As Nigeria's financial sector continues to evolve through innovation, regulation, and digital transformation, Smith & Partners LP provides cutting-edge legal services tailored to the unique needs of traditional and emerging players in the banking, finance, and fintech ecosystems. Our practice spans regulatory advisory, transactional support, litigation, licensing, and financial technology innovation.
We advise commercial banks, microfinance institutions, development finance institutions, payment service providers, investment firms, digital lenders, and fintech startups on matters including licensing and compliance with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), and other relevant regulators.
Our lawyers have been part of major legal teams involved in the restructuring of syndicated credit facilities and project financing arrangements for key infrastructure projects across Africa. One of our partners was a member of the advisory team that provided support in the issuance of a N10 billion bond by a non-bank financial institution, ensuring due diligence, offer document drafting, and regulatory liaison.
We recently advised a fintech company on its market entry strategy, including corporate structuring, licensing pathways, consumer protection obligations, and data privacy compliance. Our input enabled the client to secure its Payment Solution Service Provider (PSSP) licence while remaining fully aligned with Nigeria's cybersecurity and anti-money laundering regulations.
In the fintech space, we deliver pioneering legal solutions for blockchain technologies, digital wallets, crowdfunding platforms, peer-to-peer lending, and mobile banking applications — ensuring technology-driven business models comply with applicable laws while staying agile in a competitive market.
At Smith & Partners LP, we recognise that financial services are at the core of economic development. Whether you are a bank navigating regulatory reform, a startup disrupting payments, or an investor securing financial transactions, we offer clarity, creativity, and legal confidence to help you thrive.
