For many founders, regulation often feels like a hurdle — one that slows down innovation, stifles creativity, and puts unnecessary pressure on limited resources. But history has shown that the cost of ignoring regulation is much higher than the inconvenience of compliance.
From account opening freezes and licence revocations to multi-million naira fines and forced shutdowns, Nigeria’s startup and business space has seen firsthand what happens when businesses fail to navigate the regulatory landscape correctly, especially one where policies can shift with little notice.
That is why understanding how to work with regulators, not around them, is no longer optional. It’s a survival skill.
Even more than that, regulation can become a powerful moat, a strategic advantage that protects your business from competitors and builds long-term trust with users and stakeholders.
This is why we are excited to host Ifunanya Anamelechi as a masterclass facilitator at the Lagos Startup Expo 2.0, scheduled for June 18-19, 2025.
Ifunanya is the Vice President of Legal & Compliance at Zone, where she oversees the company’s legal and regulatory frameworks, ensuring adherence to corporate governance best practices and compliance with industry standards.
With extensive experience in corporate governance, corporate and commercial law, and regulatory compliance, Ifunanya has worked across banking, financial technology, and telecommunications industries in West Africa, navigating both common law and civil law jurisdictions.
Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a proven ability to provide strategic legal counsel, guiding organisations through complex legal landscapes, mitigating risks, and fostering sustainable growth. Her expertise in aligning regulatory frameworks with business goals makes her a trusted advisor in today’s dynamic regulatory environment.
In her role at Zone, Ifunanya continues to play a key role in driving operational excellence and ensuring that the company remains at the forefront of legal and regulatory compliance in the fintech ecosystem.
In her masterclass session, titled “Regulatory Advantage: Winning Over Governments and Regulators,” business leaders will learn:
- How to work with regulators, not around them
- What it takes to turn compliance into a competitive defence strategy for your business
- How to win trust and scale confidently within existing legal frameworks
- How to approach regulatory bodies with confidence and build long-term trust
Ifunanya’s session will not just unpack the risks of regulatory neglect; it will provide you with a blueprint for turning compliance into a competitive edge.
To attend this session, get your VIP Masterclass tickets here: https://lagosstartupexpo.com/#tickets
