Economy
World market remains bullish on crypto amid turbulence
- Wall Street remains bullish on crypto amid market turbulence. The world’s largest firms are pursuing crypto-adjacent ETFs.
- The NFT boom has driven Ethereum fees to the moon. Can rivals like Solana and Avalanche benefit?
- The week in numbers. The steep price of Justin Bieber’s new Bored Ape NFT, and other key figures to know.
Markets continue to struggle, but global finance giants are doubling down on crypto
During this rocky moment, as crypto markets have shed more than $1 trillion from November’s highs, institutional money is doubling down.
Traditional banks are staffing up on crypto researchers while asset-management giants like Blackrock and Fidelity are ramping up crypto-related ETFs.
Meanwhile, the complex macroeconomic backdrop to recent volatility — from the Federal Reserve winding down pandemic-era stimulus and the White House’s forthcoming crypto guidance to fears around Russia’s intentions in Ukraine — continues to unfold.
See Price changes are for the past week, ending on Feb 3, 2022 at 01:03 PM UTC
Bitcoin £27,030.96 -1.44%
Ethereum £1,927.17 +4.22%
Cardano £0.76 -3.36%
Solana £71.30 +4.22%
Polkadot £13.53 +0.82%
Dogecoin £0.10 -6.24%
Reports say Investment firms like Credit Suisse, Jefferies, and Canaccord Genuity are hiring crypto analysts to boost their research divisions — the latest sign that crypto is becoming more integrated (and correlated) with the broader market. According to a research exec at Bank of America — which announced its own crypto coverage division late last year — the number of publicly-traded companies mentioning crypto during earnings calls have jumped from about 17 to 147 since last year.
WisdomTree, which manages $76 billion, plans to launch a digital asset wallet called WisdomTree Prime later this year. Users will be able to buy crypto and even tokenized versions of physical assets like gold. Demand for crypto from the firm’s customers is clearly ample: Between the end of 2020 and the end of 2021, WisdomTree more than quintupled its crypto assets under management, from $79 million to over $406 million.
One major question continues to loom on Wall Street: Wen spot ETFs? Exchange-traded funds are a hugely popular asset class that generally track the price of an asset (like gold) or basket of assets (like the S&P 500). As their name suggests, they trade on exchanges and can be bought and sold like stock via a traditional brokerage account. Last year, ETFs holding Bitcoin futures contracts launched to record-breaking success. “Spot” crypto ETFs, on the other hand, would hold crypto directly — potentially bringing a vast wave of capital into the cryptoeconomy. Dozens of firms have submitted applications for spot ETFs, but so far, the SEC has declined to give the green light.
Fidelity, BlackRock, BNY Mellon, and Charles Schwab — which collectively manage assets worth more than $20 trillion — have all recently announced intentions to pursue crypto ETFs. Fidelity, which unsuccessfully filed for spot BTC ETF approval, is now pursuing an alternate strategy. It recently submitted a pair of new crypto-focused ETFs for SEC approval: one would invest in companies engaged in crypto-related fields (mining, support services, blockchain technology) while the other would focus on metaverse companies.
Obstacles to further institutional crypto adoption remain. Both BNY Mellon and Charles Schwab have cited a murky rule-making environment as a reason they haven’t delved deeper into the space. And at least one SEC official agrees. In a recent tweet, SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce criticized her agency for denying BTC spot ETF applications while continuing to allow BTC futures ETFs: “the rationale underlying [the denials] doesn’t get any better with time.”
Why it matters… In a new report, Fidelity said that Bitcoin has the potential to become “the primary monetary good,” a major endorsement from a firm with more than $4 trillion to its name. And institutional investors appear to be shrugging off the fact that BTC is down more than 40% from its recent high of $69,000. Indeed, some analysts note that the vast amount of institutional money currently invested in crypto may act as a steadying force — potentially making this downturn different from past dips.
