Technology

Central Bank of Nigeria Participates in High Profile Forum in Houston on Optimizing Remittances to Nigeria

Published

1 year ago

October 31, 2024

HOUSTON, Oct. 31, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), in collaboration with the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS), Nigerian banks, and International Money Transfer Operators (IMTOs), participated in a pivotal forum titled “Optimizing Remittances to Nigeria: A Vision for the Future” in Houston, Texas. The event, which brought together members of the Nigerian diaspora, business leaders, investors, and top executives from Nigerian banks to explore strategic pathways for enhancing remittance flows, a vital component of Nigeria’s economic stability and growth.

We are looking at remittances going beyond remittances for consumption, but remittances for investment – Philip Ikeazor

The forum, which is part of CBN’s ongoing efforts to engage Nigerian diaspora communities, featured insightful panel discussions and presentations that explored current challenge and opportunities in the remittance ecosystem. Senior representatives from Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System Plc (NIBSS), United Bank for Africa, First Bank, Zenith Bank, Providus Bank, Fidelity Bank, and First City Monument Bank, alongside key stakeholders from the CBN, outlined how the CBN’s forward-thinking reform agenda is reshaping Nigeria’s financial ecosystem and driving positive outcomes for Nigerians both at home and abroad.

In his opening remarks, Muhammad Sani Abdullahi, Deputy Governor of Economic Policy, CBN, laid the groundwork for the forum, emphasizing the Bank’s commitment to “strengthening macroeconomic fundamentals to create an enabling environment where the private sector can thrive and generate quality jobs for Nigerians.”

The sessions highlighted the importance of leveraging remittances as a strategic tool for financial alliances and promoting diaspora-led investments. The CBN emphasized the pivotal role the Nigerian diaspora plays in national development through investments to build the economy. “We are looking at remittances going beyond remittances for consumption, but remittances for investment,” stated Philip Ikeazor, Deputy Governor, Financial System Stability, CBN

The forum was well-attended, with a selective group of participants from the Nigerian diaspora including industry leaders, diaspora entrepreneurs, and financial experts. Attendees engaged in discussions about digital innovation, the role of Nigerian banks in expanding remittance services, and the need for deepened collaboration with the diaspora.

“You have so many people here that are the diasporans that you need, that you need to cultivate, that should be partnering with you. The strength of partnership is incredible” – Dr Kase Lukman Lawal, Chairman, Unity National Bank

A key highlight of the forum was the introduction of the Non-Resident Bank Verification Number (NRBVN) by the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS). This new digital platform simplifies Know Your Customer (KYC) verification for Nigerians in the diaspora and foreign investors, features real-time monitoring of remittance transactions and ensures compliance with the highest global AML best practices. Premier Oiwoh, MD and CEO of NIBSS, described the NRBVN as a collaborative tool designed to enhance remittance flows and boost diaspora BVN enrollment.

The forum also included an interactive session, where members of the diaspora voiced their experiences and expectations regarding the financial services industry in Nigeria. Their feedback will be integral to shaping future policies and enhancing the customer experience for all Nigerians sending money home.

“Remittances today are about 4% of GDP of Nigeria. The banks are ready to build the partnerships that will make remittances increase in Nigeria. And what is important is working with IMTOs, working with Fintechs, working with CBN, so we can clear the challenges around remittances into Nigeria, and ensure that we begin to have a rise in inflows,” expressed Dr. Oliver Alawuba, GMD/CEO, UBA PLC & Chairman, Body of Banks’ CEOs in Nigeria

The CBN reaffirmed its commitment to creating an enabling environment for remittances by working closely with banks and financial institutions to deliver secure, efficient, and cost-effective solutions.

For more information about the Central Bank of Nigeria’s efforts to optimize remittances, please visit: https://www.cbn.gov.ng/ or contact: contactcbn@cbn.gov.ng

About the Central Bank of Nigeria
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) serves as the country’s sole monetary authority, tasked with regulating and overseeing Nigeria’s monetary and financial systems. Established by an Act of Parliament, the CBN’s mandate includes ensuring monetary and price stability, issuing legal tender, maintaining external reserves to protect the international value of the naira, promoting a sound financial system, and acting as banker and economic advisor to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

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SOURCE Central Bank of Nigeria

Technology

1-800Accountant Launches Tax Savings Services Designed for 1099 Workers

Published

25 minutes ago

April 22, 2026

New offering helps independent contractors structure their business to reduce their tax burden from day one

NEW YORK, April 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — 1-800Accountant, the nation’s leading virtual accounting firm for small businesses, announced the launch of a new service offering built specifically for 1099 workers and independent contractors. The service helps freelancers and self-employed professionals work with an accountant to select the right business setup for their income, with a focus on reducing taxes from the start.

Growth Is Outpacing Tax Readiness

Independent contractor work has grown significantly in recent years. 1-800Accountant’s client data shows sharp year-over-year growth across contractor-heavy industries, with Consulting up 17%, Construction up 10%, and Service-sector clients growing more than 200% compared to 2024. Despite this growth, many contractors continue to overpay their taxes because they operate without a formal business structure in place or the right tax election.

The gap is particularly visible in industries like Healthcare, Engineering, and Legal, where LLC adoption among 1-800Accountant clients sits at 81%, 72%, and 71%, respectively, well below the 90%-plus rates seen in higher-adoption industries like Construction and Real Estate. 1-800Accountant’s new business tax optimization service closes that gap by matching contractors with the right business type while ensuring their business is set up correctly before they file their first return.

