The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has announced the commencement of Cohort 2 of the CBN
Regulatory Sandbox Programme, inviting eligible innovators, financial institutions, Virtual Asset
Service Providers (VASPs), financial technology companies, and technology companies to apply to
participate.
Building on the CBN’s commitment to responsible innovation, Cohort 2 introduces two dedicated
testing tracks to support emerging technologies with the potential to strengthen Nigeria’s financial
system while upholding high standards of consumer protection, financial stability, and market
integrity.
The two tracks are:
• Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) Track, supporting innovative virtual asset,
stablecoin, payment, settlement, custody, wallet, and related financial infrastructure solutions
that require supervised live testing; and
• Data-Enabled Financial Services (Non-VASP) Track, supporting innovations that leverage
secure digital infrastructure and permission-based data sharing to improve financial inclusion,
payments, credit, risk management, operational efficiency, and consumer outcomes.
The CBN Regulatory Sandbox provides a controlled environment in which eligible participants may
test innovative financial products, services, business models, and enabling technologies under the
supervision of the Central Bank. The programme enables the CBN and innovators to engage
constructively throughout the testing process, supporting regulatory learning while encouraging
responsible innovation that benefits consumers and the wider financial system.
The launch of Cohort 2 reflects the CBN’s continued commitment to developing a transparent,
proportionate, and risk-based regulatory environment that fosters innovation while preserving
monetary and financial stability. Insights from supervised testing will help deepen regulatory
understanding of emerging technologies and inform the ongoing development of regulatory and
supervisory frameworks for Nigeria’s evolving digital financial ecosystem.
Eligible organisations whose proposed innovations fall within the programme’s scope are encouraged
to apply. Applications will be assessed based on the level of innovation, readiness for controlled live
testing, potential consumer or market benefit, governance arrangements, risk management
capability, and the suitability of the proposed testing plan.
Successful participants will undertake supervised testing within clearly defined parameters agreed
with the CBN, including appropriate safeguards for consumer protection, operational resilience,
cybersecurity, and regulatory reporting.
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Participation in the Regulatory Sandbox does not constitute a licence, authorisation, or approval to
operate outside the approved testing parameters. The Sandbox is intended to facilitate responsible
experimentation, strengthen regulatory engagement, and support evidence-based policy
development in line with the CBN’s statutory mandate.
Applications for Cohort 2 open on August 12, 2026, and close on August 31, 2026.
To apply, visit the CBN Regulatory Sandbox Portal at https://sandbox.cbn.gov.ng and submit your
application before the application deadline.
The Central Bank of Nigeria remains committed to fostering an innovative, resilient, and inclusive
financial ecosystem that supports sustainable economic growth while maintaining the safety,
soundness, and integrity of Nigeria’s financial system.
Sidi-Ali, Hakama (Mrs)
Ag. Director, Corporate Communications
and Investor Relations Department
August 11, 2026.
