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Tekedia OPEN Is Today. Topic – Nigeria’s Capital Market: The Biggest Business Opportunity of the Next Decade

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“Since … April 2024, we have seen market capitalisation grow from about N55 trillion to over N123.93 trillion. [Capital market] contribution to GDP has moved from 13 percent to 33 percent.” – Dr. Emomotimi Agama, the Director General, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Nigeria

Roughly every decade, Nigeria’s business landscape experiences a structural shift, a reordering of market power that defines the era that follows. These shifts are rarely accidental; they are shaped by the interplay of technology, regulation, and entrepreneurial response. In the 1990s, the rise of the New Generation Banks redefined financial services by using VSAT and digital infrastructure to detach banking from physical branches. Technology became the new basis of competition. The 2000s then ushered in what we may call the Decade of Ubiquity, as GSM providers democratized voice connectivity and fundamentally changed how Nigerians communicated and conducted commerce.

The 2010s elevated this transformation through the spread of mobile internet. Telecommunications firms evolved from voice providers into platforms enabling banking, education, and commerce through the smartphone, effectively turning the mobile device into the most powerful utility tool in modern Nigeria. Today, we are living through the Decade of Application Utility, where innovators are building digital solutions that combine technologies to remove friction in finance, logistics, and supply chains. These builders are quietly designing the operating layer of a more efficient, digitally enabled economy.

This continuous evolution points us toward the next frontier. With the passage of the Investment and Securities Act (ISA) 2025, Nigeria now has the legislative foundation to expand and deepen its capital markets in ways not seen in decades. While peer markets such as South Africa have achieved far greater capitalization through broader asset inclusion, Nigeria’s opportunity lies in onboarding new asset classes, enabling capital formation at scale, and building the financial market infrastructure required to support long-term economic redesign.

In this TEKEDIA OPEN session, we will explore why the coming decade will become Nigeria’s Decade of the Capital Market, and what businesses, investors, and institutions must do to unlock that value and win. You’re invited.


Topic: Nigeria’s Capital Market: The Biggest Business Opportunity of the Next Decade — How to Unlock Value and Win

Speaker: Prof Ndubuisi Ekekwe

Date: Saturday, March 7, 2026

Time: 2-3pm WAT

Location: Zoom link


In June, we will run a program on Nigeria’s capital market. Tekedia Nigerian Capital Market Masterclass is a practitioner-led, intensive program designed to deepen the human capabilities needed to power Nigeria’s modern capital market. The Masterclass blends applied knowledge, real-market processes, regulatory frameworks, technology infrastructure, and hands-on case studies covering the entire capital market value chain.

BlockDAG Makes History with the Largest L1 Launch Ever: The 100x Crypto Story You Can’t Ignore!

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The digital currency space is never short on massive claims. Every single week, a different project appears, calling itself a game-changer and promising to fix every old problem. Most of this noise eventually leads to nothing. However, there are rare times when actual market data cuts through all the talk to tell a story that even the biggest doubters must respect. The official launch of BlockDAG (BDAG) on March 5, 2026, is creating that exact type of evidence, and the first numbers are very clear.

The current market environment has created a perfect setting for this event. Bitcoin’s jump from $63,000 back to $74,000 after global tensions proves that big professional players are not losing interest; they are actually getting more involved. With over $700 million moving into ETFs this month, Ethereum staying above $2,100, and many altcoins seeing fast gains, money is actively looking for a new place to grow. BlockDAG has arrived right at this moment to provide a fresh opportunity. For those tracking the next big crypto, the way this project has started its journey is a major signal.

What Makes This Market Entry Historically Important

Putting a coin on one exchange is a normal task. Getting on two at the same time gets people talking. But launching on five global sites at the exact same second, Coinstore, BitMart, and LBank, along with its own direct swap, is something the Layer 1 world has never seen before. Bundle buyers got their coins at 8:00 AM PST, which was two hours before the general public started trading at 10:00 AM PST. This gave the project a strong group of holders before the very first market order was even placed.

