Nigeria introduces electronic system to boost transparency in foreign exchange market --[Reported by Umva mag]

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has announced the introduction of an Electronic Foreign Exchange Matching System (EFEMS) to transform the country’s foreign exchange market.

This new system is set to be operational in the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market by December 1, 2024, following a two-week test run scheduled for November.

The EFEMS is expected to reshape how foreign exchange transactions are conducted in the interbank market by enhancing transparency and promoting a market-driven exchange rate accessible to the public.

The report by Punch newspaper on Friday quoted a circular by the Director of the Financial Markets Department at the CBN, Omolara O. Duke, as saying that the EFEMS will require all authorised dealers to conduct FX transactions using the platform, ensuring that transactions are immediately reflected within the market.

“The Central Bank of Nigeria hereby announces the introduction of the Electronic Foreign Exchange Matching System for foreign exchange transactions in the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market to be implemented no later than 1 December 2024. There will be a two-week test run in November 2024.

“Authorised dealers will subsequently conduct all foreign exchange transactions in the interbank FX market on the Electronic Foreign Exchange Matching System approved by the CBN, where transactions will be reflected immediately,” the circular said.

The new system comes at a critical time as Nigeria continues to grapple with currency instability and speculative trading, which have contributed to market distortions.

By leveraging the EFEMS, the CBN aims to minimise these speculative activities while offering real-time data on exchange rates, including buy/sell orders.

“The new system is expected to enhance governance and transparency and facilitate a market-driven exchange rate that will be accessible to the public. This development is expected to reduce speculative activities, eliminate market distortions, and give the CBN improved oversight capabilities to effectively regulate the market.

“The CBN will publish real-time prices and buy/sell orders data from the system, and in collaboration with the Financial Markets Dealers Association, publish the rules for the EFEMS. The Nigerian FX Code and revised Market Operating Guidelines for the Nigeria Foreign Exchange Market will also provide guidance to market participants,” the circular added.

GIK/APA

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