As Ethereum confronts growing pains, rivals chip away at market share
The universe of crypto applications made possible by Ethereum’s smart-contract compatible blockchain — from DeFi to NFTs and beyond — continues to expand. So why is Ethereum losing market share to alternatives like Avalanche and Solana, according to a recent JPMorgan report? As The total value of the NFT market has surged past $12 billion, Ethereum has struggled to support the huge influx of new users, with issues including high transaction costs.
But it’s far too early to count Ethereum out. Not only does it lead by market cap, total value locked, developers, and users — the Ethereum Foundation is ramping up efforts on the fundamental scaling solution that, until recently, went under the name ETH2. Now referred to as the “Consensus Layer,” it has the potential to vastly increase Ethereum’s transaction speeds and lower costs for users. Let’s take a look.
Ethereum has long employed a “proof-of-work” consensus mechanism, which uses mining to verify transactions and generate new ETH. But starting last year, developers began shifting the blockchain to a “proof-of-stake” consensus mechanism — which promises to be faster, cheaper, and more energy efficient than the current system. So why change the name of the upgrade from ETH2? Mainly, developers said, because it created confusion among users worried their current ETH holdings would be lost or impacted when the “new” ETH was finished — the name change is designed to convey the idea that Ethereum is simply being upgraded, as opposed to being replaced.
The Ethereum blockchain’s most popular application is the NFT marketplace OpenSea, which recorded an all-time high $4.9 billion monthly trading volume in January. As traffic continues to surge, so do the fees for processing transactions, leading users and developers to explore alternative solutions. OpenSea, for one, is reportedly considering supporting Solana’s Phantom wallet.
Solana is one of the fastest-growing “Ethereum-killer” alternatives, offering significantly speedier and cheaper transactions. Solana’s Phantom wallet raised $109 million this week, and reports nearly 2 million monthly users (compared to 21 million for Metamask, one of the most popular Ethereum wallets). In other recent Solana-based NFT news, the Coachella music festival is selling 10 golden ticket NFTs that will grant holders lifetime VIP access to the California event. Still, Solana — like most emerging technologies — has its own challenges, including a recent string of prolonged network outages.
Alternative chains including Avalanche and Flow have also been gaining NFT market share — although Ethereum’s volumes remain vastly higher than all of the upstart competitors combined. Ethereum hosted billions of dollars worth of NFT sales in January, while Solana’s NFT market surpassed $180 million, Avalanche hit $45 million, and Flow (which hosts NBA Top Shot and recently partnered with Kevin Durant) reached nearly $60 million.
Why it matters… Can Ethereum scale fast enough to support explosive interest in NFTs, gaming, and other crypto applications? Ethereum’s Consensus Layer upgrade promises solutions to high fees and slow transaction times, but Ethereum is no longer the only player in the space. Current estimates indicate that the upgrade should be finished in the next year or two — in that time alternative chains like Solana, Avalanche, and Flow may refine their offerings and chip away at Ethereum. Meanwhile, Ethereum Layer 2 solutions like Polygon — which operate like HOV lanes and help reduce congestion on the main blockchain — are gaining market share as another scaling option that may help Ethereum maintain its edge.
NUMBERS TO KNOW
$8 trillion – Amount that the metaverse — the virtual and augmented reality in which we may all be doing much of our living, working, and playing in the future — will someday be worth according to Goldman Sachs. Ark Invest’s Cathie Wood sees a multi-trillion dollar opportunity, too. “It’s a big idea that will probably infiltrate…every sector in ways that we cannot even imagine right now,” she told CNBC in December.
$2.5 billion – Amount that payments giant Visa says customers spent using crypto-linked cards (including Coinbase Card) in its first fiscal quarter of 2022. Visa’s CFO told CNBC: “People are using their crypto-linked cards to spend in a variety of ways — retail goods and services, restaurants, travel. They’re increasingly being treated like a general purpose account.”
500 ETH – Price (about $1.3 million) that Justin Beiber paid in January for a Bored Ape Yacht Club NFT — the go-to collection for celebrities including Post Malone, Steph Curry, and Diplo. The singer shared his Ape to his nearly 220 million Instagram followers on Monday, captioning the pic with lyrics from his song “Lonely.”
