In a significant development for the Nigerian investment landscape, Bitget has unveiled a groundbreaking Universal Exchange platform that aims to integrate cryptocurrency trading with tokenized US stocks and exchange-traded funds (ETFs). This new initiative is poised to expand access to global markets for Nigerian investors, providing them with the opportunity to trade alongside renowned companies such as Tesla, Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, and Google.
According to Bitget’s Chief Executive Officer, Gracy Chen, this platform addresses the challenges faced by Nigerian traders who often grapple with navigating multiple financial markets. By enabling users to deposit funds in both USDT and naira through recognized local channels, including banks such as GTBank, Access Bank, Zenith Bank, and UBA, as well as popular fintech platforms like Opay, PalmPay, Momo, Kuda, and Moniepoint, the exchange aims to streamline the trading process.
Chen emphasized the ease of account funding, which can be accomplished via direct transfers, USSD, or mobile wallets, making it user-friendly and relevant to the everyday experiences of Nigerians. The Universal Exchange merges both digital and traditional financial tools, allowing traders to manage their digital assets alongside conventional equities from a unified dashboard. This innovative approach means that investors can start with modest amounts and gradually increase their exposure without the complexities typically associated with foreign brokerage accounts.
For the first time, Bitget’s platform enables users to access crypto and tokenized US stocks through a single app, providing a cohesive experience with one login and one dashboard. This development aligns with a global trend toward creating integrated, accessible gateways for both retail and institutional investors.
A recent joint report from Bitget and Animoca Brands has praised the Universal Exchange as a leading model for the future of trading, forecasting that exchanges will evolve into gateways for varied financial services including payments, tokenized assets, and blockchain participation.
Chen noted that the Universal Exchange seeks to unify Nigeria’s diverse trading community, bridging the gap between crypto enthusiasts in Lagos and student investors in Abuja. She highlighted that the transition from fragmented accounts to a universal trading platform marks a pivotal shift in the market, where local funding can seamlessly connect with global investment opportunities. “Every major market transition in Nigeria has favoured early adopters,” she remarked, underscoring the potential impact of this innovation on the investment landscape in the country.
