The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has significantly expanded Nigeria’s financial footprints across Asia following a series of high-level strategic engagements led by CBN Governor Mr. Olayemi Cardoso.
Held on October 8, 2026, in Singapore, the engagements focused on institutional cooperation, capital formation, market development, and fintech innovation.
As part of the visit, the CBN convened the Nigeria–Asia Financial Connectivity Dialogue in partnership with global financial heavyweights J.P. Morgan, the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX), and FMDQ Group.
The high-level dialogue brought together international investors, executive leaders of Asian financial institutions, asset managers, and members of the Nigerian diaspora living and working across Asia.
Addressing delegates during his keynote presentation, Governor Cardoso underscored the long-term strategic focus of Nigeria’s ongoing macroeconomic reforms:
“The real test of reform is not whether you can attract capital once; it is whether you create the confidence for capital to stay, return and grow,” Cardoso stated.
He stressed that credible monetary policy, transparent governance, improved foreign exchange liquidity, and predictable market rules remain pivotal to attracting sustainable long-term capital.
A highlight of the event was an expert panel discussion titled “Repricing Nigeria: Assessing the Scope for Sustained Change.” The session brought together prominent global financial figures, including Joyce Chang, Chair of Global Research at JPMorgan Chase.
The panel examined the Capital Formation & FX Stability: Restoring foreign investor confidence in Nigeria’s foreign exchange market. Enhancing cross-border connectivity and trading frameworks to support greater participation from Asian institutional investors.
The panel also focused on harnessing artificial intelligence and financial technology to upgrade risk management, deepen regulatory capabilities, and drive financial inclusion.
In addition to the investor dialogue, Governor Cardoso and the CBN delegation held bilateral discussions with officials of the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). The talks centered on financial sector regulation, market connectivity, and capacity building.
To formalize collaboration on technology and market development, the CBN signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN). The MoU establishes a formal framework to link innovation ecosystems, promote fintech developments, and foster regulatory exchange between Nigeria and leading Asian financial centers.
The CBN confirmed that the Singapore meetings mark the first leg of a broader Asian market engagement. Governor Cardoso and his delegation are scheduled to continue institutional dialogues in Beijing, China, to further solidify economic and financial ties across the region.
