The payment service bank which has led the charge to redefine Nigeria’s digital banking environment from inception, is on a mission to Bank9ja, and is driving this through its cutting-edge financial solutions and offerings that target all spheres of customers, including individuals, businesses and fintechs.

The bank has enabled millions of Nigerians by closing the financial divide, encouraging economic inclusion, and advancing prosperity through its smooth services and easily accessible digital platforms.

In the last four years, 9PSB has continued to implement innovative programs aimed at removing financial obstacles and ensuring that every Nigerian is onboard the financial ecosystem.

By utilizing its state-of-the-art technology, the bank has effectively expanded its financial services to all spheres – from individuals especially those in isolated regions, to businesses, fintechs etc. as it empowers them to do more while removing barriers to payments, thereby guaranteeing that every Nigerian, especially the underprivileged populations may now be able to obtain safe and reasonably priced financial products.

“Our journey has just begun,” said Branka Mracajac, CEO of 9PSB. “Four years ago, we embarked on a bold and groundbreaking journey to launch Nigeria’s first payment service bank, setting out to reshape the financial landscape beyond mobile money and agent banking. It all started as a vision, a commitment to democratising access to financial services for all Nigerians and we are unwavering in that respect.”

“The past four years have been anything but easy – a journey marked by relentless challenges and uphill battles. Yet, through sheer determination and unwavering commitment, we have built the foundations of something truly remarkable. This anniversary is also a moment to reflect on and honor the support and contributions of our customers, partners, staff and ex-employees who were part of this journey. Their dedication played an essential role in bringing us to this point. Join us, as we celebrate four years of accessible banking for all,” Mracajac remarked.

Innovation and inclusivity are key to 9PSB’s philosophy. To guarantee a flawless experience for its customers, the bank has consistently improved its digital platforms while providing the means for their customers – both B2C and B2B – to thrive.

The bank’s flagship products include Bank9ja – a mobile payment solution accessible through the mobile app and USSD channels, and its agent banking services with its own network of agents.

Furthermore, the bank has also launched several B2B products that is powering fintechs and businesses.

Some of these products include Wallet-As-A-Service, Virtual Account (Pay with bank transfer), Payout with 9PSB, Instant Settlements Solutions, Disbursement Solutions amongst others.

As it celebrates its fourth anniversary, 9PSB is reaffirming its commitment to leading and facilitating Nigeria’s financial inclusion and empowerment agenda.

“As we celebrate our 4th anniversary, let us embrace this fresh start and recommit ourselves to achieving even greater impact. Together, we are poised to turn the lessons of the past into a brighter and more prosperous future.”, Branka added.

Happy 4th Year Anniversary to 9PSB:

[Featured Image Credit]

The year’s event themed, ‘Redefining Payment,’ focused and analyzed the payment habits of the Millennials and Gen Z, the largest generation groups.

It spotlighted the crucial effects of the group on the payment world to continue to develop solutions that will gain their loyalty and that of the total market.

Speaking at the session, Women in Fintech, themed, Inclusive Finance for SMEs,  designed to mentor participating female undergraduates across institutions of higher learning in Lagos State, Branka Mracajac, the managing director and Chief Executive Officer, 9 Payment Service Bank (9PSB), emphasized that women are making significant breakthroughs in the fintech sector and in Small and Medium Scale Enterprises in recent years compared to what was obtainable in the past.

Although, women are still contending with the male counterparts for positions, it is evident that many women are assuming key executive positions in the finance and fintech sector, as well as other areas of human endeavours.

The fintech industry is striving to improve the situations occasioned by gender disparity, inclusivity, and financial inclusion to ensure equal growth and opportunities.

In her words,

‘’Women are founding many business entities and SMEs, it is important to have the right mindset, work hard and put in more efforts to educate yourselves, acquire the right expertise and skills, network and find someone who will inspire you and the opportunities would present itself. We need more prominent professional women leaders in fintech to inspire young girls. We did not have this in my time, but the dynamics have changed. Women should stay focused, connected, and look for opportunities to kick-start their careers’’.

Other female Chief Executive Officers in the fintech sector who also formed part of the session are Ronke Kuye, (Shared Agent Network Expansion Facilities Limited, SANEF, Nigeria); Dr. Markie Idowu (Xpress Payment Solutions Limited); Kemi Okunsanya (Hydrogen, Nigeria), and Yemi Keri (Heckerbella Limited).

They also shared pieces of advice to the young undergraduates on the need to have mentors who have attained progressive stages of career growth; build good rapport; have improved social capital, utilize the social media as a means of communication; and communicate their capability, competencies, and experience.

In addition, they advised them to offer their best and be ready to add value to prospective organizations they will be employed in.

Furthermore, the youngsters were also implored to build and keep relationships with colleagues and ensure leave on a good note whenever they meet people, because the future is unpredictable.

Digital Pay Expo is a yearly event designed to bring together industry regulators, fintech top executives, and innovators in the fintech and payment solution space to collaborate and move the industry forward.

The platform provides a unique opportunity for industry players to discover new innovative cases and technologies that will accelerate the much-needed growth in the fintech ecosystem.

Photo News from the event:

9 PAYMENT SERVICE BANK

• 9 Payment Service Bank (9PSB) is a registered Nigerian bank operating under the approval of CBN to provide unique banking services to the underbanked, and unbanked, as well as innovative services to individuals with bank accounts.
• 9PSB operates as a fully digital bank and runs its agency network. 9PSB is a bank for everyone accessible by everyone and offers a seamless online & offline banking experience.