30% – Proposed tax rate for any income from crypto transactions in India — including selling at a loss. In related news, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the country’s digital rupee, a central bank digital currency (CBDC), which is a digital version of government-issued money.
This article is Written by News.Band Economic Editor with reports from Coinbase
Economy
Fidelity Bank Resumes International Transactions on Naira Debit Cards

Tier-one Lender, Fidelity Bank Plc., has announced the resumption of international transactions on its Naira Debit Cards.
This recommencement gives customers the freedom to make seamless payments abroad, online, and at ATMs outside the country.
The Divisional Head of eBanking, Fidelity Bank, Ifeoma Onibuje, shed light on the development.
Onibuje said: “We are delighted to inform the public that Fidelity Naira Cards are now enabled for global use.
“This means that our travelling customers can now utilize their Naira Debit cards outside the country to shop, spend and withdraw internationally without hassles.”
“Consequently, our customers can now spend up to $1,000 quarterly for international POS and online transactions; and withdraw up to $500 quarterly on international ATMs.”
The announcement offers Fidelity Bank customers another way to complete international transactions, in addition to the Bank’s existing foreign currency debit and credit cards.
The bank stated that it further reinforces its commitment to delivering solutions that fit seamlessly into customers’ lifestyles.
With Fidelity Bank’s VISA and Mastercard Naira Debit Cards, Nigerians can now enjoy effortless global access.
Beyond payments, Fidelity VISA cardholders, one of the variants of the bank’s card offerings, also enjoy premium travel and lifestyle benefits.
The benefits range from airport lounge and spa access via the Visa Airport Companion App, to fast-track immigration lanes and 20% discounts on SIXT car rentals worldwide.
This move, the bank said, also reflects its commitment to provide secure, convenient, and reliable banking services that empower customers in Nigeria and beyond.
The bank noted that it has deliberately made the process of getting a Fidelity Naira card seamless.
It stressed that customers can easily apply for their Fidelity VISA or Mastercard Naira Debit card via the Fidelity Mobile App or simply visit the nearest Fidelity bank branch to request for one and they can start transacting globally with ease.
Ranked among the best banks in Nigeria, Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged Commercial Deposit Money Bank serving over 9.1 million customers through digital banking channels, its 255 business offices in Nigeria and United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.
The Bank is the recipient of multiple local and international Awards, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award by BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards; the 2024 Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application award for its Fidelity Mobile App by Global Business Outlook, and the 2024 Most Innovative Investment Banking Service Provider award by Global Brands Magazine.
Additionally, the Bank was recognized as the Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence and as the Export Financing Bank of the Year by the BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.
Celebrity/Entertainment
How Nigerian TikToker Geh Geh Made ₦45 Million in One Night

A Nigerian TikTok sensation known as “Geh Geh” has stunned the internet after pulling in over $30,000 from a single live session that attracted more than 177,000 viewers.
The young entertainer, who calls his platform the “University of Wisdom and Understanding,” has quickly built a cult following with his raw and unfiltered lectures about women, money, and survival in Nigeria.
During the live broadcast on Thursday, August 21, viewers showered him with virtual gifts that he later calculated to be worth over $30,000.
The milestone instantly pushed him into the spotlight as one of Nigeria’s fastest-rising online personalities.
Reacting in disbelief after the stream, Geh Geh said:
“More than 177,000 people watch my lectures today. Jesus! University of wisdom and understanding, the only university where once you graduate, woman go fear to ask you for money.”
Despite not having a formal education, Geh Geh proudly calls himself “the first illiterate to find a university in the history of Nigeria.” In a video after the viral live, he reminded fans of his humble background:
“I no be graduate too, but by the grace of God, I don find school. I be orphan, but now Nigerians don show me love.”
The TikTok star admitted he was overwhelmed by the generosity of his supporters.
