Why Airtel Money’s $7bn IPO doesn’t include its Nigerian fintech business

When Airtel Money lists on the London Stock Exchange later this month, it will do so without its struggling Nigerian fintech business. A Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) directive required the mobile money business to transfer its 25% stake in SmartCash, the vehicle through which Airtel operates its Nigerian fintech business, back to Airtel Networks Limited, its Nigerian telecom subsidiary, according to Airtel Money’s IPO prospectus . The deal was completed for $3 million.