How Crypto and Regulation Are Reshaping Africa’s Financial System: Payments, Remittances and Digital Assets with Ayotunde Alabi

Episode 218 with Ayotunde Alabi, CEO of Luno Nigeria, one of Africa’s leading cryptocurrency platforms. Ayotunde brings over a decade of experience across finance and technology, with leadership roles at Spektra, ARM HoldCo, FBNQuest and Heritage Bank. As a SEC Sponsored Individual with certifications from the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers in Nigeria and the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment in the United Kingdom, he sits at the intersection of traditional finance, fintech, and digital assets.

In this episode, we explore how cryptocurrency, fintech, and regulation are transforming Africa’s financial system in 2026. With new tax regimes, increased regulatory scrutiny, and rising capital requirements, Ayotunde explains why this moment represents a major turning point for digital assets across the continent. He breaks down Nigeria’s landmark decision to classify cryptocurrencies as financial securities and what this means for crypto adoption, fintech innovation, and investor confidence.

We also examine the global forces shaping Africa’s financial future, including the introduction of a new 1% United States remittance tax and its implications for cross border payments, remittances, and financial inclusion.

From a strategy and product perspective, we explore how Luno is positioning itself as a key player in Africa’s digital asset ecosystem. From crypto staking and tokenised stocks to integrating cryptocurrency into mainstream banking.

What We Discuss With Ayotunde

• Africa’s financial system in 2026 and why crypto regulation is a turning point for fintech and digital assets
• Nigeria’s cryptocurrency tax framework and what it means for investors, startups, and financial institutions
• The rise of capital requirements and how regulation could reshape competition in Africa’s crypto and fintech ecosystem
• The impact of the United States 1 percent remittance tax on cross border payments and digital finance
• How crypto, blockchain, and digital assets are evolving from speculation into infrastructure for trade, remittances, and capital formation

Did you miss my previous episode where I discuss How Africa Can Own AI: From Talent to Infrastructure to Global Competitiveness? Make sure to check it out!

Connect with Terser:
LinkedIn - Terser Adamu
Instagram - unlockingafrica
Twitter (X) - @TerserAdamu

Connect with Ayotunde:
LinkedIn - Ayotunde Alabi
Website - www.gebeya.com

Many of the businesses unlocking opportunities in Africa don’t do it alone. If you’d like strategic support on entering or expanding across African markets, reach out to our partners ETK Group:

www.etkgroup.co.uk
[email protected]