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Figma’s Tokenized Equity Statement Signals A Bold Step Toward Integrating Blockchain With Traditional Finance

By
Paul Ugbede Godwin
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0

Figma’s IPO filing, as detailed in their S-1 registration statement filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on July 1, 2025, includes references to “tokenized equities” and “blockchain common stock,” signaling an interest in blockchain-based assets. Specifically, the amended S-1 filing mentions “blockchain common stock” 34 times, a term absent from the original July 1 filing, indicating a potential exploration of tokenized shares for future stock distributions or employee compensation plans.

However, Figma clarifies it has no “specific plans” to issue these tokenized shares at this time. This inclusion, noted on page 83 of the revised S-1, reflects a growing trend of integrating blockchain technology with traditional finance, potentially enhancing liquidity and enabling fractional ownership. The mention of tokenized equities has sparked interest among crypto enthusiasts, as it suggests a bridge between traditional stocks and decentralized finance, potentially boosting sentiment around real-world asset (RWA) tokens like those of Ondo Finance and Polymesh.

Posts on X also highlight excitement about Figma’s authorization to issue blockchain-based stock, with some speculating it could pave the way for broader adoption of tokenized assets. While Figma’s board has authorized the issuance of such instruments, the lack of concrete plans suggests this is a forward-looking strategy rather than an immediate implementation. The company’s focus on blockchain aligns with its broader innovation strategy, including its $69.5 million investment in Bitcoin ETFs and plans to increase crypto exposure by $30 million via USDC stablecoin.

Tokenized equities, issued on a blockchain, could enable fractional ownership of Figma’s stock, lowering barriers for retail investors. This democratizes access to high-value stocks, traditionally reserved for institutional or high-net-worth investors. Blockchain-based shares could reduce settlement times and intermediary costs compared to traditional stock exchanges, leveraging smart contracts for automation and transparency. Figma’s mention of tokenized shares for employee compensation suggests a potential shift toward crypto-based incentives, aligning with tech industry trends to attract talent in a competitive market.

Figma’s $69.5 million investment in Bitcoin ETFs and planned $30 million USDC allocation signal a broader embrace of crypto, potentially encouraging other tech firms to explore blockchain integration. Tokenized equities fall into a gray area under current U.S. securities law. The SEC may classify them as securities, requiring compliance with existing regulations, which could delay or complicate implementation. Figma’s cautious “no specific plans” language suggests they are navigating this uncertainty.

Issuing tokenized shares requires robust blockchain infrastructure, potentially on platforms like Ethereum or Polymesh, and integration with traditional financial systems, which could pose technical and legal hurdles. By signaling interest in tokenized equities, Figma positions itself as a forward-thinking tech company, potentially attracting blockchain-savvy investors and talent. This could differentiate it from competitors like Adobe, especially in the context of its $26 billion valuation and IPO ambitions.

Traditional stock markets prioritize institutional investors and accredited individuals, with high barriers (e.g., minimum investment thresholds) and centralized control via brokers and clearinghouses. Tokenized equities could disrupt this by enabling fractional ownership and broader access. Blockchain advocates see tokenized equities as a step toward financial inclusion, allowing anyone with a crypto wallet to invest. However, this raises concerns about unregulated markets and investor protection, as retail investors may lack the sophistication to navigate DeFi risks.

Regulators and traditional institutions may view tokenized equities with skepticism due to risks like market manipulation, fraud, or non-compliance with securities laws. The SEC’s scrutiny of crypto assets could slow adoption. Crypto enthusiasts argue that blockchain’s transparency and immutability reduce reliance on intermediaries, challenging TradFi’s gatekeeping. Yet, they face pushback from regulators wary of decentralized systems bypassing oversight.

Established financial systems rely on trusted intermediaries (e.g., NYSE, DTCC) with decades of operational history. Tokenized equities require new infrastructure, raising concerns about scalability, security, and interoperability with legacy systems. Blockchain platforms offer decentralized trust via code, but vulnerabilities (e.g., smart contract bugs) and the lack of standardized protocols for tokenized assets create uncertainty. Figma’s choice of platform (if any) will be critical.

Institutional investors and traditional firms may resist tokenized equities due to unfamiliarity with blockchain or concerns about volatility in crypto markets. The crypto community views Figma’s move as validation of blockchain’s potential, but widespread adoption hinges on educating traditional investors and integrating with existing financial systems. Retail investors may welcome tokenized equities for affordability, while institutional investors could be cautious due to regulatory and liquidity concerns.

