Legal Services Day is all about celebrating the unsung heroes behind the scenes — our legal team! At Moni, they play a key role in connecting the dots between law, technology, and finance. Whether it’s ensuring compliance, supporting underserved communities, or simplifying processes, their work helps us create products that truly make a difference.
We caught up with a member of our legal team to learn about their journey, their daily work, and how they help Moni drive innovation and inclusion.
Q: How did you get started in law, and what led you to join Moni?
My path into law began at a tech support firm where I interned before law school. Working there opened my eyes to the vast differences between traditional and tech-driven business models, and I also got curious about the evolution of the law in relation to technological advancements.
That curiosity led me here, to a fintech company that combines financial services with cutting-edge technology. It’s the perfect place to explore the intersection of law and tech. The nature of my role pushes me to learn more about finance and technology and how legal frameworks can support innovation.
Q: What’s a typical day like for the legal team at Moni?
There’s no ‘typical day’ for the legal team at Moni, which is part of what makes it exciting! One day we’re drafting loan agreements or reviewing contracts, and the next we’re having meetings on regulatory and compliance matters. Some days involve a lot of reading and researching legislation or some more technical aspects of our work.
Q: How does your work help Moni serve communities with limited access to financial services?
We help design our products with the aim to be inclusive of communities that are largely overlooked by more traditional financial institutions, while ensuring they comply with regulations. We strive to simplify the loan application process and put policies in place that make it more accessible and less intimidating for them. By creating such a balance, we create a bridge that allows such communities to gain access to the funds they require.
Q: Can you share any pro bono work you or the team have done, and its impact?
As a student, I was actively involved with our legal clinic, where we helped pre-trial detainees — people who were waiting for their trials but couldn’t afford a lawyer. Many of them were held in detention simply because they didn’t know their rights or didn’t have legal representation.
Our team helped these individuals understand their rights, prepare for court, and in most cases, speed up their release. We gave them a chance to return to their families and communities sooner.
Q: What common legal misconceptions do you encounter in fintech, and how do you address them?
Two common misconceptions about fintech are the opposite: some believe fintechs are largely unregulated, while others believe that they face such excessive regulations that hinder their growth. Fintechs operate within a unique regulatory framework that includes guidelines from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and other regulatory bodies, ensuring customer protection while promoting innovation. Thus, allowing fintech companies to thrive in the financial landscape without compromising customer safety or compliance.
Q: What advice would you give young lawyers who want to make a difference in fintech or pro bono work?
Law school is challenging, and it’s normal to experience some burnout from the educational demands. However, it’s very important to continuously upskill. This allows you to gain technical skills and a competitive edge that broadens your professional opportunities and opens doors to new areas of expertise.
Q: Share any other interesting thing about your work in general
I work remotely, which is one key innovation of working in the tech field. One interesting part of my job is the flexibility of working remotely. It allows me to stay connected with the team and manage tasks from anywhere, outside a traditional office setting. While I do miss the face-to-face interaction, I am grateful not to have to deal with Lagos traffic daily.
Moni’s legal team is more than just contracts and compliance — they’re champions of innovation and inclusion. Their work helps us deliver financial services that are easy to access and built for everyone.
This Legal Services Day, we’re proud to shine a spotlight on their efforts to make finance fairer, simpler, and more impactful for all.
