Going digital is the way forward and the coronavirus pandemic has proved this. With the easing of the lockdown, we see crowds of people at different banks especially in Lagos trying to get into the bank one at a time, trying to comply with precautionary measures to stop the spread of the virus. But it’s usually not that straight forward as you will see people pushing each other in some instances to manoeuvre their way into a bank. The struggles of staying in really long queues in a crowded place all in the name of getting into a bank for a service can be put to an end with a completely digital banking platform.
It is refreshing to know that digital banking startup Sparkle has been launched in Nigeria by former Diamond Bank chief executive officer (CEO) and tech entrepreneur Uzoma Dozie. Sparkle is aimed at providing seamless solutions to Nigerian individuals, SMEs, and retailers.
Uzoma Dozie founded the digital bank in August 2019 and currently fronts an online TV show called Tech Turks and launched TechFest in 2018 in Lagos.
Sparkle, which has been granted a banking license from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), offers comprehensive support for individuals, including flexible payments, savings, and analytics to provide greater freedom, flexibility, and control over finances and lifestyle.
Powered by data and technology, the company will give customers full and free access to one account that offers multiple services and different wallets, according to a statement from the company.
Users will be provided with visibility over spending patterns, with a detailed breakdown of payments by category. Sparkle Stash, a savings tool aimed towards specific goals, are included.
Users will also have the ability to split payments and bills, make utilities and bill payments, as well as send and receive money in the Sparkle network and with other local banks. Customers will also have access to Indy – a 24/7 financial buddy and customer services chatbot.
“Sparkle will be transformational for Nigerians across the globe and I am hugely excited to be launching it today. Sparkle is redefining Nigerian commerce by merging financial services with a seamless lifestyle solution,” said Dozie.
“We are removing barriers using technology and data, driving inclusion at scale. In doing so, we are empowering Nigerians to fulfill their potential, democratizing access to valuable solutions for both business and personal needs.”
Sparkle is partnering with Visa, Microsoft and PwC Nigeria to provide industry-leading expertise in APIs, cloud computing, data science, machine learning, tax, and financial advisory services for the benefit of Sparkle’s customers. The services offered by Sparkle are all licensed by the CBN.