The size of this launch matters because it shows how strong the foundation really is. A launch on just one site makes a project weak. A five-platform launch spreads the demand across the whole world and many different types of traders all at once. When the $0.05 price stayed steady on every single site, it proved the floor was real. It was the result of more people wanting to buy than there were coins available. No other Layer 1 project has started with this much immediate access to the market. This fact alone makes the event historic, and it is a key reason why experts call it the next big crypto.

Early Trading Numbers That Change the Standards

The amount of trading on the first day is the first real test of whether the hype is actually real. The first sessions for BDAG did not just hit the marks; they went way past the early trading numbers of both Kaspa and Solana. Those are two of the most successful Layer 1 starts in history. This comparison is a big deal because those projects did more than just survive; they went on to make people very wealthy.

BlockDAG beating those old records does not guarantee the same path, but it puts the project in a very small group of top performers. Data from staking also supports this story of growth. More people are locking up their coins to earn rewards than was seen with Solana at this same stage. This means the available supply is being taken away much faster than normal. When you have record-breaking trading volume and a shrinking supply, it creates pressure that usually pushes the price in one direction, up. This mechanical setup is what people look for in the next big crypto.

The Price Forecast From This Point

Those responsible for keeping the trading smooth have shared a very clear path for the near future. The $0.20 level is the first short-term goal, which would be a 300% jump from the $0.05 starting floor. After that, they are looking at $0.40 and $0.50 as the next big steps. The long-term goal for this cycle is a $1.2 billion market cap. Reaching that would put BDAG in the global Top 50. This is a very important rank because it makes big institutional funds and ETFs start buying the coin automatically.

Every price level reached acts as both a win and a reason for more growth. Getting past $0.20 proves the experts were right and brings in even more money. Getting close to the Top 50 rank turns on the big professional buying machines. The plan is made so that each win makes the move to the next level happen even faster. This is why the project is being positioned as the next big crypto for the coming years. Major Tier 1 exchanges in the US are also expected to list the coin soon, which would bring in even more liquidity.

Final Say

The next big crypto is never found by following the crowd after everyone is already talking about it. It was founded by a small group of people who look at the facts before the main story hits the news. Solana was not a sure thing when everyone finally agreed it was great; it was a sure thing when its early trading and staking data showed it months before the crowd arrived.

The start of BDAG has shown all those same early signs. Five different exchanges. Record-breaking opening numbers. Staking speed that is faster than Solana’s early days. A $0.05 price floor that stayed strong under global pressure. Plus, there is a list of big events coming up, like major US exchange listings, that have not even started yet. While history does not always repeat exactly, it often follows the same patterns. The data from the first sessions of BlockDAG is telling a very loud story about its future.

Visa, Fidelity International and Others Successfully Completed e-HKD Pilot with Chainlink

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Visa, Fidelity International, ANZ; Australia and New Zealand Banking Group, and China Asset Management recently completed a successful pilot for regulated cross-border settlement using Chainlink’s infrastructure.

This occurred under the Hong Kong Monetary Authority’s (HKMA) e-HKD Pilot Programme Phase 2 also referred to as Project e-HKD+, which focuses on tokenized assets, programmability, and digital money applications. Visa, ANZ, Fidelity International, and ChinaAMC (Hong Kong) formed one of 11 consortia in the program.

Chainlink provided critical technology, including its Cross-Chain Interoperability Protocol (CCIP) for secure cross-chain messaging and transfers. It enabled movement of tokenized assets between ANZ’s private permissioned blockchain (DASChain) and the public Ethereum Sepolia testnet.

Additional features included automated compliance checks, identity verification, atomic settlement; near real-time simultaneous execution to reduce counterparty risk and Chainlink’s Digital Transfer Agent (DTA) standard for tokenized fund issuance using on-chain NAV data.