It extended its financial literacy and mentorship programme to Rosebay Schools, Lekki Phase 1 in Lagos State to mark this year’s Global Money Week theme, “Protect Your Money, Secure Your Future”

Speaking during the mentorship session, Akeem Salam, group head, Business Development and Strategy at 9PSB,  emphasized that to earn money one must engage in a productive activity by working for an organisation, offering services, running a self-employed business, or conducting investment ventures that will yield returns at a stipulated period. Therefore, the money earned must be secured through depositing it in a savings account in the bank to yield interest for future use.

‘’To make money, one must understand and define his or her purpose in life, identify your niche where you can perform excellently by creating value through your services and people will be willing to pay. For you to know how important money is, this week has been dedicated globally to raising awareness about financial literacy, targeting children like you to raise your consciousness on how to protect your money and secure your future,” Salam remarked.

“The future is not too far from now, you need to start planning and investing your money, and your parents and teachers need to help you begin the journey. The most important thing now is to ensure you start saving, be consistent and disciplined, so you will not have to regret tomorrow,” he added.

Global Money Week is an annual global awareness-raising campaign on the importance of ensuring that young people, from an early age, are financially aware, and are gradually acquiring the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviours necessary to make sound financial decisions and achieve financial well-being and financial resilience.

What is 9 Payment Service Bank?

• 9 Payment Service Bank (9PSB) is a registered Nigerian bank operating under the approval of CBN to provide unique banking services to the underbanked, and unbanked, as well as innovative services to individuals with bank accounts.
• 9PSB operates as a fully digital bank and runs its agency network. 9PSB is a bank for everyone accessible by everyone and offers a seamless online and offline banking experience.

Speaking during the masterclass session on ‘’Environment, Social, Governance & Risk Management for the Fintech Ecosystem – A Focus on Fintech and Financial Inclusion’’ at the Nigeria Fintech Week 2022 Conference, the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of 9 Payment Service Bank (9PSB), Branka Mracajac reiterated the need to prioritize financial literacy in order for financial inclusion to happen.

‘’We take pride in educating the financially excluded and the unbanked, letting them know why they should be part of the formal financial ecosystem. Financial inclusion is not just about opening a bank account, but it is about individuals and businesses having access to useful, affordable financial services”, Mracajac remarked.

In addition, she said, “at 9PSB, we are building the bridge between those who are financially excluded and financial institutions, including the deposit money banks, by providing access, collecting data and educating the financially excluded.  Our bank is eager for all Nigerians to access financial solutions. We are open to partnerships with financial service providers and banks and deliberately seeking out and providing opportunities for students and youths to learn.”

Other Speakers at the masterclass session include Partner, Banwo & Ighodalo, Ayodele Adeyemi-Faboya; CEO, Branch International, Dayo Ademola; Partner, Udo Udoma & Belo-Osagie, Joseph Eimunjeze; and Financial Sector Lead, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), Bola Karimu who made various submissions with regards to the Fintech Ecosystem.

It has been revolutionary in galvanizing and building the Fintech industry across Africa, stimulating indigenous creativity to solve Africa’s tech challenges, removing cross-border barriers to FinTech operations and fostering collaboration amongst stakeholders.

This year’s conference is themed: “Navigating the Next Normal – Sustainable Impacts in Fintech, E-Government and Emerging Technologies”.

9 Payment Service Bank (9PSB), Nigeria’s foremost digital payment service bank focused on financial inclusion has unveiled its Customer Service Centre as part of activities lined up to celebrate this year’s Customer Service Week.

The event, which took place at the bank’s Head Office in Victoria Island, Lagos, had customers, partners, and staff members in attendance.

Speaking at the event, Branka Mracajac, the Chief Executive Officer of 9 Payment Service Bank (9PSB), commended the entire team for the milestone achievement recorded in making the customer service centre a reality.

She said, “Two years ago in our very first board meeting, I was asked what I will bring to the table that will make a difference when it comes to providing financial services to the Nigerian market. My answer to the question was that there is no silver bullet to it, but what will make the difference will be to have excellent customer service.”

“So, you can understand that I take very personal pride and joy in launching our very own Customer Service Centre. It was long coming. We have put in a lot of effort and work to find the right team to do proper training and launch a centre that is built on our three critical pillars – Omni-channels experience, proactive support, and reduced customer effort”, she said.

“Our team is trained in a holistic way to listen to our customers, hear their issues, react proactively, predict the needs of the customers and deliver a perfect customer service experience,” Mracajac added.

Also speaking at the event, the Customer Experience Management Lead, 9PSB, Olusegun Omoloye, said “9PSB is fulfilling its mandate to both its customers and partners by ensuring that the services promised are delivered efficiently. The Centre will be managed by highly qualified professionals who will help to deliver seamless and top-notch services in line with the bank’s business objective.”

“This is part of 9PSB’s effort to drive financial inclusion by not only ensuring access to the financial ecosystem but also providing support through unique customer experiences that cater for customers in a manner they understand and through channels they can relate with”, he added.

The 9PSB Customer Experience Centre is fully equipped with modern facilities carefully sourced to support the smooth running and operation of its customer service to deliver real-time management of all interactions with its customers in all channels, as the bank continues its mission to Bank9ja.