UCEE: The New Face Of Microfinance Banking

Would you agree that not too long ago, the mention of “Microfinance bank” sounded a bit dated – evoking thoughts of an analog form of delivering financial services. Microfinance banks were seen as small, community-based banks without much presence or visibility. They quietly operated in local neighborhoods, and if you asked someone to name a few, they’d probably struggle. But fast forward to today, the landscape of microfinance has evolved significantly. Microfinance has become far more interesting, accessible, and even popular. So, what changed?


The answer is Technology!

UCEE

The rise of digital banks – the neo-banks – revolutionized the financial industry by adopting technology to offer a seamless, more efficient, and user-friendly banking experience. Suddenly, customers could perform transactions independently, without ever stepping foot into a physical bank branch. Everything was conducted through apps and web platforms, making banking more accessible to tech-savvy users. In Nigeria, these digital banks were required to obtain microfinance bank licenses to operate, aligning them with the broader financial sector.


However, this digital shift has sometimes overshadowed the true essence of microfinance: financial inclusion for the underserved. In a developing country like Nigeria, a significant portion of the population lacks the digital literacy or access to technology needed to benefit from these modern banking solutions. As a result, while digital banks catered to the tech-savvy and traditional banks continued to serve large corporations, the core audience of microfinance banks – the individuals and small businesses most in need of financial inclusion – found themselves overlooked and underserved.


This is where the newest player, UCEE Microfinance Bank, steps in. UCEE isn’t just another bank. It’s a digital-first microfinance bank that merges the true essence of microfinance with modern technology, offering unparalleled financial solutions. UCEE allows customers to bank on their terms wherever, however, and whenever they want.


This “new kid on the block” is a blend of the reliable infrastructure of a traditional bank with a cutting-edge hybrid banking model that integrates state-of-the-art technology.


UCEE offers a financial solution that is accessible, inclusive, and tailored to fit the needs of everyday individuals and small businesses.


UCEE pledges to be “here for you.” It’s a confident promise because at the heart of UCEE’s mission is financial inclusion. We believe everyone, regardless of background or financial standing, deserves equal access to financial empowerment. By breaking down barriers and bridging gaps, we are here for inclusivity, innovation, convenience, and accessible banking services.


 Here’s how UCEE is redefining microfinance:


  • Simplified Banking Procedures: UCEE MFB offers flexible and simplified procedures for daily transactions through our web and mobile applications, making it easier for customers to access financial services. UCEE is here for ease and convenience.
  • Focus on Inclusion: UCEE MFB focuses on financial inclusion, targeting individuals often excluded like Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME).  Our mission extends beyond making profit. We aim to empower dreams, foster economic development, improve financial well-being in communities, and stand by your side on your path to financial success.
  • Enhanced Financial Lifestyle:UCEE goes beyond traditional banking, offering products that support better personal finance management. From savings plans to bill payments, UCEE makes managing your financial lifestyle simpler and more rewarding, enhancing everyday living.
  • Supportive Loan Services: UCEE provides loans to individuals and small businesses, including employees in the private and public sectors and MSMEs. These loans help fund income-generating activities, improve livelihoods, and support entrepreneurial ventures. UCEE is here for support.

Does all the above resonate with you and your current lifestyle? Then, Level up with UCEE!


It’s simple – download the UCEE app from Apple AppStore or Google PlayStore and open an account with us. For guidance on how to open an account, click here


Join the community transforming and empowering lives through microfinance today!

JOSEPH ONYEMA

Head, Group Enterprise Performance Management
Joseph Onyema
Joseph is the Head, Group Enterprise Performance Management at United Capital Plc.
Over the last 16 years, Joseph has worked with and led teams whose responsibilities cut across a major spectrum of technology transformational and retail growth projects and consultancy. Joining the group in 2017, Joseph started out leading the technology team for 5+ years in the position of the Group, Chief Information Officer, a role in which his focus on execution to reposition the business was exemplary, hence leading to increased digital presence, retail growth and improved revenues, with keen focus on our growth during the COVID-19 pandemic where the business was run totally virtual and saw outstanding growth in customers, revenue and profitability.​
Leveraging on his education, performance, experience and spirit of execution, Joseph transitioned to the Group Head, Enterprise Performance Management, where he brings his analytical and technological prowess coupled with his background in managing teams and businesses to bare in monitoring and tracking business units and employees performances, while helping them to improve in their performance and ensuring the group continues to win in all its endeavours.
Before joining United Capital, Joseph headed the Group Technology Operations at Cordros Capital Limited where he transitioned the business from a High Net-worth Individual (HNI) focused business to retail-focused business with total leverage on technology to drive B2C sales across verticals while exploring new markets and partnerships. Prior to Cordros Capital, he had led the Enterprise & Cloud Services team at Soft Solutions Limited, an IT Consultancy firm with a footprint across 15 Nigerian banks on enterprise security, cloud projects, and consultancy where he developed, deployed, and led support teams to manage several financial and FMCG application suites.
A Tony Elumelu entrepreneur from 2016 before joining the group, and a member of the prestigious Beta Gamma Sigma international business honor society, continues to reinvent himself and deliver exceptionally to the United Capital family.