CBN releases framework for payment service banks

The Central of Nigeria (CBN) has released the Guidelines for the Licensing and Regulation of Payment Service Banks (PSBs) in Nigeria.
Information obtained in the apex bank’s website indicated that the guidelines was first issued in 2018 and revised in 2020.
It stated that the PSBs were expected to leverage on technology to provide services that would be easily accessed by the unbanked population and those in hard-to reach areas of the country.
“This framework hereby provides a set of regulations that are targeted at streamlining operations of PSBs, ensuring transparency in their operations as well as ensuring adequate customer protection.
“The framework focuses on corporate governance, risks management of the PSBs and safety of funds to the consumers of the PSBs’ products.
“This framework also aims to ensure that sound risk management practices are embedded in the operations of the PSBs,’’ it said.
The apex bank further explained that PSBs were required to comply with relevant extant regulations and CBN’s prudential guidelines and circulars which were issued periodically.
“ They shall use the words “Payment Service Bank” in their names to differentiate them from other banks.
“ However, the name of a PSB shall not include any word that links it to its parent company or promoter,’’ it said.
CBN listed other guidelines as follows -“They shall operate mostly in the rural areas and unbanked locations targeting financially excluded persons with not less than 25 per cent financial service touch points in such rural areas as defined by the CBN from time to time.
“Enter into direct partnership with card scheme operators. Such cards shall not be eligible for foreign currency transactions.
“Deploy ATMs in some of these areas; deploy Point of Sale devices; and be at liberty to operate through banking.
“Roll out agent networks with the prior approval of the CBN; use other channels including electronic platforms to reach-out to its customers; establish coordinating centres in clusters of outlets to superintend and control activities of the various financial service touch points and banking agents.’’