Regcompass October Regulatory Roundup 2025
October made its mark!
Nigeria finally stepped off the FATF grey list, a sign that years of reform are paying off but staying on that path will take constant vigilance. At home, the CBN and NDPC made moves reminding us that fintech innovation and data protection aren’t just buzzwords; they’re becoming non-negotiable.
Across Africa, countries like Ghana and Eswatini are experimenting with crypto rules and digital ID platforms, testing how to balance opportunity with trust. And around the world, from California’s new AI rules to the scrutiny of big tech, one lesson is clear: innovation without accountability is no longer an option.
This edition of RegCompass’s Regulatory Round-Up looks at what really matters and why it matters for anyone operating in today’s evolving digital and financial landscape
IN THIS EDITION
News in Nigeria
- FATF Delists Nigeria From The Grey List
- Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Tightens POS Rules, Limits Agents To One Financial Institution
- CBN Proposes New Rules Linking ATM Deployment to Card Issuance
- FCCPC Withdraws Case Against MultiChoice, Clears CEO
- Meta, NDPC Move To Settle $32.8m Data Privacy Dispute Out of Court
- NCC Launches Device Tracking System To Curb Fake And Stolen Phones
- Nigeria’s New Tax Rules Expands Income Tax to Cover Digital Work
Across Africa: Welcoming Innovation while addressing challenges
- Kenya Court Halts Parts of Cybercrime Law Over Rights Concerns
- Ghana to Introduce Crypto Regulation by Year-End
- Uganda Launches Asset-Backed Digital Currency Pilot
- Kenya’s CA Orders Telcos to Adopt Licensed Digital Certificates by 2026
- Eswatini Launches National e-KYC to Boost Financial Inclusion
- CBK Cuts Lending Rate Again to Boost Economy
- South Sudan Targets Manipulation in E-Money Forex Market
Across The World
- Trump Pardons Former Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao
- European Commission Finds Meta and TikTok Breached Transparency Rules Under DSA
- California Enacts New Laws to Strengthen Online Child Safety and Regulate AI Chatbots
Crypto Scoop
Deals & Raises
Merger & Acquisition
FATF Delists Nigeria From The Grey List
Nigeria’s removal from the FATF grey list marks a significant boost to its financial credibility after years of reform to strengthen supervision and enforcement. The delisting signals renewed confidence from investors and correspondent banks. This may ease compliance pressure for regulated firms, but maintaining this status will depend on consistent enforcement and continued transparency across the financial system.
Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Tightens POS Rules, Limits Agents To One Financial Institution
Agent banking has been one of the recent successes of the Nigerian fintech licensing revolution. However, it has been vulnerable to abusive and criminal uses including fraud and terrorist financing. The CBN has now moved to address this vulnerability with a new guideline introducing new controls. Some of these include agent restriction to a single principal, geo-location etc. If your fintech has agent banking operations, now is the time for a review and alignment.
CBN Proposes New Rules Linking ATM Deployment to Card Issuance
CBN has issued a draft regulation that links ATM deployment to card issuance, aiming to improve service reliability and consumer protection. It also introduces faster refund timelines and stronger accountability standards. This approach reflects a renewed focus on service quality, though its impact will depend on how well banks balance infrastructure expansion with the ongoing shift toward digital channels.
FCCPC Withdraws Case Against MultiChoice, Clears CEO
Regulators appear to be taking a more open and cooperative stance with companies, signalling a shift toward dialogue rather than dispute. The FCCPC’s decision to withdraw its case against MultiChoice after reaching an understanding reflects this more pragmatic approach. Even so, firms should remember that collaboration does not replace accountability as clarity and documentation around pricing decisions remain key to maintaining regulatory confidence.
Meta, NDPC Move to Settle $32.8m Data Privacy Dispute Out of Court
The NDPC’s decision to pursue a settlement with Meta shows how data protection has moved beyond paperwork, it is now about trust and accountability. Regulators want to see clear evidence that companies respect user data and handle it responsibly. For businesses, this is a reminder that engaging early and building transparency into data practices is now part of staying compliant.
NCC Launches Device Tracking System to Curb Fake and Stolen Phones
The sale of counterfeit and stolen phones to unsuspecting Nigerians poses a serious risk to both consumers and network integrity. The rollout of the Device Management System aims to curb this fraud and improve overall network reliability. Success will depend on transparent governance and respect for user privacy, with the right balance between enforcement and trust shaping the telecom landscape.
Nigeria’s New Tax Rules Expands Income Tax to Cover Digital work
Starting January 2026, Nigeria’s updated tax rules will bring digital earners such as creators, influencers, and remote professionals into the formal tax net. Residency will be based on time spent in-country or income earned locally. The reform provides long-needed clarity on digital income, but effective enforcement will hinge on how well authorities track cross-border earnings and adapt compliance systems to the realities of the online economy.
