How MainOne is Enabling Nigeria’s FinTech Ecosystem

Over the past decade, Nigeria’s FinTech sector has experienced remarkable growth. Once dominated by traditional banks and financial institutions, the industry has been transformed with the advent of innovative startups offering digital banking, mobile payments, and lending solutions. This shift has been driven by the increased usage of smartphones, a young and tech-savvy population, and a growing need for financial inclusion. The financial sector has also evolved from paper-based transactions and long bank queues to digital-first and self-service experiences. According to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) the number of licensed FinTech operators grew by 125% between 2017 and 2022, underscoring the rapid expansion and adoption of digital financial services.???

As the industry continues to grow, data security has become a critical concern for FinTech companies, with a stringent need to protect customers’ data while satisfying their ever-growing needs. This is where cloud computing offers a range of benefits, including scalability, cost-efficiency, and enhanced collaboration. By allowing FinTechs to scale their IT resources based on demand, cloud services reduce the need for significant upfront capital investments in hardware. Additionally, cloud solutions facilitate seamless collaboration among teams, offering easy access to data and applications from anywhere with an internet connection. With enhanced security measures and regular updates, cloud computing ensures data protection and compliance with industry standards, making it a robust solution for the evolving needs of modern FinTech companies.?

MainOne, an Equinix Company is leading the digital transformation narrative of FinTechs in Nigeria and West Africa. One of our key services is delivering cloud services locally to Fintechs, allowing them to scale their IT resources up or down based on demand, reducing the need for significant upfront capital investments in hardware. It also offers FinTechs access to global cloud providers like Microsoft and AWS with the added advantage of paying in local currencies and having the support of local in-house technical expertise. FinTechs are able to make architectural changes quickly to meet business needs, independent backup and data recovery as well as robust protection against malicious malwares.??

? MainOne’s cloud infrastructure supports a wide range of cloud services, including Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), Software as a Service (SaaS), and Backup as a Service (BaaS), providing businesses with the flexibility to choose the best solutions for their needs. As an Equinix company, Nigerian Fintechs now have access to an extensive network of 260 data centers in 71 metros and 33 countries enabling them to expand their global reach.?

Other benefits FinTechs can leverage by hosting with MainOne include:?

• Compliance with Data Residency Policies?

One of the foremost advantages of hosting with MainOne lies in its adherence to stringent data residency policies. By leveraging MainOne's local data centers, FinTechs ensure that sensitive customer data stays within Nigeria's borders, meeting regulatory requirements effortlessly. This not only enhances data security but also builds trust among clients wary of cross-border data transfers.?

• Control Over Currency Payments?

Navigating financial transactions in Nigeria can be challenging, especially with volatile exchange rates impacting operational costs. MainOne addresses this concern by allowing FinTechs to transact in local currency. This ensures stability in financial planning and mitigates risks associated with currency fluctuations, offering a competitive edge in cost management.?

• Ecosystem Connectivity?

Beyond infrastructure, MainOne fosters a vibrant ecosystem where FinTechs can thrive. By hosting with MainOne, companies gain access to a robust network of partners and service providers already integrated within the ecosystem. This connectivity opens doors to strategic collaborations, business synergies, and potential investors, accelerating growth and market penetration.?

• Reliability and Performance?

MainOne's local presence translates into enhanced reliability and reduced latency for Nigerian FinTechs. Proximity to servers ensures faster data access and smoother application performance, crucial for delivering seamless user experiences in a sector driven by real-time transactions and responsiveness.?

?Today, Nigeria's FinTech sector stands as a beacon of innovation and economic growth. With numerous startups achieving significant milestones, the industry has attracted substantial local and international investments. Digital banking platforms, payment gateways, and lending solutions have become ubiquitous, driving financial inclusion and transforming how Nigerians interact with financial services.?

As the sector continues to mature, the future looks promising. Emerging technologies such as blockchain, artificial intelligence, and big data analytics are set to revolutionize financial services further while the industry looks forward to a system that will allow intra-african transactions flow without third-party touchpoints.? MainOne is poised to play a crucial role in this future, providing the necessary infrastructure to support these advancements. By ensuring compliance, stability, and connectivity, MainOne will continue to empower FinTechs to innovate and scale, driving Nigeria's digital economy forward.?

For more enquires visit www.mainone.net.?