Five Nigerian financial technology companies, PalmPay, Moniepoint, OPay, Piggyvest, and Interswitch, have been listed among the top 300 fintech companies in the world for 2025. The ranking was published by American business news platform, CNBC, in collaboration with data research firm, Statista. The list, released this week, recognised fintech companies across different countries based on specific performance indicators including revenue growth, employee strength, and overall business expansion.
According to CNBC, the top 300 fintech companies were identified following thorough desk research carried out by Statista. The research was combined with editorial input from CNBC to ensure a credible and comprehensive selection process. This marks the second edition of the annual ranking which began in 2023 with the aim of spotlighting global leaders in the technology-driven financial services sector.
Out of the five Nigerian companies, PalmPay, Moniepoint, OPay, and Interswitch were listed under the Payments category. This category comprises fintech firms that provide payment services, gateways, and other products that simplify and secure transactions between individuals and businesses. These companies have been at the forefront of Nigeria’s digital payment revolution, each offering platforms that promote cashless transactions across the country and even beyond.
Piggyvest, however, was recognised under the Wealth Tech category. This segment of fintech includes companies that offer digital solutions for wealth management, investment opportunities, online trading, and portfolio optimization. Piggyvest has grown steadily in Nigeria by providing digital savings and investment platforms targeted at young Nigerians seeking better ways to manage and grow their finances.
An analysis of the country distribution in the 2025 ranking reveals that Nigeria, despite having over 200 fintech startups, had only four companies represented in the global listing. Notably, Moniepoint was listed as a UK company due to its official incorporation in the United Kingdom, although it primarily operates in Nigeria and other parts of Africa.
The United States topped the list as the country with the highest number of fintech companies in the ranking. A total of 126 companies in the top 300 have their headquarters in the US, reflecting the country’s dominance in the global fintech sector. The United Kingdom came second with 38 companies, followed by Singapore, which replaced India in third place with 16 fintech firms.
Reacting to the recognition, PalmPay expressed pride in being listed among the world’s top fintech companies. In a statement, the Founding Chief Marketing Officer of PalmPay, Sofia Zab, said the recognition reflects the company’s ongoing growth and its impact in Africa’s digital financial ecosystem. Zab revealed that PalmPay recently surpassed 15 million daily transactions across its markets and has over 35 million registered customers. She noted that the company is also expanding its footprint to other emerging markets, including Tanzania and Bangladesh. “To be recognised as one of the world’s top fintech companies by CNBC and Statista is a powerful affirmation of our mission to build a more inclusive financial system. As we scale PalmPay to more emerging markets, our focus remains on closing financial access gaps for everyday consumers and businesses, while expanding the partner ecosystem that fuels our reach and impact,” she stated.
Similarly, Group Chief Executive Officer of Moniepoint Inc, Tosin Eniolorunda, reacted to the company’s inclusion in the global list. In a statement, Eniolorunda described the recognition as an honour and a testament to the hard work of the entire Moniepoint team. “It is an honour to be named as one of the world’s top fintech companies by CNBC. Moniepoint’s inclusion in this prestigious, authoritative list is a testament to the hard work and success of the entire team while highlighting our emergence as a key player shaping the future of fintech worldwide,” he said.
The CNBC global fintech ranking has become an important benchmark for investors, stakeholders, and industry watchers. The list covers various market categories beyond payments and wealth management, including banking solutions and digital assets. It provides a comprehensive view of the dynamic and rapidly evolving global fintech industry, helping to identify key players driving innovation and transformation in financial services.
Nigeria’s representation on the list, although modest, is seen as a positive signal of the country’s growing influence in the global fintech space. With continuous efforts by Nigerian fintechs to scale operations beyond the local market and expand across Africa and other regions, industry observers believe more Nigerian startups could feature prominently in future global rankings.