Kenya Court Halts Parts of Cybercrime Law Over Rights Concerns
Kenya’s suspension of parts of its cybercrime law mirrors a growing pattern across parts of Africa, where efforts to regulate online activity often edge toward restricting expression. Governments frame these moves as security measures, but they also expose a deeper struggle over control of digital spaces. Finding a fair balance between safety and freedom is becoming one of the region’s toughest governance tests.
Ghana to Introduce Crypto Regulation by Year-End
Ghana plans to introduce a dedicated cryptocurrency law before year-end, signaling a firm move toward structured oversight. With the central bank setting up a supervisory unit, regulators appear ready to treat digital assets as a lasting part of the financial system. If passed, the law could shape how other West African markets regulate the sector.
Uganda Launches Asset-Backed Digital Currency Pilot
Linking money to real economic activity is a bold move, and Uganda’s digital shilling pilot takes that bet. By tying the currency to sectors like mining and agriculture, the project signals intent beyond fintech hype but its success will depend on whether it translates into real productivity gains.
Kenya’s CA Orders Telcos to Adopt Licensed Digital Certificates by 2026
Linking money to real economic activity is a bold move, and Uganda’s digital shilling pilot takes that bet. By tying the currency to sectors like mining and agriculture, the project signals intent beyond fintech hype but its success will depend on whether it translates into real productivity gains.
Eswatini Launches National e-KYC to Boost Financial Inclusion
The Central Bank of Eswatini plans to launch a national electronic KYC platform to streamline identity verification and expand access to financial and public services. By digitising customer onboarding, it aims to reduce friction and strengthen regulatory oversight. Talks on a regional e-KYC model within SADC could further enable real-time verification and closer financial integration across borders.
CBK Cuts Lending Rate Again to Boost Economy
The Central Bank of Kenya has cut its key lending rate to 9.25%, extending its accommodative stance to support growth while inflation remains contained. The decision signals confidence in the economy’s stability, though the full impact may hinge on how quickly banks adjust lending behaviour ahead of the new loan pricing framework expected by March 2026.
South Sudan Targets Manipulation in E-Money forex market
Aligning exchange rates on digital platforms with the cash market highlights just how fragile the balance between innovation and stability can be. South Sudan’s central bank is stepping in to keep monetary policy on track as digital finance grows. The bigger test will be doing so in a way that supports, rather than hinders, wider financial inclusion.
Trump Pardons Former Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao
In a move that has reignited political and regulatory debate, US President Donald Trump has pardoned Binance founder Changpeng Zhao, months after he completed a short prison sentence for money-laundering violations. The decision lifts remaining business restrictions and reinforces Trump’s alignment with the crypto sector, where he reportedly holds major interests. While it may signal a more pro-innovation stance, it also risks blurring the line between political influence and regulatory accountability.
European Commission Finds Meta and TikTok Breached Transparency Rules Under DSA
The European Commission has accused Meta and TikTok of violating transparency rules under the Digital Services Act by restricting researcher access to platform data. The preliminary findings underscore rising friction between regulators demanding openness and tech companies wary of exposing internal systems. How this standoff is resolved will shape the boundaries of accountability and data access in Europe’s digital oversight regime.
California Enacts New Laws to Strengthen Online Child Safety and Regulate AI Chatbots
Setting boundaries for emerging tech is overdue, and California’s new laws on AI and child safety take a strong, clear stance. By regulating AI companion chatbots, the state is sending a message that innovation cannot come at the expense of responsibility. The challenge will be ensuring these rules protect users while still allowing technology to evolve.
VALR Becomes South Africa’s First Licensed Crypto Derivatives Issuer
VALR’s new Over-the-Counter Derivatives Provider licence marks a milestone in South Africa’s digital asset regulation, signalling growing regulatory comfort with crypto-linked products. It broadens market depth and investor confidence but also raises the bar on governance and risk management as crypto derivatives enter the regulated fold.
- Kenyan ISP Mawingu Raises $20 Million in Series C Funding Round
- Sabika Secures Funding to Boost Platform Capabilities and Expand Across Egypt
- Spiro Raises $100 Million in Record Funding for Africa’s E-Mobility Sector
- Nigeria’s Moniepoint Secures $90 Million in Funding Round Led by ADP III and Others.
- Nigerian-founded Rana Energy Secures $3 Million to Expand Solar Subscription Services
- Julaya Raises $1.4 Million Through Convertible Bond Led by CDC-CI Capital
- Egyptian Insurtech SehaTech Raises $1.1 Million Seed Round
- Coinbase Acquires Echo in $375 Million Deal
- Tether Invests in Kenya’s Kotani Pay to Expand Crypto Payments Across Africa
- Wakanow Acquires Nairabox to Expand Into Digital Ticketing and Events
Do you have questions or insights about the regulatory landscape in your region? Reach out to us on any of our social media handles, email and we would be available to help. You can find our previous Regulatory Roundup 2025 here.
Please note that the information provided in this article does not constitute legal advice and should not be construed as such. For legal advice specific to your situation, please consult a legal practitioner.