“See gift I made over… more gift when they give me today is worth about $30,000. I no go take this love for granted, because I no really do anything for am.”
His rise has been hailed as proof of how social media is transforming lives in Nigeria. With no degree, no rich background, and no industry connection, Geh Geh has managed to build a fanbase that now calls themselves “students” of his unusual university.
Still, his controversial views on women and relationships continue to spark heated debates. While some dismiss his advice as reckless, others insist his boldness speaks directly to Nigeria’s frustrated youth.
Reflecting on his sudden fame, Geh Geh compared himself to great thinkers:
“If Nigeria be country wey value great people, by now them suppose dey compare people like me with Aristotle, Wole Soyinka, Einstein… but I thank God say people dey see my head and my own difference.”
From an orphan with no prospects to a viral star earning in dollars, Geh Geh’s story has become one of digital empowerment.
His journey shows how platforms like TikTok are creating new forms of fame, money, and influence for Nigerians especially those once written off by society.
Africa
UK Dominates Nigeria’s Q1 2025 Capital Inflows With N5.5tn — NBS

The United Kingdom has once again cemented its position as Nigeria’s leading source of foreign capital, accounting for more than N5.5 trillion in inflows during the first quarter of 2025, according to the latest data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
Figures from the Capital Importation Report show that capital from the UK rose to $3.68bn (N5.52tn) in Q1 2025, representing 65.26% of Nigeria’s total $5.64bn inflows for the quarter.
This marked a 29.2% rise from the $2.85bn recorded in Q4 2024 and more than double the $1.81bn inflows seen in Q1 2024.
This underscores Britain’s dominance in Nigeria’s external financing profile and highlights the strong bilateral financial ties between both nations.
Breakdown of Q1 2025 Capital Inflows by Country
United Kingdom: $3.68bn (65.26%)
South Africa: $501.29m (8.88%)
Mauritius: $394.51m (6.99%)
United States: $368.92m (6.54%)
United Arab Emirates: $301.72m (5.35%)
Together, these top five countries accounted for over 92% of Nigeria’s capital inflows, reflecting both the concentration of Nigeria’s foreign investments and the risks of over-dependence on limited markets.
Other contributors included:
Cayman Islands: $114.76m (up sharply from $0.64m in Q4 2024)
Belgium: $70.54m
France: $47.33m
Netherlands: $42.68m (down significantly from $425.61m in Q4 2024)
Singapore: $36.79m
Overall, capital importation into Nigeria stood at $5.64bn in Q1 2025, up 10.9% from Q4 2024’s $5.09bn, and a remarkable 67.1% higher than the $3.38bn recorded in Q1 2024.
The NBS noted:
“Capital Importation during the reference period originated largely from the United Kingdom with $3,681.96m, showing 65.26 per cent of the total capital imported.”
A separate survey by Strategy Management Partners (UK) reveals that British companies are increasingly targeting Africa as a strategic growth frontier.
50% of UK firms with annual turnover above £20m are already operational in Africa and planning expansions.
Another 28% of executives said they are interested but remain cautious about entry strategies.
Africa’s appeal lies in its resource wealth and demographic potential:
30% of the world’s mineral reserves
8% of natural gas reserves
12% of oil reserves
65% of the world’s arable land
Projected to host 25% of the global workforce by 2035
Seven key sectors remain magnets for foreign capital inflows into Nigeria and Africa at large:
1. Technology
2. Oil & Gas
3. Power and Renewable Energy
4. Agriculture
5. Manufacturing
6. Infrastructure
7. Strategic Minerals
Analysts warn that while Nigeria’s reliance on UK-driven inflows reflects strong global confidence, the concentration of sources exposes the economy to external shocks if investor sentiment shifts in these countries.
Diversification of investment partnerships particularly within Asi
a, the Americas, and intra-African trade will be crucial to ensuring long-term resilience in capital inflows.
Africa
U.S. Govt Reacts to Nigerian Minimum Wage

The United States government has said that Nigeria’s new N70,000 minimum wage has lost real value due to the sharp fall of the naira, leaving millions of workers trapped in poverty.