The SEC and other bodies will likely scrutinize Figma’s plans, balancing innovation with investor protection. This could set precedents for how tokenized assets are treated under U.S. law. Figma’s competitors may feel pressure to explore similar blockchain strategies, especially in employee compensation, to remain competitive. Projects like Ondo Finance and Polymesh could see increased attention, as Figma’s move validates the RWA tokenization narrative.

Figma’s tokenized equity language signals a bold step toward integrating blockchain with traditional finance, with implications for liquidity, accessibility, and innovation. However, it underscores a divide between TradFi’s centralized, regulated systems and DeFi’s decentralized, disruptive ethos. While Figma’s cautious approach (“no specific plans”) mitigates immediate risks, its exploration of tokenized equities could catalyze broader adoption, provided regulatory and technical challenges are addressed.

Polymarket Acquired QCEX For $112M To Enable Acess To Re-enter The U.S. Market

By
Paul Ugbede Godwin
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0

Polymarket, the world’s largest prediction market platform, has acquired QCEX, a Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC)-licensed derivatives exchange (QCX, LLC) and clearinghouse (QC Clearing, LLC), for $112 million. This acquisition, announced on July 21, 2025, enables Polymarket to re-enter the U.S. market legally after being restricted since 2022, when it paid a $1.4 million fine to the CFTC for operating without proper registration.

The deal provides Polymarket with a fully regulated framework, including Designated Contract Market (DCM) and Derivatives Clearing Organization (DCO) licenses, allowing U.S. users to trade prediction market contracts with regulatory compliance. The move follows the closure of Department of Justice and CFTC investigations into Polymarket’s prior U.S. operations, clearing legal hurdles. No specific relaunch date has been announced, but integration of QCEX’s technology is underway, positioning Polymarket to compete with other CFTC-regulated platforms like Kalshi.

Polymarket’s acquisition of a CFTC-licensed clearinghouse (QCEX) allows it to operate legally in the U.S. under strict regulatory oversight. This move enables U.S. users to participate in prediction markets, previously restricted due to Polymarket’s 2022 CFTC settlement. It positions Polymarket as a major player in the regulated U.S. market, competing with platforms like Kalshi. With Designated Contract Market (DCM) and Derivatives Clearing Organization (DCO) licenses, Polymarket can offer prediction contracts (e.g., on elections, economic indicators, or cultural events) while adhering to CFTC rules.

The acquisition taps into a large U.S. user base eager for prediction markets, potentially increasing Polymarket’s trading volume and revenue. Its global user base (1 million monthly active users) and $3.5 billion in trading volume as of July 2025 suggest strong growth potential in a regulated environment. Operating under CFTC oversight enhances Polymarket’s credibility, attracting institutional investors and risk-averse users who prioritize regulatory protections over decentralized alternatives. This could shift market share away from unregulated platforms.

While compliance enables U.S. operations, it may limit Polymarket’s ability to offer certain high-risk or speculative contracts allowed on decentralized platforms. The platform must balance innovation with regulatory constraints, potentially affecting its product offerings. Legal compliance, user trust, institutional adoption, and access to traditional financial systems. CFTC oversight ensures consumer protections, reducing risks of fraud or manipulation.

Limited flexibility due to regulatory restrictions, higher operational costs (e.g., compliance, licensing), and potential exclusion of certain markets or users due to strict rules. Greater flexibility in contract types, global accessibility, and resistance to censorship or shutdown. Blockchain-based platforms operate without intermediaries, potentially lowering fees. Regulatory uncertainty, risk of legal crackdowns (as seen with Polymarket’s 2022 fine), and higher exposure to scams or market manipulation due to less oversight.

Regulated Market Users prefer platforms like Polymarket for legal protections and reliability, especially for high-stakes predictions (e.g., U.S. elections). Decentralized Market Users favor anonymity, unrestricted access, and innovative contracts, even at the cost of regulatory risks. Polymarket’s move may pressure decentralized platforms to seek regulatory pathways or face marginalization in the U.S. Conversely, decentralized platforms may double down on global markets where regulation is less stringent, intensifying competition.

Regulated platforms may struggle to match the pace of innovation in decentralized markets, where new contract types or DeFi integrations emerge rapidly. However, decentralized platforms risk alienating users who prioritize security and legal recourse. Polymarket’s acquisition reflects a broader trend of crypto and blockchain-based platforms seeking regulatory approval to scale (e.g., Coinbase’s compliance efforts).