Australian investors via ANZ used tokenized deposits, ANZ’s A$DC stablecoin, or a hypothetical/wrapped e-HKD to purchase tokenized money market fund (MMF) units from Hong Kong-based managers (Fidelity International and ChinaAMC).

The process achieved near-instant, atomic settlement instead of traditional multi-day cycles, demonstrating reduced risk, improved efficiency, and interoperability between traditional finance and blockchain systems.

This is part of HKMA’s ongoing exploration of CBDCs, tokenized deposits, and blockchain for global payments. Phase 2 builds on earlier e-HKD efforts, emphasizing tokenized asset settlement and programmability. The pilot highlights blockchain’s potential to streamline cross-border transactions while staying within regulatory frameworks.

This pilot achieved near real-time atomic settlement (simultaneous execution of payment and asset delivery), reducing: Settlement cycles from days to seconds/minutes. Counterparty and settlement risks. Capital tied up in idle nostro accounts.

Estimates suggest tokenized deposits and CBDCs at scale could save global banks ~$1.5 billion annually in correspondent banking costs by minimizing pre-funding needs and manual processes. Asset managers (like Fidelity) could see broader savings through reduced operational friction in tokenized fund distribution.

The use of Chainlink’s CCIP bridged ANZ’s private permissioned blockchain (DASChain) with the public Ethereum Sepolia testnet, enabling secure cross-chain transfers with automated compliance, identity verification, and on-chain NAV data fetching via Chainlink’s Digital Transfer Agent (DTA) standard.

This proves practical interoperability between private and public chains in a regulated environment, paving the way for: Wider tokenized asset adoption. Better liquidity and access for cross-border investments. Programmability features; smart contracts automating complex flows.

Hong Kong positions itself as a hub for digital money innovation, reinforcing its role in connecting mainland China, Asia-Pacific, and global markets. Involvement of giants like Visa, Fidelity, ANZ, and a central bank (HKMA) signals mainstream validation of blockchain beyond speculation. It’s part of broader trends: Testing CBDC and tokenized deposit use cases for retail and wholesale.

Alignment with global efforts. Emphasis on compliance within existing frameworks, reducing barriers to scaling. This could accelerate regulatory clarity and adoption in Asia and beyond, encouraging more consortia to explore tokenized money for payments, investments, and beyond.

The announcement generated buzz in crypto communities, particularly around Chainlink ($LINK) as the enabling infrastructure for secure, compliant cross-chain ops. Posts highlight it as a milestone for real-world utility in TradFi-Web3 convergence.

Price-wise, $LINK has shown sideways and moderate movement post-announcement, with some resistance at higher levels amid broader market conditions. While not causing a massive immediate spike, it reinforces Chainlink’s positioning in institutional RWA and cross-border narratives, potentially supporting longer-term demand for its oracle and interoperability tech.

This isn’t just another pilot—it’s evidence that blockchain is moving from experimentation to viable infrastructure for global finance. If scaled, it could reshape cross-border investment flows, lower barriers for investors, and drive efficiencies worth billions, while underscoring Chainlink’s role as a key enabler.

This shows traditional giants like Visa and Fidelity actively integrating blockchain solutions for faster, more transparent global settlements.

Backpack Appoints Mark Wetjen as President of Backpack US 

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Backpack, the crypto wallet and exchange platform built on Solana and known for its all-in-one features including the Mad Lads NFT collection, has appointed Mark Wetjen as President of Backpack US.

This move aims to lead the company’s strategic expansion and operations in the United States, focusing on building regulated, on-chain financial infrastructure that bridges crypto and traditional finance. He previously served as a Commissioner at the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) from 2011 to 2015.

He was Acting Chairman of the CFTC in late 2013/2014. Wetjen was one of the early U.S. regulators to advocate for clear frameworks for crypto and derivatives, including chairing the agency’s first public meeting on Bitcoin and crypto derivatives in 2014.

Post-CFTC, he held senior roles such as Head of Global Public Policy at the Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation (DTCC) and CEO of MIAX Futures (a CFTC-regulated derivatives exchange). Some reports also mention experience related to FTX US in policy and advocacy contexts.

