Sparkle
Lifestyle + SMB digital bank.
- Who holds it
- The company itself — it holds a full banking licence — Microfinance bank (NG).
- The ledger
- The bank’s own core ledger.
- If it fails
- A covered-deposit payout through the local scheme, up to its limit.
Derived from Sparkle’s regulation type and custody — a class of protection, not a guarantee. Limits and eligibility vary by scheme, balance and jurisdiction; confirm before you rely on it. What happens if a neobank shuts down →
The facts
| Category | traditional |
| HQ | Lagos, NG |
| Founded | 2019 |
| Custody | Custodial |
| Regulation type | Licensed bank |
| License detail | Microfinance bank (NG) |
| Card | Visa · Debit |
| Stablecoins | No |
| KYC | Yes |
| Active regions | Africa |
| Founders | Uzoma Dozie |
Verified links: official site ↗
Common questions about Sparkle
What is Sparkle?
Sparkle is a fiat neobank, headquartered in Lagos, NG and founded in 2019. Your money is held custodially, so Sparkle or its partner bank holds the balance and you hold a claim on it. It is regulated as a licensed bank (Microfinance bank (NG)).
Does Sparkle have a card, and where can you use it?
It issues a Visa debit card. It is available in Africa.
Does Sparkle require KYC?
Yes. Sparkle requires identity verification (KYC) to open an account, as a licensed bank.
Peers
Wise · TymeBank · OPay · PalmPay · Bank Zero · Discovery Bank
Sparkle appears in
Neobanks that hold their own banking license (132) · Neobanks available in Africa (92) · Neobanks that issue a Visa card (182) · Neobanks in Nigeria (15)
Figures compiled from public sources, for comparison only — not financial advice. "Up to" rates change constantly; always confirm with the issuer. Spotted an error? Suggest a fix.