The 2024 U.S. election cycle, with heightened interest in prediction markets, likely influenced the timing, as platforms aim to capitalize on demand for political and economic forecasting. However, the divide between regulated and decentralized markets will likely persist, driven by differing user priorities and regulatory environments globally.

5 Tools That Quietly Save You Hours on Repetitive Tasks

By
TI Partners
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0

There are tasks that need to be done over and over again. The worst thing about it isn’t that it’s boring or that it’s not something inspiring to do; it’s the time you’re losing that could be used to grow your business. Repetitive tasks cannot be avoided, unfortunately. They’re literally everywhere, from replying to similar emails to updating spreadsheets or rewriting content. 

Don’t worry, it’s not all bad news. Maybe you can’t avoid them… maybe, sure. But you can save a lot of time by using the right tool in the right places. That can help you take the burden off your shoulders and give you more hours for important tasks every week.

If you want to know how to make your work easier without losing quality, here are five tools that help simplify and speed up common tasks without getting in your way. 

And, no worries, you don’t need a degree in automation to learn how to use them.

1. Convert Static Content into Dynamic Assets

If you‘ve ever written content such as a help article or blog post and you want it in a video form, there’s no need to do the video from scratch. You can do it pretty much by pushing a button. 

Today, there are tools that let you turn link into video, and they do the whole process automatically (little to no input on your end is required). They use AI avatars and voice-overs to create a polished product. The best part is that it only takes minutes. So even if you don’t like the outcome, you can tweak it a bit and redo it until you’re satisfied.

Support centers and marketing teams love this kind of tool because it is very helpful. Why would you rewrite the same information in video format when you can easily take an existing URL and leave it to the tool to handle the rest of the job for you? You will get a video that is ready to use, and you will save production time.

It is extremely effective if your audience prefers visual content.

2. Automate Your Inbox with Gmail Filters and Canned Responses

Email management could be easily called a nightmare for most people. If you need more than 30 minutes daily to sort or reply to messages, it is time to consider getting Gmail’s built-in features. This can save you hours every week.

You can start by using filters to automatically label, archive, or forward emails based on sender, keywords, or attachments. When you finish that, you are ready to set up canned responses, called Templates. 

It’s a great option for those whose inbox is full of repetitive messages like meeting confirmations, support requests, etc.

3. Zapier: The Glue Between All Your Apps

Zapier links your most-used tools and automates the recurring tasks between them. It’s like a virtual assistant running in the background. It can duplicate leads from Facebook ads to Google Sheets, notify your team on Slack when there’s a new order, or back up email attachments to Dropbox.

You don’t need to know code. Just pick a trigger and an action. 

For example:

  • When a new Trello card is created, create an event in Google Calendar
  • When a new Stripe payment is made, send a thank-you email via Gmail

And anyone can use them. You don’t have to be a tech savant, nor are these tools super expensive; in fact, most are completely free to use while offering certain privileges for their premium (paying) users.

Even basic automations can save hours of boring copy-paste work. Once you’ve set up some workflows (“Zaps”), they run in the background as you focus on higher-impact work.

4. Notion Templates That Do the Thinking for You

Notion is more than a note-taking tool; it’s a workspace that can be customized, and its job is to replace spreadsheets, docs, calendars, and databases. But the biggest time-saver is using pre-built Notion templates for recurring workflows.

Whether content scheduling, product roadmaps, meeting agendas, or tracking habits, using an existing template eliminates setup and decision fatigue time. You’re not doing it from scratch, and the structure keeps you on track.

This is useful especially for startup teams and remote collaborators who need a central hub that’s flexible but still keeps everyone aligned. A few minutes of planning inside a template can prevent hours of repeated catch-up work.

5. Grammarly Keyboard for Instant Writing Cleanup

If you are writing a lot, this is the tool you need asap. It doesn’t matter which form of writing is in your job description; Grammarly’s browser extension and mobile keyboard are going to be your new besties. 

They automatically detect spelling mistakes, correct sentence structure, and suggest tone in real-time, before you even think about clicking send. 

Conclusion

Repetitive tasks are always going to be present, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t make them bearable and less time-consuming. Depending on your job and tasks you need to do, you can choose tools that are going to help you the most in working in the background, the job that you don’t have to do, and you can focus on what truly matters to you. 

