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Applications are currently being accepted for the Regulatory Sandbox - Cohort 2 Central Bank of Nigeria 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
The Regulatory Sandbox supports the safe introduction of innovative financial solutions by allowing participants to conduct live tests under CBN oversight, in line with the Bank’s objectives to enhance innovation, promote financial inclusion, and strengthen consumer protection.
For innovators
Regulatory engagement from the outset
Access to a supervised testing environment
Reduced uncertainty and regulatory risk
Improved product credibility and trust
Enhanced readiness for commercialisation
Better understanding of compliance obligations
Opportunity to demonstrate innovation at scale
For the ecosystem
Increased financial inclusion
Safer adoption of emerging technologies
Evidence-based policy development
Improved market integrity
Enhanced consumer confidence
More resilient financial infrastructure
Applications are open to
CBN-licensed institutions developing innovative financial or payments-related solutions
Institutions licensed by other financial services regulators within Nigeria, where the proposed innovation intersects with payments, digital financial services, financial data usage, or other areas within the sandbox scope
Institutions licensed by recognised financial services regulators outside Nigeria, where the innovation is adaptable to the Nigerian market and can satisfy applicable sandbox entry requirements
Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs), including entities operating in stablecoin issuance, virtual asset payments, exchange services, custody, and related infrastructure
Startups and technology companies without existing financial licences, provided the proposed solution is innovative and sufficiently developed for controlled live testing
All interested applicants must complete their registration and submission through the CBN Regulatory Sandbox portal.
Applications are submitted through the Regulatory Sandbox portal, accessible through the CBN’s website.
Complete the online application form and upload all required documentation, including corporate approvals, governance information, product details, and any mandatory annexures.
Applications are assessed for completeness, eligibility, product readiness, risk management capability, and overall suitability for sandbox testing.
Successful applicants are formally notified and issued the next steps for onboarding, integration, and supervised testing.
Apply for Regulatory Sandbox - Cohort 2 Central Bank of Nigeria