According to the 2024 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices, released by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labour, the wage translates to just $47.90 per month.
The report noted that currency devaluation and weak enforcement have undermined the wage increase.
The report also revealed that many states are yet to implement the new wage law. Several governors cited financial challenges as the main excuse.
Even where the law exists, compliance remains poor because of limited labor inspectors and weak oversight from authorities.
Wage Devaluation and Exclusion
The report highlighted that firms with fewer than 25 workers are excluded from the minimum wage law, leaving millions of employees without protection.
This also explained that about 70 to 80 percent of Nigeria’s workforce operates in the informal sector, where wage and labor rights are almost never enforced.
This means a majority of Nigerians continue to earn far below the national benchmark, despite the government’s approval of N70,000 as the new minimum wage.
The U.S. report stressed that the naira’s sharp decline, trading above N1,500 to the dollar, had worsened the wage erosion. This has left workers unable to afford basic needs, pushing many deeper into poverty.
Human Rights and Labor Challenges
The document pointed out that weak enforcement of labor laws contributes to worsening poverty levels in the country.
Workers in the informal sector, such as street vendors, artisans, and small traders, rarely benefit from labor protections.
The report also noted that Nigeria’s minimum wage is rarely sufficient to cover basic food, housing, and transport needs.
This has further exposed structural gaps in the government’s approach to economic reforms and poverty reduction.
Governors Push Investment Platform
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has launched a new investment initiative called NGF Investopedia.
The platform seeks to attract capital flows into bankable projects across all 36 states, with the goal of tackling Nigeria’s annual $100 billion infrastructure financing deficit.
The launch event in Abuja gathered governors, international partners, and investors. The forum described the platform as a long-term strategy to unlock growth opportunities across states and strengthen Nigeria’s subnational economies.
NGF Chairman and Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, said Nigeria must urgently leverage its human and natural resources to address poverty and joblessness.
“Here is Africa’s largest economy, endowed with abundant human and natural resources,” he said, stressing that state governments must play a bigger role in attracting investments and supporting local industries.
A Widening Gap
The contrast between the U.S. report on wage decline and the governors’ push for investment highlights Nigeria’s economic paradox.
While authorities promote foreign capital inflow, millions of workers continue to survive on wages that have lost most of their value.
With inflation rising, food prices soaring, and the naira weakening, the gap between earnings and cost of living keeps widening.
Unless enforcement improves and the informal sector is integrated into wage protections, the N70,000 benchmark may remain symbolic rather than effective.
Economy
Global Card: Fidelity Bank Hits Milestone As Fidelity Naira Card Accepted Globally

Fidelity Bank may have hit another milestone the Fidelity Naira Card is now accepted globally.
This was disclosed in a message sent to Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) via email on Monday.
According to the statement entitled “Your Fidelity Naira Card Now Works Globally; Shop, Pay and Withdraw with Ease!“, customers can buy favourite global brands online using their Fidelity Naira Card.
The band also stated that they can equally pay at POS terminals abroad and make cash withdrawals at ATMs as they travel.
The message reads:
“We’re excited to let you know that your Fidelity Naira Card is now enabled for global use — so you can shop, spend and withdraw internationally with confidence.
“Here’s what you now enjoy every quarter:
Channel |
Transaction Limit |
ATM Withdrawal abroad | $500 |
Online/Web & POS Payments | $ 1,000 |
“What does this mean for you?
- Shop your favourite global brands online
- Pay at POS terminals abroad with ease
- Withdraw cash at ATMs when you travel.”
The statement, however, noted that the $1,000 quarterly limit applies to all international transactions combined, including ATM withdrawals, online purchases, and POS payments.
The bank urged customers who may need assistance with setting card limits or activating their cards for global use, to contact the bank’s customers care “Centre Trueserve”, which is available round the clock, whether in Nigeria, or outside the country.
“Your world, your card — spend smart, spend globally with Fidelity,” the message concludes.
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