In a remarkable achievement for the Nigerian financial technology space, five leading Nigerian fintech companies—PalmPay, Moniepoint, OPay, Piggyvest, and Interswitch—have secured positions on CNBC’s prestigious list of the world’s top 300 fintech companies for 2025. This global ranking, developed in collaboration with data analytics firm Statista, acknowledges the most influential and high-performing fintech firms based on several key metrics, including revenue growth, market presence, and workforce strength.
As part of this comprehensive analysis, Statista conducted thorough desk research and incorporated editorial input from CNBC’s expert team. Consequently, the final list reflects a robust and data-driven evaluation of fintech excellence around the world.
Four Nigerian Fintechs Dominate Payment Category
Among the five Nigerian firms featured, four—PalmPay, Moniepoint, OPay, and Interswitch—appear in the payments category. This segment celebrates companies that specialize in facilitating seamless digital transactions between consumers and businesses. These firms offer a variety of services ranging from digital wallets and payment gateways to mobile money transfers and business-to-consumer financial tools.
Notably, their inclusion underscores Nigeria’s growing influence in the global digital payment space. Each of these companies has made significant strides in improving access to financial services across both urban and rural communities in Nigeria and beyond.
Piggyvest Stands Out in Wealth Tech Category
Meanwhile, Piggyvest earned its recognition under the Wealth Tech category. This particular segment showcases companies that deliver online investment platforms, wealth management tools, and portfolio optimization services. As Nigeria’s leading digital savings and investment platform, Piggyvest has empowered millions of users to build disciplined saving habits and gain exposure to simple investment opportunities.
By making wealth creation more accessible to everyday Nigerians, Piggyvest has played a pivotal role in reshaping how citizens engage with personal finance and long-term financial planning.
Nigeria’s Limited Yet Impactful Representation
Although Nigeria hosts over 200 fintech startups, only five made it to the global list. Statistically, this places Nigeria among countries with one of the lowest representation rates on the list. However, the presence of even a handful of Nigerian fintechs reflects the country’s budding yet impactful fintech ecosystem.
Interestingly, Moniepoint appears on the list as a UK-based entity due to its official incorporation in the United Kingdom, even though its operational roots and core customer base remain solidly Nigerian. This technicality highlights how some African startups are strategically registering abroad to attract global investment and expand their international footprint.
The United States and the United Kingdom Lead the Global Fintech Landscape
According to CNBC’s detailed breakdown, the United States leads the global fintech industry with 126 of the 300 companies headquartered within its borders. These firms range from banking apps and cryptocurrency platforms to payment solutions and lending services. The country’s dominance stems from its massive tech infrastructure, established capital markets, and mature regulatory frameworks.
Following the U.S., the United Kingdom claims the second spot with 38 fintechs, while Singapore has surpassed India to take third place with 16 companies. These figures reflect each country’s unique strengths in promoting financial innovation and fostering business-friendly environments for digital finance startups.
PalmPay Celebrates Inclusion and Expansion Plans
In response to the recognition, PalmPay expressed immense pride in being named one of the world’s top fintech firms. The company, which processes over 15 million daily transactions and boasts more than 35 million registered users, stated that this honor validates its commitment to financial inclusion.
Sofia Zab, the Founding Chief Marketing Officer of PalmPay, stated, “Being recognised by CNBC and Statista as one of the world’s top fintech companies is a powerful endorsement of our mission. We remain focused on bridging financial gaps in underserved communities while growing our presence in emerging markets such as Tanzania and Bangladesh. Our goal is to create a connected financial ecosystem that empowers individuals and businesses alike.”
Moniepoint Attributes Recognition to Team Effort
Similarly, Moniepoint’s Group CEO, Tosin Eniolorunda, welcomed the accolade with great enthusiasm. He emphasized that the company’s inclusion on the prestigious list underscores its growing reputation as a global fintech powerhouse.
“It is an honour to be named one of the world’s top fintech companies by CNBC. This recognition speaks volumes about the dedication and resilience of our entire team. At Moniepoint, we believe in leveraging technology to create lasting financial solutions for businesses and individuals across Africa,” Eniolorunda affirmed.
Moniepoint has become a trusted name in Nigeria’s business banking ecosystem, offering everything from POS devices and working capital loans to payroll services and compliance tools. Its impact, particularly in empowering micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), continues to attract global attention.
Interswitch and OPay: Longstanding Players and New Innovators
While Interswitch remains one of the oldest and most influential players in Nigeria’s fintech landscape, OPay represents the new wave of mobile-first fintech innovators. Interswitch, founded in 2002, has played a foundational role in laying the infrastructure for electronic payments in Nigeria and across Africa. Today, it offers a wide range of services, from payment processing to digital banking solutions.
OPay, on the other hand, has quickly scaled operations since its launch, offering mobile money, food delivery, and even transport services under one umbrella. The platform’s rapid growth and ability to adapt to market needs have earned it accolades as a future-forward fintech provider.
Piggyvest Continues to Revolutionize Savings Culture
Piggyvest, which began as a simple savings platform, now offers a wide array of investment options including fixed income, agriculture funding, and diversified portfolios. With an intuitive mobile interface and strong focus on user education, Piggyvest continues to encourage responsible financial behavior among young Nigerians.
The company’s customer-centric approach, transparency, and robust risk management tools have helped it build a loyal user base that sees the platform not just as an app but as a partner in long-term financial security.
What CNBC’s Fintech List Represents
Originally launched in 2023, CNBC’s global fintech list aims to spotlight companies that are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in financial technology. By analyzing firms across multiple verticals—such as digital banking, lending, payments, digital assets, and investment platforms—the list offers valuable insight into the rapidly evolving fintech ecosystem.
Moreover, it provides investors, policymakers, and industry stakeholders with a credible reference point for identifying leaders in innovation and financial disruption. It also affirms the growing role of fintechs in shaping how people and businesses manage money in today’s digital-first world.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, while Nigeria’s representation on the 2025 global fintech list remains modest, the impact of the five selected firms cannot be overstated. PalmPay, Moniepoint, OPay, Piggyvest, and Interswitch have not only demonstrated resilience and innovation but also positioned themselves as key players on the world stage.
Their inclusion highlights the immense potential of Nigeria’s fintech sector to transform financial services, reduce inequality, and drive inclusive economic growth. With continued investment, regulatory support, and talent development, more Nigerian fintechs could join future global rankings—and perhaps even lead them.
