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June 27.2025

2 Minutes Read

Oluwatobi Oladapo's Trust-First Innovation is Shaping Nigeria's Fintech Landscape

Confident man standing in a suit, symbolizing trust-first innovation in fintech.

Oluwatobi Oladapo: A Pioneer of Trust in Fintech

In the fast-evolving landscape of fintech, trust is paramount, yet often elusive. This is where Oluwatobi Oladapo, head of product at myCircle Africa, has excelled. Recently honored as Nigeria’s Most Exceptional Fintech Professional of the Year at the 2024 Nigeria Technology Awards (NiTA), his work centers on developing financial products deeply rooted in Nigerian culture and trust-building strategies.

Transforming Tradition into Technology

Oladapo’s standout project, the SPEND & SAVE feature, exemplifies this fusion. Launched in 2023, this tool leverages the familiar communal financial practices of Nigeria, such as Ajo and Esusu, allowing users to automatically save from daily transactions. The impact has been significant, with users collectively saving over ₦987 million. “This feature is a direct extension of traditional financial behaviors,” he remarked, highlighting the importance of integrating cultural relevance into product design, which echoes across the fintech sector.

Building Trust Beyond Branding

As Oladapo suggests, “Trust doesn’t emerge from branding. It’s earned through transparency, control, and cultural alignment.” This philosophy has guided his approach, ensuring that myCircle’s offerings resonate with users on a personal level. This user-centric mindset is critical in the fintech landscape, where conventional banking systems often fail to meet the needs of local consumers.

A Look into the Future of Fintech in Africa

The overarching theme of Oladapo’s work is the merging of traditional and digital practices to create a more inclusive financial ecosystem. The rise of his Wallet SDK demonstrates this commitment, enabling over 40 merchants to integrate group savings features into their platforms, thus broadening access to essential financial tools.

Final Thoughts on Innovation in Fintech

Oladapo’s recognition at NiTA is not merely an accolade; it represents a significant step towards redefining the future of digital finance in Africa. By advancing trust-first innovation, he is not just solving for today’s financial challenges—he is paving the way for sustained growth and inclusion in the continent’s fintech landscape.

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Oluwatobi Oladapo's Trust-First Innovation is Shaping Nigeria's Fintech Landscape

Oluwatobi Oladapo: A Pioneer of Trust in Fintech

Transforming Tradition into Technology

Building Trust Beyond Branding

A Look into the Future of Fintech in Africa

Final Thoughts on Innovation in Fintech

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