Overcoming Banking Barriers: What’s Next for African Founders Amid Stringent Financial Regulations

Mercury Bank logo - Impact on African startups

Explore the impact of stringent financial regulations on African founders. Learn how recent banking challenges, including Mercury’s account closures, are shaping the future for startups in Africa and what steps can be taken to navigate these barriers.

OVERCOMING-BANKING-BARRIERS_-WHATS-NEXT-FOR-AFRICAN-FOUNDERS-AMID-STRINGENT-FINANCIAL-REGULATIONS-CLIENT-BRIEFING-NOTE

On 23 July 2024, Mercury, a San Francisco-based digital bank, recently announced plans to close all accounts of users in 37 countries by 22 August 2024, due to compliance requirements. Interestingly, 13 of these countries are in Africa. This follows similar disruptions, such as the near-collapse of Silicon Valley Bank in March 2023 and the recent bankruptcy filing of Synapse.

These developments have created significant challenges for African startups, particularly those with foreign investment holding companies. These recent banking disruptions will likely impact their operations and fundraising efforts.

To read more on our detailed overview of the banking challenges faced by African startups, the implications to their businesses, and solutions to navigating this crisis. You can access it by clicking the download button below.

If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to at clientservices@tlpadvisory.com

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Authors

  • Daniel Igiekhumhe

    Daniel is an Associate Counsel at TLP Advisory. He helps businesses across sectors build products, secure capital, and drive growth without breaching regulatory requirements. His core areas of specialization include corporate governance, investment advisory, and finance.

  • Emmanuella Keshinro

    Emmanuella is an Associate Counsel at TLP Advisory. She supports innovative startups across various tech domains, ensuring their legal compliance and success. She specializes in corporate governance, startup & investment advisory in the technology sector. Emmanuella is committed to shaping the future of entrepreneurs, one legal breakthrough at a time.

  • Chidinma Anuforo

    Chidinma is an Associate at TLP Advisory, where she supports startups, growth-stage businesses, and investors in navigating the legal and regulatory aspects of financial and investment decisions. Her expertise spans multi-jurisdictional investment structuring, financing arrangements, regulatory compliance, and corporate governance, providing comprehensive support tailored to each client’s needs.