Nigeria’s Sparkle launches after being granted banking license

Nigerian fintech Sparkle, which has been granted a banking license from the Central Bank of Nigeria, has launched.

The fintech offers a digital ecosystem providing financial, lifestyle and business support services to Nigerians across the globe.

The digital bank was founded in August last year by tech investor and financial inclusion advocate Uzoma Dozie, the former CEO of Diamond Bank. Uzoma currently fronts an online TV show called Tech Turks and launched TechFest in 2018 in Lagos.

Dozie commented in a statement today that the bank will be “transformational” for Nigerians across the globe.

Newly launched digital bank Sparkle aims to be ‘transformational’ for Nigerians across the globe

“Sparkle is redefining Nigerian commerce by merging financial services with a seamless lifestyle solution. We are removing barriers using technology and data, driving inclusion at scale.

“In doing so, we are empowering Nigerians to fulfil their potential, democratising access to valuable solutions for both business and personal needs,” he said.

Sparkle is partnering with Visa, Microsoft and PwC Nigeria. These partnerships will provide industry leading expertise in APIs, cloud computing, data science, machine learning, tax and financial advisory services for the benefit of Sparkle’s customers. The services offered by Sparkle are all licensed by the central bank.

Sparkle’s offering includes a mobile app that provides customers free access to one account that offers multiple services and different wallets.

Users will be provided with visibility over spending patterns, with a detailed breakdown of payments by category. Sparkle Stash, a savings tool aimed towards specific goals, are included.

Users will also have the ability to split payments and bills, make utilities and bill payments, as well as send and receive money in the Sparkle network and with other local banks. Customers will also have access to Indy – a 24/7 financial buddy and customer services chatbot.

Sparkle recently joined Women’s World Banking, working to ensure greater financial inclusion for women, their families and communities in emerging markets, where Uzoma Dozie was previously a Board member.

Sparkle has also joined Open Banking Nigeria, collaborating with Nigeria’s financial services industry to transform and advocate open banking in Nigeria, and to lead the way in Africa too.

Featured image: Sparkle founder Uzoma Dozie (Supplied/Kelechi Amadi-Obi)