Fintech bodies seek innovative cross-border payments, remittances

In a continued effort to drive innovation and collaboration within the fintech sector, the Fintech Association of Nigeria (FintechNGR), in partnership with the Africa Fintech Network (AFN), has called for enhanced collaboration, innovation for cross-border payments and remittances.

This was made known at a webinar, themed: “Scaling Cross-Border Payments and Remittances,” which brought together industry leaders to discuss the challenges and opportunities in advancing cross-border financial transactions.

In her opening address at the webinar, which had about 200 participants and experts from across Africa, Hong Kong and Singapore, the Director of Advocacy and Capacity Development at AfricaNenda, Jacqueline Jumah, highlighted key trends in payment volumes across Africa.

She noted that the continent has witnessed a significant surge in digital payment volumes, driven by increased mobile penetration and the adoption of fintech solutions.

However, she cautioned that while the growth is encouraging, the continent must address infrastructural and regulatory challenges to sustain this upward trajectory.

On the pressing issues of fraud, data privacy, and the need for strategic partnerships across Africa, Country Director of Chipper Cash, Abiodun Animashaun, emphasised the critical need for robust anti-fraud measures in cross-border transactions.

He highlighted that the success of these measures relies heavily on global collaboration between the private and public sectors, stressing that this cooperation is essential for enhancing the security and efficiency of cross-border payments.

Similarly, President, Hong Kong Fintech Industry Association, Paul Li, addressed the challenges posed by varying privacy laws on the international transfer of data.

He noted that while technology such as AI can significantly aid in fraud prevention, the infrastructure required for such solutions is often hampered by these regulatory differences.

Li called for a more unified approach at the governmental level to facilitate smoother data transfers, suggesting that mobile-based solutions and blockchain technology could offer more streamlined and secure alternatives for managing digital identities.

The event also shed light on the importance of strategic partnerships for financial institutions looking to expand across the African continent. Lead Consultant at JFourth Solutions based in Singapore, Ho Chee Wai, advocated for collaboration with established players in target markets, noting that such partnerships are crucial for easing the complexities associated with regional expansion.

He emphasised that such alliances are not only beneficial for entering new markets but are also vital for accelerating the setup and operation of financial services across Africa.

Further, the discussion highlighted the potential of a unified digital identity system in Africa. The panelists explored the use of mobile phones and biometric information to create blockchain-based ID tokens, which could significantly streamline Know Your Customer (KYC) processes.

They suggested this approach would be more efficient and secure compared to traditional ID methods, which often face significant logistical challenges.
Reflecting on the relevance of traditional platforms such as SWIFT, questions were raised as to the true benefits for intra-Africa trade given challenges such as the need for settlement in non-African currencies and the associated volatility in African currencies; significant decline in correspondent banking relationship between African and advanced economies; and the relatively high transaction costs.

The view held was that fintech solutions, specifically tailored to the African context, might offer more effective and innovative alternatives. On the issue of cyber fraud and insurance, Animashaun pointed out the difficulties fintech companies face in obtaining affordable coverage, attributing this to the limited anti-fraud infrastructure. He noted that insurance companies often struggle to offer reasonable rates, necessitating case-by-case negotiations by fintech firms.