As Nigeria's financial sector continues to evolve through innovation, regulation, and digital transformation, Smith & Partners LP provides cutting-edge legal services tailored to the unique needs of traditional and emerging players in the banking, finance, and fintech ecosystems. Our practice spans a wide spectrum of financial matters, from regulatory advisory and transactional support to litigation, licensing, and financial technology innovation.

We advise commercial banks, microfinance institutions, development finance institutions, payment service providers, investment firms, digital lenders, and fintech startups on matters including licensing and compliance with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), and other relevant regulators.

Our lawyers have been part of major legal teams involved in the restructuring of syndicated credit facilities and project financing arrangements for key infrastructure projects across Africa. One of our partners was a member of the legal advisory team that provided support in the issuance of a N10 billion bond by a non-bank financial institution, ensuring due diligence, drafting of offer documents, and liaising with regulators and trustees.

We recently advised a fintech company on its market entry strategy, including corporate structuring, licensing pathways, consumer protection obligations, and data privacy compliance. Our input enabled the client to secure its Payment Solution Service Provider (PSSP) license while remaining fully aligned with Nigeria’s cybersecurity and anti-money laundering regulations.

Our firm also offers representation in financial disputes, enforcement of secured lending obligations, debt recovery actions, and asset tracing across jurisdictions. We support financial institutions in the preparation and review of loan agreements, intercreditor arrangements, guarantees, security documentation, and recovery litigation.

In the fintech space, we deliver pioneering legal solutions for innovations such as blockchain technologies, digital wallets, crowdfunding platforms, peer-to-peer lending, and mobile banking applications. We work closely with clients to ensure that their technology-driven business models comply with applicable laws while staying agile in a competitive market.

At Smith & Partners LP, we recognize that financial services are at the core of economic development. Whether you are a bank navigating regulatory reform, a startup disrupting payments, or an investor securing financial transactions, we offer clarity, creativity, and legal confidence to help you thrive in a dynamic financial environment.