Using these types of tools means you’re freeing up your time. How you’ll use this ‘extra time’ is entirely up to you.

Nigeria Customs Scraps Multiple Import Levies, Introduces Unified 4% FOB Charge Amid Push for Trade Reforms

By
Samuel Nwite
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1

In a sweeping reform that could reshape Nigeria’s import ecosystem, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, has announced the elimination of multiple levies previously imposed on imports, replacing them with a streamlined 4% Free On Board (FOB) charge.

The move is expected to simplify the country’s notoriously complicated port charges, reduce room for abuse, and promote ease of doing business.

The announcement was made during a stakeholder town hall meeting in Lagos on Monday, July 21, where Adeniyi detailed the government’s plan to replace the 1% Comprehensive Import Supervision Scheme (CISS) and the 7% cost of collection with a single upfront charge of 4% on FOB value.

“Once the 4% FOB takes effect, the 1% Comprehensive Import Supervision Scheme (CISS) will cease automatically. In addition, the 7% cost of collection currently charged will also be completely removed,” the Customs boss said.

“Under the new Act, the 4% FOB is paid upfront—and that’s it. Thereafter, 100% of the revenue generated by Customs will go into the Federation Account. It’s a win-win for everyone.”

What the New Policy Means

Before this reform, importers were subject to fragmented charges that not only inflated the cost of doing business but also created loopholes for discretionary fees and corrupt practices. The Customs Service aims to introduce a transparent, predictable framework that could significantly consolidate the levies into one clear charge, improve compliance, and revenue generation.

The 4% FOB rate, paid at the point of entry, is designed to be both simple and inclusive—replacing overlapping charges that often confused importers and led to repeated assessments. The unified structure will also put an end to the Customs Service retaining 7% of collected revenue as a “cost of collection”—a system that critics have long argued incentivized internal inefficiencies.

Potential Benefits

Economic experts and trade analysts believe the policy could bring immediate and long-term benefits if effectively implemented.

  • Enhanced Revenue Transparency: With 100% of Customs revenue now set to flow directly into the Federation Account, the reform eliminates the previous practice where a portion of funds was retained by Customs. This is expected to improve fiscal discipline and give the federal government clearer oversight over trade-related income.
  • Reduction in Trade Costs: Eliminating multiple and sometimes overlapping levies could reduce the overall cost of imports. This may eventually reflect in consumer prices and stimulate higher import volumes, especially for small and medium-scale businesses that previously struggled with opaque Customs charges.
  • Improved Global Trade Rankings: Nigeria’s standing in global ease-of-trade metrics has been persistently poor, largely due to delays, unofficial charges, and complex clearance procedures. A more predictable levy system could boost Nigeria’s ratings and send the right signal to investors and trading partners.
  • Curbing Corruption and Abuse: By removing discretion from the process and digitizing the clearance chain through the B’Odogwu platform, the reform limits avenues for arbitrary charges and backdoor negotiations—a longstanding problem at Nigeria’s ports.

The introduction of the B’Odogwu clearance platform—hailed as a homegrown digital solution—is being touted as a critical pillar of the reform. It is designed to automate Customs processes, reduce human interference, and improve the speed and integrity of clearance procedures.

DCG Kikelomo Adeola, head of ICT and Modernisation, stressed the platform’s strategic value, noting that its rollout aligns with Nigeria’s leadership role as chair of the World Customs Organisation (WCO). “This is more than a digital tool. It’s a signal that Nigeria is ready to lead on Customs modernisation globally,” she said.

At the town hall, freight forwarders, clearing agents, and trade operators welcomed the move but voiced concerns about the readiness of supporting infrastructure. Many pointed to persistent delays from banks and documentation lapses that could frustrate the new system’s efficiency.

Saleh Ahmadu, Chairman of Trade Modernisation Project Limited (TMPL), assured participants of ongoing investments in infrastructure to ensure a seamless transition. “We understand the concerns. But our team is focused on building a system that works for all parties—from Customs to the smallest importer,” he said.

Several panel sessions were held to address lingering issues, including “Overcoming Common Importer Challenges on B’Odogwu” and “Enhancing Transparency, Speed, and Revenue through Full Participation.” A candid Q&A session followed, with Customs officials pressed on how soon the full switch to the new framework would take effect and how implementation hiccups would be handled.

Lingering Questions

However, some stakeholders expressed fears that without strict enforcement and stakeholder education, the system could suffer the same fate as previous reforms—bogged down by implementation gaps and informal practices.

