In a bold shift towards a more liberalized foreign exchange regime in Nigeria, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has issued a circular, removing the previous cap on exchange rates quoted by International Money Transfer Operators (IMTOs).

This move follows a series of measures taken by the CBN to address suspected cases of excessive foreign currency speculation and hoarding by Nigerian banks.

The circular titled “Removal of Allowable Limit of Exchange Rate Quoted by the International Money Transfer Operators” marks a departure from the previous restrictions placed on IMTOs. Under the previous regulations, IMTOs were required to quote rates within an allowable limit of -2.5% to +2.5% around the previous day’s closing rate of the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market.

However, the new circular introduces a more flexible approach, allowing IMTOs to quote exchange rates for naira payouts to beneficiaries based on prevailing market rates at the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market. The CBN emphasized that this would follow a “willing seller, willing buyer” basis, indicating a shift towards a market-driven determination of exchange rates.

Reasons Behind the Change

The previous regulations were implemented to maintain stability and consistency in exchange rates used for international money transfers. However, the recent circular reflects a strategic policy shift by the CBN. The removal of the -2.5% to +2.5% cap signifies a move towards a more liberalized foreign exchange market.

This change is primarily aimed at addressing Nigeria’s forex liquidity challenges and the resulting exchange rate depreciation, which closed at N1,455/$1 on Wednesday, January 31, 2023.

The removal of the cap on IMTO exchange rates represents a significant step by the CBN towards a more open and market-driven foreign exchange system in Nigeria. This approach is expected to foster more transparent and competitive pricing for customers engaged in international money transfers.

Sources familiar with the policy have indicated that these changes are designed to incentivize IMTOs to bring their forex supply into Nigeria, rather than keeping it abroad. Previously, due to exchange rate limits, diaspora Nigerians using IMTOs to send money home were unable to sell forex at market rates, resulting in reduced forex liquidity in Nigeria.

With the removal of these limits, the CBN believes that IMTOs can now trade forex at prevailing market rates, potentially including rates similar to the black market. This adjustment is anticipated to increase forex inflow into Nigeria and boost liquidity in the foreign exchange market.

Implications for Individuals and Businesses

The CBN’s decision to liberalize exchange rates is likely to have a considerable impact on individuals and businesses engaged in international transactions. Customers using IMTOs may now experience more transparent and competitive pricing, reflecting market forces of supply and demand.

The move, which signifies the CBN’s commitment to creating a more flexible and market-oriented foreign exchange environment, is expected to augment other measures earlier initiated by the apex bank to enhance the overall health and efficiency of Nigeria’s financial sector.

Analysts express confidence in this strategic decision, anticipating its success. They note that the resulting impact will be that IMTOs will be motivated to transport physical currency into Nigeria, as they can now apply a genuine market rate for their services.

French President Emmanuel Macron visited Sweden on Tuesday, where he met with Prime Minister Stefan Löfven and delivered a speech at the University of Stockholm. In his address, Macron outlined his vision for a more competitive and innovative Europe, which he said requires less regulation and more flexibility.

Macron argued that the European Union should focus on its strategic priorities, such as the green transition, digital transformation, security and defense, and social cohesion. He said that the EU should not impose unnecessary rules or standards on its member states, but rather allow them to experiment and adapt to their specific contexts.

He praised Sweden as a model of a successful social market economy, which combines high levels of innovation, productivity and welfare with low levels of public debt and unemployment. He said that France and Sweden share common values and interests and called for a closer cooperation between the two countries.

Macron also addressed the challenges posed by the rise of populism, nationalism and authoritarianism in Europe and beyond. He said that the EU should defend its democratic values and principles and promote multilateralism and cooperation in the international arena. He warned against the temptation of isolationism or protectionism, which he said would only weaken Europe and its partners.

Macron’s visit to Sweden was part of his European tour, which aims to build support for his ambitious reform agenda for the EU. He has already visited Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg, Spain, Italy, Greece and Bulgaria, and plans to visit other countries in the coming months. He hopes to convince his European counterparts to join him in a common project to revitalize the European project and prepare it for the future.

The European Union (EU) is facing multiple challenges in the 21st century, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, migration, populism, and geopolitical tensions. To address these issues and strengthen its role as a global actor, the EU needs a comprehensive reform agenda that can foster its economic, social, and political integration.

First, the EU needs to enhance its fiscal capacity and coordination to support the recovery and resilience of its member states and regions. The Next Generation EU fund, which allocates 750 billion euros for public investment and reforms, is a historic step in this direction. However, it should not be a one-off initiative, but rather a permanent feature of the EU budget.

Moreover, the EU should adopt a common fiscal framework that can ensure fiscal sustainability and convergence across the bloc, as well as a common debt instrument that can reduce borrowing costs and increase market confidence.

Second, the EU needs to deepen its single market and digital transformation to boost its competitiveness and innovation. The single market is one of the EU’s greatest achievements, but it still faces barriers and gaps in areas such as services, energy, transport, and capital. The EU should remove these obstacles and create a level playing field for all businesses and consumers.

Furthermore, the EU should invest more in digital infrastructure and skills, as well as in research and development, to foster its technological sovereignty and leadership. The Digital Markets Act and the Digital Services Act are important steps to regulate the digital economy and protect the rights of users.