Backpack’s CEO, Armani Ferrante, described the hire as a “brick-by-brick” step toward regulated U.S. access, including products like their wallet, exchange, and tokenized equity services. It signals a strong compliance-first approach amid evolving U.S. crypto regulations; references to the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act and broader pro-crypto shifts.

This appointment is seen as a boost for Backpack’s push into the U.S. market, enhancing regulatory credibility and potentially accelerating institutional adoption on Solana’s ecosystem.

Mark Wetjen’s Tenure at the CFTC

Mark P. Wetjen served as a Commissioner at the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) from October 25, 2011, to August 28, 2015. He was nominated by President Barack Obama in March 2011 to fill a five-year term and was unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate in October 2011. He was sworn in shortly thereafter.

Following the departure of Chairman Gary Gensler in late 2013, Wetjen was unanimously elected by the Commission to serve as Acting Chairman from approximately January 2014 to June 2014. In this capacity, he managed daily operations, set policy direction, and oversaw major implementations under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.

Wetjen played a key role in implementing Title VII of the Dodd-Frank Act, which reformed the over-the-counter derivatives market. He supported and helped shape over 90 CFTC actions related to swaps regulation, including the first mandatory trading requirements for certain interest rate and credit default swaps.

During his time, the CFTC pursued significant enforcement actions, including record fines related to manipulations in LIBOR and foreign exchange markets with LIBOR cases alone exceeding $1.2 billion in penalties. He also focused on strengthening clearinghouse risk management, enhancing customer fund protections, promoting international harmonization of G20 reforms, and improving global derivatives market efficiency.

Wetjen was among the first U.S. regulators to address cryptocurrency topics. He chaired the CFTC’s initial public meeting on Bitcoin and crypto derivatives in 2014, helping lay groundwork for clearer regulatory frameworks in emerging digital assets. His resignation was announced in August 2015, effective August 28, 2015, after roughly four years of service.

Industry groups like the Futures Industry Association (FIA) praised him as a consensus-builder instrumental in transforming derivatives markets through increased central clearing, transparency, and customer protections. This background has been highlighted in recent announcements by Backpack as bringing regulatory expertise to bridge traditional finance and crypto, particularly given his early advocacy for structured crypto oversight.

Looking for The Top Crypto to Buy in 2026? BlockDAG, Hyperliquid, Chainlink, and Polkadot Are Ready to Explode!

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Every investor wonders the same thing when the market hits a bottom: which crypto will actually soar when sentiment shifts? It is rarely the one getting the most hype. The real winners are usually the coins that have stayed low the longest, have strong development behind them, have a tested floor that held, and have clear catalysts rather than just speculation. Timing and strategy matter because missing the entry window can cost a huge opportunity.

As of March 2026, a few coins fit this profile. Not all will move at the same time, and some are more urgent than others. But each one has a setup that often comes before a big price jump. Knowing which coins have momentum building under the surface is key to positioning before the surge begins.

1. BlockDAG: $0.05 Entry Window Closing Fast

The riskiest moment for any crypto is its launch. Early investors sell fast, panic spreads, and prices can crash below the launch floor, wiping out confidence and hurting retail buyers. BlockDAG avoided all of this. Its launch tested not just the market, but investor patience, proving the community is holding strong.

At 10:00 AM PST on March 5, 2026, BlockDAG went live on Coinstore, LBank, BitMart, and, with Direct Swap as a fourth platform. Early buyers at 8:00 AM kept their positions. The $0.05 launch floor stayed strong. Instead of a dump, the market found stability. Market makers are now aiming for $0.20 short-term with zero resistance below. This smooth launch creates confidence and attracts more buyers.

This shows the launch panic never happened. The floor is solid. Targets are set at $0.20 short-term and $0.50 longer-term, tied to a $1.2 billion market cap and a Top 50 ranking. The catalysts are active, the floor is proven, and the $0.05 entry window is closing fast with trading across 3 platforms. Early entry now could secure a position before momentum accelerates even further.

