Meet Nafisa Usman, Lecturer in Financial Technology and Digital Business at Salford Business School.
Nafisa is driven by her passion for regulatory innovation, inspiring the next generation of Financial Technology (FinTech) professionals and advancing the use of technology and data to strengthen policy and promote financial inclusion. She was one of the first academics to earn a PhD in Financial Technology and Digital Intelligence at the University of Salford.
Alongside her research projects, she draws on her professional experience to ensure students develop the skills and mindset needed to thrive as future-ready experts in digital finance.
In this blog, Nafisa reflects on her career journey, key milestones, and how she became the academic she is today.
How did you get into academia as a career path?
Before joining the University of Salford, I coordinated projects in financial surveillance, regulatory innovation, and agricultural finance at Central Bank of Nigeria. I also served as a pioneer Head of Information Communication Technology (ICT) at Nigeria Governors’ Forum Secretariat, where I introduced digital governance strategies across sub-national governments. These experiences deepened my appreciation for the transformative power of technology and data in regulatory systems and inspired me to pursue a PhD in Financial Technology and Digital Intelligence here at Salford.
Why did you choose to work at the University of Salford?
One of my main motivations was to find a platform that enabled me to translate research into actionable policy and practice, while also contributing to research in digital finance and regulatory innovation. The University’s commitment to innovation, digital transformation, and inclusivity perfectly aligns with my vision of research that drives real-world impact. It also offers an environment that encourages collaboration between academia and industry, allowing me to teach forward-thinking modules, while also working with colleagues with a shared passion.
What’s the best thing about being an academic at Salford?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an academic at Salford is the overlap of teaching, research, and real-world impact. No two days are the same – I might be guiding students through digital asset regulation, contributing to policy consultations or mentoring on solutions for financial inclusion. I particularly value how Salford encourages academics to combine case studies into their teaching, ensuring our students are future-ready professionals.
Can you tell us about any of your career highlights to-date?
A highlight is that my doctoral research contributed to the draft of the Digital Resilience, Intelligence and Compliance Bill, which is advancing in the Nigerian Senate. I’ve also been honoured to present my work at prestigious global platforms, including the United Nations General Assembly and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), where I shared my insights on how Financial Technology (FinTech) enhances financial integrity and inclusion. Another highlight is being recognised among the Top 50 Women Driving Innovation and Impact in RegTech and Policy across Africa, a deeply humbling recognition of my commitment to digital resilience, regulatory innovation, and inclusive finance.
What’s your current research focused on?
My current research explores the intersection of FinTech, financial integrity, and regulatory innovation, particularly within emerging and digitally transforming economies. A key part of my work investigates how Responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI) and regulatory technologies can enhance ethical supervision, transparency, and data integrity within the financial oversight system.
Do you have any published papers we can read?
My recent publications include:
- ‘FinTech and Money Laundering: Moderating Effect of Financial Regulations and Financial Literacy.’ Digital Policy, Regulation and Governance (2025).
- ‘Is DeFi Financial Freedom or National Security Threat?’ OMFIF Commetary (20 October 2025).
And finally, the all important question, where in Manchester or Salford is best to grab a coffee?
I’d say Grindsmith at the MediaCity Campus. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a good cup of coffee while overlooking the water and reflecting on ideas. It’s also a great space for informal chats with colleagues and students.