FITSPA routes for proactive regulation

July 25, 2018 in Business, Financial Services, Policy, Technology & Telecoms by Editor

July 25, 2018 – The Bank of Uganda BoU, will adopt proactive regulation as part of efforts to support the development of Uganda fledgling Financial Technology industry.

The pledge was made July 12 by the BoU’s Director for Bank Supervision Dr Tumubweine Twinemanzi, during the annual general meeting of the Financial Technology Service Providers Association FITSPA, where he was chief guest.

Twinemanzi said the regulator would before year end introduce regulatory sandboxes to support innovation by FinTech firms.

Responding to appeals by FinTech firmsd for regulation that fosters rather than smother innovation, Twinemanzi observed that the current capital structure within Uganda’s banking industry constrains the ability of commercial banks to spearhead innovation.

“The fragile capital structure among commercial banks means that on their own, they find it prohibitive to invest in innovation. FinTech firms are therefore playing a critical role in fast tracking technologies that bring services and convenience to consumers,” he said.

To support FITSPA bridge the innovation gap, Twinemanzi said the regulator would soon introduce regulatory sandboxes – an approach to regulation where certain regulations are put in abeyance for a period, to allow innovators pilot new technologies products ahead of mass rollout.

Founded last August, the 15 member FITSPA has been driving efforts to bring a cashless economy closer to Ugandan consumers.

Speaking earlier, FITSPA Board Chair Mr. Muyiwa Asagba said the association was looking to stronger bonds and partnerships with other associations such as the Bankers Association, Micro Finance Association and Insurers Association among others to drive the creation of value within the financial services ecosystem.