“Independent contractors continue to be one of the fastest-growing segments of the American workforce, and they are also among the most underserved when it comes to strategic tax planning,” said Mike Savage, Founder and CEO of 1-800Accountant. “That lack of planning means that most 1099 workers don’t realize how much they’re leaving on the table. This service changes that. We’re giving contractors access to the same strategic advantages that established businesses have, ensuring the right business setup from the beginning.”

Tax Strategy Built In from Day One

These services walk clients through a structured process that includes accountant-recommended business types, registering with the appropriate state agencies, and coordinating with an accountant to ensure alignment between the structure and the client’s specific tax situation. 1-800Accountant integrates business setup for 1099 earners into a broader tax strategy tailored around each contractor’s income level, filing status, and long-term goals.

“What sets us apart is the tax strategy layer,” said Ryan Teeples, Chief of Strategy at 1-800Accountant. “What contractors and gig workers actually need are professionals to help them understand which tax setup makes the most sense for their income, their industry, and where they want their business to go. Then, we do the work to save on both their business and personal taxes. That’s what we’re delivering here.”

The service is available now to new and existing 1-800Accountant clients. Pricing starts at $19 per month (plus any government filing fees) and includes business setup evaluation, tax return preparation and filing, state registration, federal registration, simple-to-use AI bookkeeping software, and a consultation with a tax expert for onboarding and explanation of their individual tax situation.

About 1-800Accountant

1-800Accountant is the nation’s leading virtual accounting firm for small businesses and independent contractors. With a team of credentialed accountants and tax professionals, 1-800Accountant provides bookkeeping, tax preparation, tax planning, and advisory services to clients across all 50 states. The firm is committed to making professional accounting accessible and affordable for business owners at every stage.

Contact: Wyatt Johnson
Content Manager, 1-800Accountant
920-807-9159 | media@1800accountant.com

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SOURCE 1-800Accountant

Technology

9fin launches in APAC to expand global credit coverage

Published

25 minutes ago

April 22, 2026

With APAC playing a bigger role in increasingly complex global credit markets, 9fin brings the news, data and AI tools professionals need to navigate volatility

HONG KONG, April 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — 9fin, the AI-native information platform for global debt markets, has formally launched in the Asia Pacific region, giving credit professionals access to cutting-edge news, data and analysis across private and public bonds and loans.

As the 9fin team continues to grow quickly across APAC from its initial base in Hong Kong, it is supporting firms locally by providing proprietary credit intelligence, comprehensive data, and AI-powered workflow tools, all within one unified platform.

The launch comes as the tussle between public and private markets intensifies in APAC, making it more important than ever for banks, asset managers, advisors, and law firms to have visibility across the full credit landscape. While bond issuance has dropped amid geopolitical disruption, private credit activity remains robust as borrowers seek alternative financing options.

By combining deal intelligence from local sources with its extensive global credit database and AI tools, the 9fin platform gives users a comprehensive view across fragmented markets. The APAC platform includes coverage of more than 1,800 issuers and 16,000 instruments, with issuance history dating back to 2003 following 9fin’s acquisition of Bond Radar, in March 2025.

9fin is already used by more than 300 institutions globally, including KKR, Apollo, BNP Paribas, and Kirkland & Ellis. The company’s APAC buildout — supported by its $170 million Series C fundraise in March 2026 — marks the next phase of its global expansion.

Steven Hunter, CEO and co-founder at 9fin, commented: “APAC is a complex region and is becoming even more so as private markets expand and geopolitical volatility increases. The region needs a faster, smarter platform covering the full picture across bonds, loans, private credit and distressed. That’s exactly what 9fin provides. With our full platform now live in APAC, we’re giving our users the clarity to make informed decisions, faster.”

9fin’s APAC launch follows its expansion across the US, Europe, and Latin America, with CEEMEA to follow.

About 9fin

9fin is the AI-native platform for global debt markets. Founded by former J.P. Morgan banker Steven Hunter and Deutsche Bank engineer Hussam EL-Sheikh, the company combines data, analytics, and AI-powered workflows in a single platform, helping clients work smarter and faster to outperform their peers.

The company is headquartered in London, with offices in New York, Hong Kong, and Belfast and with teams across Latin America and Asia. For more information, visit 9fin.com.

Media contacts
Jessica Simpkin
jessica.simpkin@9fin.com
Shree Dhond/Katie Nerantzis
Dukas Linden Public Relations | 9fin@dlpr.com

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Technology

Trimble First Quarter Earnings Call and Webcast

Published

25 minutes ago

April 22, 2026

WESTMINSTER, Colo., April 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Trimble (Nasdaq: TRMB) will hold a conference call on Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at 8 a.m. ET to review its first quarter 2026 results. The call will be broadcast live on the web at https://events.q4inc.com/attendee/544327873. Analysts who wish to dial into the call may do so by first registering at https://events.q4inc.com/analyst/544327873?pwd=s5ilhwSm. Upon registration, dial-in details will be sent via email to the registrant.

About Trimble

Trimble is a global technology company that connects the physical and digital worlds, transforming the ways work gets done. With relentless innovation in precise positioning, modeling and data analytics, Trimble enables essential industries including construction, geospatial and transportation. Whether it is helping customers build and maintain infrastructure, design and construct buildings, optimize global supply chains or map the world, Trimble is at the forefront, driving productivity and progress. For more information about Trimble (Nasdaq: TRMB), visit: www.trimble.com.

FTRMB

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SOURCE Trimble