There are also questions around how long it will take for the benefits to be felt at the retail and industrial levels, and whether Customs staff and partner agencies have been adequately trained for the digital transition.

However, many industry insiders say the unified 4% FOB charge is the boldest step yet in Nigeria’s quest to reform its trade environment. If executed with transparency and backed by functional digital infrastructure, it could mark a turning point in the country’s long battle with port inefficiencies and trade-related corruption.

The Customs Service says implementation will be gradual but firm—and that the days of multiple overlapping charges at Nigeria’s ports are numbered.

Nigeria’s Digital Economy Sector Contributes N7 Trillion to Q1 2025 GDP, Ranks Among Top Performers

By
Ojukwu Emmanuel
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0

Nigeria’s digital economy has emerged as a powerhouse, contributing an impressive N7 trillion to the country’s GDP in the first quarter (Q1) of 2025, solidifying its position as one of the nation’s top-performing sectors.

This remarkable achievement underscores the transformative impact of technology and innovation on Nigeria’s economic landscape, driven by advancements in telecommunications, fintech, e-commerce, and digital services

According to a report released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Nigeria’s total real GDP grew by 3.13% in Q1 2025, down from 3.76% in Q4 2024. The Digital Economy sector accounted for 14.19% of the total N49.34 trillion real GDP.

The sector, comprising the Information and Communication (I&C) sector and the Financial Institutions (FI) sector, posted real GDP contributions of 10.59% and 3.60% respectively. Both sub-sectors ranked among the top 10 performers in the Q1.

The I&C sector recorded a year-on-year (YoY) growth of 7.40% in real terms, despite a -8.86% contraction quarter-on-quarter. Its contribution to total real GDP (10.59%) was an improvement over the 10.17% recorded in the same quarter of 2024. Notably, the telecommunications industry dominated the I&C sector, contributing N4.2 trillion out of the total N5.2 trillion, representing 80% of the sector’s value. The remaining 20% came from broadcasting, publishing, and creative media services.

The Financial Institutions sector, which includes banks, fintechs, and insurance providers, contributed N1.8 trillion to GDP, with financial institutions accounting for N1.6 trillion (90.74%) and the insurance industry contributing just under N200 billion (9.26%).

Nigeria’s digital economy has continued to show impressive growth. The sector revenue rose from US$5.09 billion in 2019 to US$7.13 billion and US$9.97 billion in 2020 and 2021, respectively. It is projected that the sector revenue will reach $18.30 billion by 2026. In terms of investment in start-ups on the African continent, Nigeria ranks ahead of South Africa, Egypt, Kenya, and Ghana.

A McKinsey study published in 2017 predicted that the digital economy in Nigeria would contribute 3.0 million new jobs and add $88.00 billion to the economy over a decade. However, for a thriving and inclusive digital economy, African countries such as Nigeria need to build the critical foundations of the digital economy.

These foundations are interdependent and require public and private sector solutions. In Nigeria, the National Information Technology Development Agency’s (NITDA) Digital Economy Development Department aims to help the Federal Government meet its targets set by its National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NITDA, 2022).

The department aims to facilitate an effective, inclusive, and sustainable digital economy by:

  • Transforming Business Models: Promoting the adoption of digital business models and markets across sectors to enhance economic competitiveness.

  • Creating an Enabling Environment: Providing guidelines, frameworks, and regulations to foster digital service exchanges and the trade of digital goods.

  • Promoting Digital Literacy: Implementing capacity-building programs to boost digital skills, supporting the government’s goal of achieving 70% digital literacy by 2027 and 95% by 2030.

  • Driving Economic Growth: Supporting initiatives to increase digitally enabled Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and Integrated Digital Ecosystems (IDEs), contributing to job creation and economic diversification.

  • Fostering Innovation: Encouraging the development and integration of emerging technologies like AI, IoT, blockchain, and robotics to address local challenges and create economic opportunities.

This is driven by efforts to boost digital literacy, digital commerce promotion, technology adoption, and industry collaboration to transform digital business models and markets across all sectors and industries while providing an enabling environment for exchanges of digital services and digital goods.

Digital innovation and disruptive technologies is a crucial key engine to the growth of the Nigerian economy, and the achievement of the diversification from oil dependency.

As Nigeria looks into the future, supporting these efforts by strategic investments in digital literacy, infrastructure and creating key linkages are crucial.

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