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Financial Services
& Banking.

A sector defined by regulation, speed and trust. We advise banks, fintechs, asset managers and financial institutions on the legal framework governing Nigeria's financial system — from CBN licensing to lending transactions and capital markets.

Nigeria's financial sector is evolving at pace. The legal advice it demands must keep up.
Our Financial Services & Banking practice advises clients across the full spectrum of Nigerian financial services — from regulated banks and microfinance institutions through to fintechs, payment service banks, asset managers and capital market operators. We advise on licensing and regulatory compliance, lending transactions, security perfection, capital markets documentation and the rapidly evolving fintech regulatory environment. Nigeria's financial regulation is intensive and demanding; we help clients understand, navigate and comply with it effectively.
What We Do

Our Capabilities

We advise financial institutions, borrowers and investors on the legal dimensions of banking transactions, regulatory compliance and capital market activities in Nigeria.

01

Banking Regulation & Licensing

We advise banks, MFBs, payment service banks and other financial institutions on CBN regulatory compliance — including licensing applications, prudential requirements, corporate governance obligations, reporting requirements and regulatory engagement on compliance matters.

02

Lending & Credit Transactions

We advise lenders and borrowers on a broad range of credit transactions — including term loans, revolving facilities, syndicated loans, trade finance arrangements and project loans. We prepare and negotiate facility agreements, security documents and related transaction documentation.

03

Security Structuring & Perfection

We advise on the creation, perfection and enforcement of security interests in Nigeria — including fixed and floating charges, legal mortgages, debentures, pledges, assignments and personal guarantees. Sound security structuring is essential to credit quality; we help lenders get it right.

04

Fintech Regulation & Advisory

We advise fintechs on the complex and evolving regulatory environment governing digital financial services in Nigeria — including CBN licensing frameworks, payment system regulation, digital lending guidelines, BNPL arrangements and the regulatory considerations for blockchain-based financial products.

05

Capital Markets Documentation

We advise on capital markets transactions — including bond issuances, commercial paper programmes, fund offerings and SEC-regulated securities transactions. We prepare offer documents, trust deeds, subscription agreements and other capital markets documentation.

06

CBN & SEC Compliance

We advise financial institutions on their ongoing compliance obligations to the CBN and SEC — including periodic reporting, anti-money laundering compliance, consumer protection obligations, foreign exchange compliance and the management of regulatory examinations and inquiries.

07

Asset Management & Fund Structuring

We advise fund managers and investment advisers on the structuring, establishment and regulation of investment funds — including SEC-registered mutual funds, private equity funds, real estate funds and other collective investment vehicles, covering fund documentation and ongoing regulatory compliance.

08

Islamic Finance Advisory

We advise on Shariah-compliant financing structures in Nigeria — including Murabaha facilities, Sukuk issuances, Ijara arrangements and other Islamic finance products. Nigeria's Islamic finance sector is growing; we help institutions and investors access it effectively.

Who We Advise

Our Clients

Commercial Banks

Deposit money banks managing regulatory compliance and lending transactions.

Fintechs & PSBs

Digital financial service providers navigating the CBN regulatory framework.

Asset Managers

Fund managers and investment advisers managing SEC-regulated fund structures.

Borrowers & Issuers

Corporates accessing bank lending or capital markets for growth or infrastructure.

The Team

Who Leads This Sector

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Atiku Jafar
Atiku Jafar
Managing Partner
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Yusra Tahir Sulaiman
Yusra Tahir Sulaiman
Associate
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Contact Us

Speak to us about your financial services matter.

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Also Consider

Related Areas

Practice
Corporate & Commercial
M&A and investment structuring for financial institutions.
Practice
Governance, Compliance & Policy
AML/CFT and regulatory compliance for banks.
Industry
Technology & Innovation
Fintech and digital financial services advisory.
Credentials

Representative Experience

Selected mandates demonstrating our financial services and banking advisory experience.

Matter 01
Nigeria National Domestic Card Scheme — AFRIGO

Advised CBN and NIBSS on the development, deployment and issuance of AFRIGO, Nigeria's first domestic card scheme.

Payments · Digital
Matter 02
FUK Microfinance Bank Limited

Advised on incorporation, documentation, compliance and CBN licensing of FUK Microfinance Bank Limited.

Licensing · CBN
Matter 03
Nigerian Export-Import Bank Debt Recovery

Represented NEXIM Bank in debt-recovery proceedings before the Federal High Court and State High Courts.

Recovery · Litigation
Matter 04
Compliance, Licensing & Internal Controls

Advised on registration, licensing, internal-control policies and AML/CFT procedures.

Compliance · AML
Financial Services & Banking

Legal expertise for Nigeria's financial sector.

Our team advises banks, fintechs and financial institutions on regulatory compliance, transactions and the evolving framework governing Nigeria's financial system.