Jørn Lyseggen, founder of fintech startup BMONI, has called for a radical shift in how financial services are delivered to Africa’s growing class of globally connected professionals.
According to Lyseggen, traditional banks are no longer equipped to meet the needs of a new generation of Africans who earn, save, and transact across borders.
“Traditional banks weren’t built for this new generation of borderless professionals,” Lyseggen said. “People are earning, innovating, and creating value, yet their money often doesn’t work for them the way it should.”
Lyseggen emphasized the importance of digital platforms like BMONI in supporting Africa’s digital economy—where millions now work remotely for international employers and require seamless, secure, and flexible financial tools.
A platform built for the global African
Lyseggen said the idea for BMONI was born from years of working with African entrepreneurs and creators through his organization, MEST Africa, based in Ghana.
“Over the past two decades, I’ve worked closely with entrepreneurs across the continent, and the pattern has been consistent—people are building global careers but are still held back by limited access to stable, flexible financial tools,” he explained.
BMONI, he said, was created to change that. The platform offers multi-currency wallets, instant naira-to-dollar swaps, and global payment tools designed to empower users to participate fully in the global economy—without friction or financial barriers.
“We want to give people speed, access, and freedom in how they earn, save, and move money,” Lyseggen said. “Ultimately, BMONI is about helping people take control of their money, protect its value, and grow their wealth confidently in an increasingly global world.”
Blockchain-powered, biometrically secured
At the core of BMONI’s infrastructure is blockchain technology and stablecoins, which enable faster, cheaper, and more transparent transactions.
“There are no intermediaries, no delays, and no high fees,” Lyseggen said. “Funds move in seconds instead of days, and at a fraction of the cost.”
Users can fund accounts from anywhere in the world, send and receive money instantly, and convert between naira and dollars at real market rates—reducing reliance on volatile parallel markets.
Lyseggen noted that what sets BMONI apart is the depth of its technology and the simplicity of its user experience. The platform is backed by over 22 patented technologies, including biometric security that replaces passwords with cryptographic facial authentication.
“Your face literally becomes your login—removing the need for passwords and protecting users from hacks or credential theft,” he said.
Financial wellness meets everyday banking
Beyond basic transactions, BMONI is designed to support long-term financial wellness. The platform allows users to save in USD and other currencies, helping them preserve the value of their income amid currency volatility.
“The moment someone receives their salary in naira, they can instantly convert it to USD stables within BMONI,” Lyseggen explained. “This kind of access was previously limited to those with international bank accounts.”
Looking ahead, BMONI plans to expand its offerings to include savings, investment in U.S. stocks and gold, and AI-powered budgeting tools—all within a single platform.
Responsible innovation in a complex market
Acknowledging the regulatory and operational challenges of Nigeria’s fintech landscape, Lyseggen said BMONI is committed to responsible innovation.
“We see these not as obstacles, but as opportunities to innovate responsibly,” he said. “Our strategy is to stay agile, compliant, and deeply connected to our users’ realities.”
BMONI partners with licensed financial institutions and regulated exchanges to meet both Nigerian and international financial standards. Its long-term goal, Lyseggen said, is to help users manage and grow wealth securely in a rapidly evolving financial ecosystem.
What you should know
- BMONI officially launched in Nigeria earlier in October, marking a bold step towards disrupting how Nigerians spend, save and move money locally and globally.
- The platform blends Silicon Valley expertise with deep African insight to drive financial inclusion and unlock global opportunities for Nigeria’s tech-savvy youth and small businesses.
