Compliance
Last Updated: December 2024
1. Regulatory Framework
Signature Africa Digital Bank operates under the comprehensive regulatory framework of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and industry best practices.
Our Banking Partnership Model
Signature Africa Digital Bank operates through Service Level Agreements (SLAs) with CBN-Licensed Banks.This partnership model ensures that all our banking operations are conducted under the regulatory oversight and licensing framework of established banks that hold valid banking licenses issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
CBN-Licensed Partners
We partner exclusively with banks that hold valid banking licenses from the Central Bank of Nigeria, ensuring full regulatory compliance and oversight.
Deposit Protection
All customer deposits are protected under the regulatory framework of our CBN-licensed partner banks, ensuring the security and safety of your funds.
1.1 Primary Regulators
- Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN): Our partner banks' primary regulator and licensing authority
- Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRCN): Oversees financial reporting standards
- Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC): Regulates data protection and privacy
- Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC): Anti-money laundering enforcement
1.2 Banking License and Authorization
Partnership Details:
Signature Africa Digital Bank operates under Service Level Agreements (SLA) with CBN-Licensed Banks. Our partner banks hold valid banking licenses issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria, authorizing them to conduct banking operations. Through our SLA partnership, we deliver digital banking services while our partner banks provide the regulatory framework and banking infrastructure that protects your deposits.
2. Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Terrorism Financing (CTF)
2.1 AML/CTF Framework
We maintain a robust Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing program in compliance with:
- Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011 (as amended)
- Terrorism (Prevention) Act 2011 (as amended)
- CBN Anti-Money Laundering/Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Regulation 2013
- Financial Action Task Force (FATF) recommendations
- Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) guidelines
2.2 Key AML/CTF Measures
- Customer Due Diligence (CDD): Comprehensive identity verification and risk assessment
- Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD): Additional scrutiny for high-risk customers and transactions
- Ongoing Monitoring: Continuous transaction monitoring and suspicious activity detection
- Sanctions Screening: Real-time screening against local and international sanctions lists
- Record Keeping: Maintenance of detailed transaction and customer records
- Staff Training: Regular AML/CTF training for all employees
2.3 Suspicious Transaction Reporting
We have established procedures for identifying, investigating, and reporting suspicious transactions to the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) and other relevant authorities as required by law.
3. Know Your Customer (KYC) Requirements
3.1 Customer Identification Program
All customers must complete our comprehensive KYC process before accessing our services:
- Identity Verification: Valid government-issued identification documents
- Address Verification: Proof of residential or business address
- BVN Verification: Bank Verification Number validation
- Biometric Capture: Fingerprint and facial recognition data
- Source of Funds: Documentation of income and wealth sources
3.2 Customer Risk Classification
Low Risk
Standard KYC requirements with simplified monitoring
Medium Risk
Enhanced monitoring and periodic review
High Risk
Enhanced due diligence and continuous monitoring
4. Data Protection and Privacy Compliance
4.1 Regulatory Compliance
We comply with Nigerian data protection laws and international standards:
- Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR) 2019
- CBN Consumer Protection Framework
- International data protection best practices
- ISO 27001 information security standards
4.2 Data Protection Measures
- Data minimization and purpose limitation
- Consent management and customer rights
- Data retention and deletion policies
- Cross-border data transfer safeguards
- Regular privacy impact assessments
5. Consumer Protection
5.1 CBN Consumer Protection Framework
We adhere to the CBN Consumer Protection Framework to ensure fair treatment of all customers:
- Transparent pricing and fee disclosure
- Clear terms and conditions
- Accessible complaint resolution procedures
- Protection of customer information
- Fair debt collection practices
5.2 Complaint Resolution Process
- Internal Resolution: Customer service team addresses complaints within 3 business days
- Escalation: Unresolved complaints escalated to management within 7 business days
- External Resolution: Customers may escalate to CBN Consumer Protection Department
- Alternative Dispute Resolution: Mediation and arbitration options available
6. Cybersecurity and Information Security
6.1 Regulatory Requirements
We comply with cybersecurity regulations and guidelines:
- CBN Guidelines on Cybersecurity Framework for Banks and Other Financial Institutions
- Nigeria Computer Security Incident Response Team (NgCERT) guidelines
- International cybersecurity standards (ISO 27001, NIST Framework)
- Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS)
6.2 Security Measures
- Multi-layered security architecture
- 24/7 security monitoring and incident response
- Regular penetration testing and vulnerability assessments
- Employee security awareness training
- Secure software development lifecycle
- Business continuity and disaster recovery planning
7. Financial Reporting and Disclosure
7.1 Reporting Standards
We maintain accurate financial records and reporting in accordance with:
- International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS)
- CBN prudential guidelines
- Nigerian accounting standards
- NDIC reporting requirements
7.2 Regular Reporting
- Monthly regulatory returns to CBN
- Quarterly financial statements
- Annual audited financial statements
- Suspicious transaction reports to NFIU
- Cybersecurity incident reports
8. Risk Management
8.1 Risk Management Framework
We maintain a comprehensive risk management framework covering:
- Credit Risk: Loan underwriting and portfolio management
- Operational Risk: Process controls and business continuity
- Market Risk: Interest rate and foreign exchange exposure
- Liquidity Risk: Cash flow and funding management
- Compliance Risk: Regulatory adherence and monitoring
- Reputational Risk: Brand protection and crisis management
8.2 Risk Governance
- Board-level risk oversight and approval
- Independent risk management function
- Regular risk assessments and stress testing
- Risk appetite framework and limits
- Incident reporting and corrective action
9. Corporate Governance
9.1 Governance Structure
Our corporate governance framework ensures accountability, transparency, and ethical conduct:
- Independent board of directors with diverse expertise
- Board committees for audit, risk, and governance oversight
- Clear separation of management and oversight functions
- Regular board evaluations and training
- Stakeholder engagement and communication
9.2 Ethics and Conduct
- Code of conduct for all employees and directors
- Conflict of interest policies and procedures
- Whistleblower protection and reporting mechanisms
- Anti-corruption and bribery policies
- Regular ethics training and awareness programs
10. Regulatory Examinations and Audits
10.1 Regular Examinations
We undergo regular examinations and audits by regulatory authorities:
- CBN on-site and off-site examinations
- NDIC deposit insurance assessments
- External audit by certified public accountants
- Internal audit and compliance reviews
- Third-party security assessments
10.2 Corrective Actions
We promptly address any findings from regulatory examinations and implement corrective actions to ensure continuous compliance and improvement of our operations.
11. Training and Awareness
11.1 Employee Training Programs
- Regular compliance training sessions
- Role-based training for different departments
- Annual refresher courses
- Specialized training for compliance officers