In an era marked by financial innovation, the convergence of technology and banking has given birth to an unprecedented solution: ‘Swap’ by Flutterwave. In partnership with esteemed entities Kadavra BDC and Wema bank, this groundbreaking initiative ushers in a new era of financial independence – the power to trade currencies on your own terms.
At its core, Swap seamlessly integrates into the Flutterwave and Send App ecosystems. Existing account holders can simply log in and embark on a journey to convert Naira into Dollars, Pounds, or Euros with unmatched ease and immediacy.
Behold the marvel of Swap, a gateway to the realm of foreign currency exchange, where freedom, trust, and accessibility converge. This venture outshines the shadowy world of the black market by providing a safe and reliable alternative.
Flutterwave, in a strategic alliance with Wema Bank, a prominent player in the banking sector, and Kadavra BDC, a respected bureau de change, introduces Swap as a digital solution to the complexities of the Nigerian foreign exchange (FX) landscape. This monumental effort enjoys robust support from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
At a recent press conference, Mr. Folashodun Shonubi, the Acting Governor of the CBN, elaborated on the transformative potential of Swap. He posited that this innovation could address two of Nigeria’s most pressing FX challenges: the lack of collaboration between institutions and the dependence on cash transactions.
Moreover, Shonubi emphasised that this initiative represents a pivotal step towards a cashless FX market, potentially rendering digitally resistant BDCs obsolete. He clarified, “This helps us differentiate between a regulated market, which is a BDC, and those that the central bank does not regulate.” Notably, all Swap transactions will undergo rigorous monitoring to curb unregulated foreign transactions.
The launch of Swap aligns seamlessly with the CBN’s commitment to expedite the clearance of all FX backlogs within a mere two weeks. Such measures are essential to prevent a continued surge in demand for parallel market transactions, which could undermine the CBN’s ability to maintain price stability.
Olugbenga Agboola, the CEO and co-founder of Flutterwave, succinctly articulated the purpose of Swap in addressing the FX access challenges faced by individuals and businesses. He stated, “Swap is our response to these pain points, providing a seamless and efficient platform for currency exchange.”
It is noteworthy that Swap is exclusively accessible through Flutterwave’s web app and caters specifically to registered Nigerian users. The available currencies are restricted to dollars, euros, and pounds. Furthermore, starting from October, Flutterwave will issue cards to Nigerians seeking swift access to Personal Travel Allowance (PTA) and Business Travel Allowance (BTA).
Embarking on this transformative journey with Swap requires users to navigate multiple phases of identity verification and submit requisite documentation online. This rigorous process encompasses the submission of their bank verification number, a selfie, the rationale behind their need for foreign exchange, and supporting documentation. Once these steps are fulfilled, users can effortlessly input their desired account numbers for instantaneous transactions. For banks, an API integration will also be made available.
In the grand tapestry of financial innovation, Swap stands as a testament to Flutterwave’s unwavering commitment to revolutionize the FX landscape in Nigeria. With the unreserved backing of the CBN and formidable partnerships, this digital torchbearer promises to illuminate the path to a more streamlined, efficient, and accessible currency exchange experience for all.
Share your thoughts in the comment section below on the new service introduced by Flutterwave known as “SWAP,” which allows users to swap on the Flutterwave Send app. If you have any cryptocurrency, web3, or blockchain projects in Africa that you’d like us to showcase, kindly send us an email at sales@cryptoafricanow.com.
Francis Chinedu is a Nigerian-born digital marketing specialist, a bitcoin and blockchain enthusiast, and a YouTuber who enjoys covering events that empower young Africans, especially in technology.
