and promote electronic money transfer systems which will then increase the government revenue base in terms of levies and taxes.
Based on Fayemi’s experience in the financial services agency over a decade, he stated that in 2015, SohCahToa made a first appearance with the objective of providing impeccable financial services, information and management to their clients which will aid their potential to maximise the returns on their capital. He stated that he deploys his expertise, aside from his experience as an alumni of Business school of Netherlands, a fellow of the prestigious Institute of Chartered Accountants (ICAN) and a trained accountant, to give advisory on finance to his clients, helping them take informed positions on financial derivatives and capital market.
Fayemi stressed the significance of partnership with foreign stakeholders.
Furthermore, he stated that in the last few years, he has contributed to the industry. Fayemi affirmed that he has been engaged in business advisory services with non-governmental agencies, customers and clients, strategising means and ways of hedging in trade financing Internationally, and almost all of them have immensely profited from this, making them to still be in the business with benefits. Fayemi emphatically stated that the significance of partnership with foreign stakeholders as a result of the role Nigeria plays as a key player in the world remittance landscape.
The collaboration includes closely working with money transfer agencies and international foreign regulatory authorities to build transparent and secure cross-border transfer systems. Fayemi concluded by addressing the representation of a resilient strategy towards a greater robust financial system with transparency and security in his advocacy for reforms in order to regulate the cash transfer system in the country. He addressed the existing weaknesses, stating that remittance flows promote the economic development positively, while protecting against potential misuse.
Remittance is important in the economy of the country.
Additionally, partnership with international stakeholders, industry players, regulators and the government is significant in achieving a responsible and sustainable remittance ecosystem that will be advantageous to all Nigerians. Nigeria has experienced significant developments in recent years in terms of remittance while millions of citizens rely on cash transfer system to receive and send funds across the globe. Significantly, remittance is important in the economy of the country, promoting the reduction of poverty and enhancing financial inclusion. Nevertheless, the exponential rise in the use of these transfer systems raised questions about their likely misuse for money laundering, terrorism financing and other illegal activities.
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