The CBN has opened applications for the second cohort of its Regulatory Sandbox Programme, with applications running from August 12 to August 31, 2026. The new cohort introduces separate tracks for Virtual Asset Service Providers and data-enabled financial services, expanding the scope of innovations eligible for supervised testing. August 11, (THEWILL) — The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has opened applications for the second cohort of its Regulatory Sandbox Programme, introducing a new dual-track structure aimed at supporting innovation in virtual assets and data-enabled financial services. The apex bank stressed that entering the Regulatory Sandbox does not amount to receiving a licence, authorisation or approval to operate outside the approved testing parameters. The CBN encouraged eligible organisations to apply through its Regulatory Sandbox Portal before the August 31 deadline.