By Tony Obiechina, Obiechina
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has commenced Cohort 2 of the Apex Bank Regulatory Sandbox Programme, inviting eligible innovators, financial institutions, Virtual Asset
In a statement by the CBN Acting Director of Corporate Communications, Hakama Sidi-Ali on Tuesday, Service Providers (VASPs), financial technology companies, and technology companies to apply to participate.
Building on the CBN’s commitment to responsible innovation, Cohort 2 introduces two dedicated
testing tracks to support emerging technologies with the potential to strengthen Nigeria’s financial
system while upholding high standards of consumer protection, financial stability, and market
integrity.
The two tracks are:
- Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) Track, supporting innovative virtual asset, stablecoin, payment, settlement, custody, wallet, and related financial infrastructure solutions that require supervised live testing; and
- Data-Enabled Financial Services (Non-VASP) Track, supporting innovations that leverage secure digital infrastructure and permission-based data sharing to improve financial inclusion,
payments, credit, risk management, operational efficiency, and consumer outcomes.
The CBN Regulatory Sandbox provides a controlled environment in which eligible participants may test innovative financial products, services, business models, and enabling technologies under the
supervision of the Central Bank.
The programme enables the CBN and innovators to engage constructively throughout the testing process, supporting regulatory learning while encouraging responsible innovation that benefits consumers and the wider financial system.
The launch of Cohort 2 reflects the CBN’s continued commitment to developing a transparent, proportionate, and risk-based regulatory environment that fosters innovation while preserving monetary and financial stability. Insights from supervised testing will help deepen regulatory understanding of emerging technologies and inform the ongoing development of regulatory and supervisory frameworks for Nigeria’s evolving digital financial ecosystem.
Eligible organisations whose proposed innovations fall within the programme’s scope are encouraged to apply.
Applications will be assessed based on the level of innovation, readiness for controlled live testing, potential consumer or market benefit, governance arrangements, risk management capability, and the suitability of the proposed testing plan.
Successful participants will undertake supervised testing within clearly defined parameters agreed with the CBN, including appropriate safeguards for consumer protection, operational resilience, cybersecurity, and regulatory report
Participation in the Regulatory Sandbox does not constitute a licence, authorisation, or approval to operate outside the approved testing parameters. The Sandbox is intended to facilitate responsible experimentation, strengthen regulatory engagement, and support evidence-based policy development in line with the CBN’s statutory mandate.
Applications for Cohort 2 open on August 12, 2026, and close on August 31, 2026.
To apply, visit the CBN Regulatory Sandbox Portal at https://sandbox.cbn.gov.ng and submit your application before the application deadline.
The Central Bank of Nigeria remains committed to fostering an innovative, resilient, and inclusive
financial ecosystem that supports sustainable economic growth while maintaining the safety,
soundness, and integrity of Nigeria’s financial system.
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