FXTM sees its academy breaking market entry barriers for retail investors
Nigeria’s capital market is seeing a surge in retail investors this year as confidence returns to Africa’s most populous nation. Retail investors traded equities worth N2.33 trillion between January and August, marking their strongest comeback since 2008. Despite the influx, barriers to entry still persist due to trust and knowledge gaps.
In this interview with BusinessDay’s Wasiu Alli, Adaeze Uzochukwu, specialist, Education Media at FXTM, shared practical ways her organisation is helping to improve investor confidence and break barriers to entry into the Nigerian market. Excerpt:
Retail participation in forex trading is surging in Nigeria. Do you think the market is adequately regulated, or are retail investors being exposed to systemic risks without enough safeguards?
At FXTM, we recognise that retail participation in forex trading has grown significantly in Nigeria, and with that comes the need for stronger investor protection. Regulation is evolving, but there is still room for improvement to ensure retail traders are adequately safeguarded from systemic risks. That is why we go beyond minimum requirements by partnering with an entity operating under a globally recognised regulatory framework, offering transparent processes, segregated client funds, and strict risk management standards. Most importantly, we emphasise education through the FXTM Academy, so traders are not just participating but participating with knowledge and discipline. By combining regulatory compliance, security, and capacity building, we help ensure Nigerian traders can trade confidently in a safe and credible environment.
Financial inclusion remains suboptimal in Nigeria even though there’s been a relative improvement in recent times. How is FXTM positioned to tap into that market?
Financial inclusion in Nigeria is still a work in progress, and at FXTM we see it as both a challenge and an opportunity. Our goal is to make access to global financial markets simple, affordable, and transparent for everyday Nigerians. Through the FXTM Academy, we provide free training that demystifies trading and equips people with practical skills, while our digital platforms, mobile-friendly tools, and AI-powered learning apps lower barriers to entry. By combining education with technology, we’re helping more Nigerians, especially the youth, participate meaningfully in the global financial ecosystem and build pathways to financial independence.
FXTM Academy offers free training across Nigeria. How does this model help break barriers for young Nigerians who may see trading as inaccessible or risky?
The free training model of the FXTM Academy helps remove the biggest barriers young Nigerians face: cost and confidence. By offering quality education at no charge, we make trading knowledge accessible to everyone, not just those who can afford it. Also, our trainers simplify complex topics, provide hands-on guidance, and create a supportive community where learners can grow together. This approach not only builds skill but also trust, helping young Nigerians see trading as an achievable and empowering opportunity rather than a risky venture.
Local fintechs and global platforms are flooding Nigeria’s broking market. Where does FXTM see its strongest competitive advantage — pricing, technology, regulation, or trust?
We see our strongest competitive advantage as a blend of pricing, technology, regulation, and trust. Our competitive pricing ensures traders get real value for their investments, while our cutting-edge technology, including our AI-powered learning tools, gives clients speed, convenience, and insight. While pricing and technology are important, what also sets us apart is our transparent operation under a top-tier, internationally regulated partner and our commitment to empowering clients through knowledge. With the FXTM Academy and our strong local presence, we don’t just provide a trading platform; we build informed, confident traders who understand the markets. That combination of reliability, innovation, and education is what keeps us ahead in Nigeria’s fast-growing broking space.
The AI Trader Coach App is a unique feature. How does it personalise learning and support traders differently from traditional classroom or webinar approaches?
The AI Trader Coach App personalises learning by adapting to each trader’s behaviour and progress. Unlike the traditional classrooms or webinars that use a one-size-fits-all approach, the AI coach provides traders with tailored feedback, trading tips, and strategy suggestions based on individual performance. It also tracks mistakes and helps traders improve at their own pace. This gives users the feeling of having a personal mentor in their pocket, available anytime they want to trade.
Looking ahead, how does FXTM plan to expand or evolve the Academy to ensure it continues to meet the needs of Nigerians in an increasingly competitive and globalised financial market?
Looking ahead, we plan to expand the FXTM Academy’s reach to more cities across Nigeria and introduce more advanced, tech-driven learning tools. Our goal is to keep evolving with the market by integrating AI-based coaching, real-time simulations, and localised content that reflects the Nigerian trading experience. We’ll also strengthen our online learning community so traders can stay connected, mentored, and informed beyond physical workshops. In a fast-changing global market, continuous innovation and education will remain at the heart of how we empower Nigerian traders to stay ahead.
Beyond Nigeria, which African markets are driving your fastest growth, and do you expect any to rival Nigeria in size and liquidity within the next five years?
Beyond Nigeria, we’re seeing strong growth in markets like Kenya, South Africa, and Ghana, where interest in online trading and financial education is rapidly increasing. Each of these countries has a young, tech-savvy population eager to explore global financial opportunities. However, Nigeria remains our largest and most dynamic market due to its size, entrepreneurial spirit, and growing appetite for financial independence. That said, with the right infrastructure and continued education, we believe some of these emerging markets could begin to rival Nigeria’s growth and liquidity over the next five years.
