Caroline Abel: Welcoming remarks - Fintech Seychelles Workshop
Welcoming remarks by Ms Caroline Abel, Governor of Central Bank of Seychelles, at the Fintech
Seychelles Workshop, Mahe, 8 May 2019.
* * *
Vice President, Mr Vincent Meriton,
Minister for Finance, Trade, Investment and Economic Planning, Ambassador Maurice
LoustauLalanne,
Deputy Executive Director, Alliance for Financial Inclusion, Mr Norbert Mumba,
Programme Leader, World Bank Group, Ms Carolin Geginat,
Representatives of SADC Central Banks,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentleman,
Good Morning,
The introductory video we have just watched has set the stage for deliberations on a very
important topic; Financial Technology or Fintech, which is rapidly changing the global economic
and financial landscape.
In preparation for this workshop, we carried out a short exercise to get public opinion as well as
the perspectives of the regulators on their perception and usage of Fintech and the direction in
which they will like us to go as a country. The views shared have provided a snapshot of the
status quo and an indication of the work that needs to be done in order for us, as a country, to
fully understand the potential and embrace the opportunities presented by Fintech.
We cannot ignore the fact that this phenomenon has already reached our doorsteps, although it
is evident that much remains to be done for us to keep pace.
Before I go any further, I would like to extend a warm welcome to our speakers, panellists and
guests, from the region and beyond, as well as to our international partners from the World Bank
and the Alliance of Financial Inclusion.
It is an honour for the Central Bank of Seychelles, the Financial Services Authority, and indeed,
our country as a whole, to host this event that brings together Fintech specialists and industry
experts from several jurisdictions, joining those from our own shores, to lead the dialogue and
interactions that are set to take place over the next two-and-a-half days.
We are also encouraged that representatives of our key local stakeholders have responded
positively to our invitation. Your engagement and valuable contributions will surely pave the way
for us to achieve the ultimate goal of this exercise - which is the formulation of a vision and
development of a common strategy, which will guide the implementation of Fintech locally.
Technology continues to pervade our day-to-day activities and shift the way we carry out various
tasks, from the mundane shopping for consumables online, to the more complex mobile banking
solutions.
Similarly, our current financial landscape is also having to change to accommodate the
opportunities brought about by the advances in technology and rise of the digital era. The use of
innovative technology in the design and delivery of financial services and products is
transforming the way we transact and most importantly, the way money is presented.
In Seychelles however, there is still some level of reticence among much of our population to
move towards newer technologies. A tour of town at 7.30 in the morning on any given day will
show long queues outside the banks, of clients waiting for bank opening hours to either withdraw
or deposit cash, although there are ATM facilities and an increasing number of merchants avail
their customers the use of POS machines for instant payment.
Although the level of Fintech in Seychelles still has some way to go to get to the highest possible
level, there is no mistaking the growing interest in harnessing the possibilities.
In 2014, the Central Bank of Seychelles issued a Telecom provider, Airtel Seychelles, with a
license to offer mobile money transfers - the first license issued by the institution to a payment
service provider offering a service based on a Fintech solution.
Since then, the Central Bank has initiated a number of projects as part of efforts to encourage
innovation in the payments sphere. These would include:
 The drafting of the e-money regulations which will set the licensing framework to introduce
emoney issuers.
 An amendment to the Foreign Exchange Act which will enable entities licensed under the
National Payment Systems Act and the e-money regulations (once in effect), to conduct cross
border transactions and engage in the selling and buying of Foreign Exchange.
 The reformation of the National Payments Council so as to act as a conduit to promote
innovation in the payments sphere.
As the sole institution with the mandate of ensuring financial stability, the Central Bank of
Seychelles has, for some time, realised that it needs to further understand the dynamics of the
phenomenon, which has given rise to technological innovation such as biometric authentication,
mobile money and wallets, cloud computing, cross border remittances, Blockchain technology,
big data, to name but a few. Most importantly, it is imperative that the Bank understands the
impacts that Fintech has on the financial institutions falling under its regulatory purview and
subsequently, on the stability of the financial system.
Fintech is challenging what had become a slow paced and conventional industry, transforming it
into a dynamic and vibrant ecosystem. It is allowing the entrance and growth of new financial
players, creation of new business models and pushing the older players to reinvent themselves.
However, this does not imply that Fintech does not pose its own challenges. As a regulator, we
are aware of the risks which exist in regards to financial consumer protection, data protection,
cyber security and Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Financing of Terrorism. Our mandate is
to ensure that payments done in our jurisdiction are effected in a safe, sound, efficient and
reliable manner, regardless of the changes in the payments landscape.
It is for these very reasons that the embracing of the new opportunities needs to be accompanied
by sound policies and guidelines. Hence, it is important to have such dialogues among the
implementers of Fintech Solutions, policy makers and the regulators, in line with their respective
mandates, so that there is a comprehensive understanding of the opportunities and challenges of
such developments.
The insight and wealth of practical experience from external partners over the next few days, will
further enhance our efforts to enable Fintech to play a greater role in the development of the
National Payment System and other financial infrastructures, improving SME access to credit,
fostering capital market development, enhancing competition and innovation and promoting
greater financial stability.
It is comforting to know that we are not alone in this endeavour and the foundation for us to have
a comprehensive strategy has already been laid. In October last year, the International Monetary
Fund and the World Bank Group launched the Bali Fintech Agenda, a set of 12 policy elements
aimed at helping member countries to harness the benefits and opportunities of rapid advances
in financial technology that are transforming the provision of banking services, while at the same
time managing the inherent risks.
This framework shall be largely considered and used as a guide as we develop our own national
strategy and accompanying policies.
There is no guarantee that we will be able to address all of the risks associated with innovative
financial products and services. As regulators and industry players, we are challenged with
ensuring that regulations do not hinder, but rather, complement developments in the market.
However, it is anticipated that through learning and better understanding of new developments
and market products, we can adjust to accommodate technological advances.
The theme of this workshop - "Building a Fintech Platform for Seychelles - Opportunities and
Challenges", has not been chosen lightly, as it is hoped that this forum will facilitate dialogue
between representatives of the Fintech industry; coordinate initiatives across separate
publicsector entities; and build awareness and education of Fintech in Seychelles.
I look forward to the diversity of thought and richness of the debate on the topic and wish you all
fruitful deliberations. To the international guests, it is a pleasure to have you with us, and I hope
that you also have the opportunity to explore our beautiful country.
Thank you.