Third, the EU needs to strengthen its social dimension and cohesion to reduce inequalities and promote inclusion. The EU should implement the European Pillar of Social Rights, which sets out 20 principles for fair and decent working and living conditions.

The EU should also adopt a minimum wage directive that can ensure adequate income for all workers, as well as a social protection floor that can guarantee access to basic services for all citizens. Moreover, the EU should enhance its solidarity mechanisms for dealing with migration and asylum, based on a fair sharing of responsibility and a humane approach.

Fourth, the EU needs to reinforce its green transition and climate action to achieve its ambitious goals of becoming carbon-neutral by 2050 and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030. The EU should implement the European Green Deal, which is a comprehensive strategy for transforming its economy and society in a sustainable way.

The EU should also increase its international cooperation and leadership on climate change, by supporting the implementation of the Paris Agreement and promoting a global green recovery.

Fifth, the EU needs to revitalize its democratic institutions and processes to enhance its legitimacy and accountability. The EU should reform its electoral system to make it more representative and participatory, by introducing transnational lists, lowering the voting age to 16, and expanding the use of online voting.

The EU should also empower its citizens’ participation and dialogue, by supporting initiatives such as the Conference on the Future of Europe, which aims to involve citizens in shaping the EU’s priorities and vision. Moreover, the EU should uphold its values and rule of law, by enforcing its mechanisms for monitoring and sanctioning breaches by member states.

These are some of the main elements of a reform agenda for the EU that can help it overcome its current challenges and prepare for its future opportunities. By pursuing this agenda, the EU can become more resilient, competitive, inclusive, sustainable, and democratic.

In a significant move to counteract suspected cases of excessive foreign currency speculation and hoarding by Nigerian banks, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has issued a circular titled “Harmonization of Reporting Requirements on Foreign Currency Exposures of Banks.”

This comprehensive circular introduces a set of prudential requirements aimed at curtailing the risks associated with these practices and fortifying the stability of the financial system.

CBN’s Concerns and Objectives

The circular, released recently, underlines the CBN’s concern about the increasing trend among banks to accumulate substantial foreign currency positions, primarily through their Net Open Position (NOP). The NOP measures the variance between a bank’s foreign currency assets and liabilities, indicating potential exposure to exchange rate volatility and financial losses.

“The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has noted with concern the growth in foreign currency exposures of banks through their Net Open Position (NOP). This has created an incentive for banks to hold excess long foreign currency positions, which exposes banks to foreign exchange and other risks. Therefore, to ensure that these risks are well managed and avoid losses that could pose material systemic challenges, the CBN issues the following prudential requirements,” the circular stated.

The CBN’s primary objective is to manage and mitigate these risks effectively while fostering responsible banking practices to ensure the overall health of the financial system.

The guidelines focus on the meticulous management of the Net Open Position (NOP). The circular mandates that the NOP must not exceed 20% short or 0% long of the bank’s shareholders’ funds. To calculate this, banks are directed to use the Gross Aggregate Method, which provides a comprehensive view of a bank’s foreign currency exposure.

Banks with existing NOPs surpassing these prescribed limits are obliged to adjust their positions promptly, aligning with the new regulations by February 1, 2024. This stringent deadline is indicative of the CBN’s commitment to swift action to curb speculative activities.

In addition to NOP management, banks are instructed to maintain ample reserves of high-quality liquid foreign assets, such as cash and government securities, to cover their maturing foreign currency obligations. The circular also advocates for the establishment of foreign exchange contingency funding arrangements with other financial institutions to ensure robust risk management.

To further mitigate risks, the circular instructs banks to adopt natural hedging strategies by borrowing and lending in the same currency. This practice minimizes the potential for currency mismatch risks, providing a more stable financial position. The basis of interest rates for borrowing and lending should align to mitigate basis risk associated with foreign borrowing interest rate risk.

“Banks should borrow and lend in the same currency (natural hedging) to avoid currency mismatch associated with foreign currency risk. The basis of the interest rate for borrowing should be the same as that of lending, i.e., there should be no mismatch in floating and fixed interest rates, to mitigate basis risk associated with foreign borrowing interest rate risk,” the circular specified.

Emphasizing the critical nature of compliance with these guidelines, the CBN warns that any non-adherence will result in immediate sanctions and may lead to the suspension of banks from participating in the foreign exchange market. This stern approach underscores the central bank’s commitment to maintaining financial discipline and stability.

“The CBN emphasizes the importance of compliance with these guidelines, warning that non-adherence will result in immediate sanctions and possible suspension from participating in the foreign exchange market.”

Potential Impacts on the Forex Market

This proactive measure by the CBN signifies a robust stance against speculative activities in the banking sector, with the primary goal of safeguarding the financial system and promoting economic stability. If the circular’s intent proves successful, banks will be compelled to liquidate their net long positions, effectively injecting forex into the market.

This move could provide immediate relief for the forex market, potentially triggering currency appreciation. The directive aims to restore market confidence, discourage speculative activities, and create a more stable and predictable foreign exchange environment for businesses and investors.

Thus, the CBN’s directive represents a multifaceted and comprehensive strategy to address potential risks in the banking sector, with the hope of fostering a more secure financial industry in Nigeria. It remains to be seen how banks will adapt to these new guidelines and the impact they will have on the broader economy and the foreign exchange market.