2. Hyperliquid: Defying Bears With Strength

Hyperliquid trades around $32 in early March. It is one of the few big coins up year-to-date, gaining 23.9% while Bitcoin and Ethereum are down over 20%. Monthly volume rose to over $200 billion in January and February from $169 billion in December, showing strong activity despite a declining market. This kind of performance in a bear environment signals real product-market fit and investor confidence.

The HyperEVM mainnet launched on March 1, adding full Ethereum-compatible smart contracts. This turns Hyperliquid from a derivatives platform into a broad DeFi ecosystem, using HYPE as the gas token. A governance vote to burn about $1 billion of HYPE has also been proposed, creating deflationary pressure linked to growth. These changes significantly increase the potential value and utility of HYPE over the coming months.

Technically, HYPE is stalling at $32-$35 resistance, near the 0.618 Fibonacci retracement. Volume is falling while testing this level. Breaking $35 with volume could open the path to the prior high of $59. With revenue, a deflationary model, and the new EVM layer, HYPE has a strong foundation for a potential big move. Investors watching carefully could benefit from positioning before volume accelerates.

3. Chainlink: Oracle Infrastructure Powers RWA

Chainlink is trading near $8.85-$9 in early March, holding multi-year support. The GLNK ETF has accumulated 7.4 million LINK tokens, over 1% of the supply, quietly soaking up selling pressure. This accumulation shows that institutional players are already building positions in LINK, which could drive long-term upward momentum.

The 2026 boom in tokenizing real-world assets benefits Chainlink. Deals like Avalanche’s Japan Progmat migration and JPMorgan’s tokenized money market funds rely on Chainlink’s data feeds. CME Group added LINK to regulated futures in February alongside XLM and ADA, putting it in the institutional category. Each new partnership or adoption expands Chainlink’s addressable market, reinforcing its role as a foundational layer in the crypto ecosystem.

Analyst targets are $10.50-$12 based on technical structure. The 200-day moving average has been declining, so any breakout must be volume-backed. ETF demand, RWA alignment, and institutional access make LINK a strong candidate for a big rebound when sentiment shifts. Investors who enter before broader adoption could capture substantial upside in a relatively short time.

4. Polkadot: Supply Cap Sparks Scarcity

Polkadot trades around $1.57 in early March, up 22% in a week but still down about 65% over the past year. The recent rise is tied to a major upgrade on March 14, 2026. This makes Polkadot one of the few Layer 1 platforms with a clearly defined scarcity event, increasing attention from both retail and institutional investors.

Polkadot is changing tokenomics with a 2.1 billion supply cap, 53.6% emission reduction in phase one, and shorter unbonding from 28 days to 24-48 hours. Cutting emissions reduces new supply, and faster unbonding improves liquidity for stakers. Supply caps historically signal scarcity. This combination could create a strong squeeze effect as demand starts exceeding circulating supply.

If DOT holds above $1.70, the next target is $2.00, with $2.20-$2.60 confirming a medium-term reversal. The March 14 tokenomics event is a clear, quantifiable catalyst that often leads to big moves. Investors who position early have a chance to benefit from both the scarcity and the momentum created by this upgrade.

Which Is The Top Crypto to Buy Now?

The cryptos most likely to explode in 2026 share key traits: solid floors, clear catalysts, and compressed prices ready to move. BlockDAG at $0.05 is urgent, with its floor proven and market targets active across Tier 1 exchanges.

Hyperliquid shows bear market demand, deflationary pressure, and an expanded market with EVM. Chainlink holds long-term support and underpins real-world asset tokenization. Polkadot’s March 14 supply cap and emission cuts create textbook scarcity.

Each has a trigger. The question is whether you are in a position before they fire. Acting before these catalysts could make the difference between missing the move and capitalizing on one of 2026’s top crypto opportunities.