The Central Bank of Nigeria has launched the second cohort of its Regulatory Sandbox Programme, now open to virtual asset service providers, stablecoin businesses, and other fintech firms. Running from August 12 to August 31, 2026, the programme offers two testing tracks: one for virtual assets and another for data-driven financial services. The initiative aims to foster innovation in a controlled environment, ensuring that emerging financial technologies—particularly in payments and credit—undergo oversight to mitigate risks to consumers and the broader financial system.