On December 23, the partnership between Doux Finance, a cryptocurrency platform, and Ciel Lagos, a luxury nightlife lounge, was formalised at Ciel Lagos in Lekki. The collaboration aims to revolutionise how high-net-worth individuals and international visitors settle bills in a city known for its vibrant, high-spending nightlife lifestyle.
For Precious Peter, the founder and CEO of Doux Finance, the partnership is a calculated move to integrate digital assets into the everyday lifestyle of Nigerians. By choosing Ciel Lagos, Peter is targeting an audience that values both elegance and efficiency.
A lifestyle philosophy for digital finance
The vision behind Doux Finance is rooted in solving the practical hurdles of traditional banking. Speaking on the choice of venue, Peter explained that the goal is to bridge the gap between lifestyle and digital finance.
“Digital finance users are accustomed to certain standards of living,” Peter said. “Ciel is the closest partner that speaks to that elegance and creativity we are looking for. We are not stopping here; this is our first milestone as we move towards hotels, restaurants, and even clothing and food vendors, etc.”
This expansion is driven by the “#StayDoux” philosophy, which seeks to simplify the complexities often associated with traditional Nigerian banking. Peter shared that the inspiration for the app came from a personal pain point during a trip where a $7,000 bill could not be settled via traditional cards due to cross-border spending limits.
“Doux came out of a noticeable gap that was an inconvenience for crypto investors,” Peter added. “Traditional banks make it a hassle to spend your money seamlessly. Doux Wallet simplifies that for every user and crypto [adopters].”
Enhancing the luxury customer experience
In the high-energy environment of a Lekki lounge, transaction speed is paramount. While traditional bank transfers in Nigeria can sometimes be plagued by network delays, Peter highlighted that crypto transactions are “lightning fast,” often confirmed within seconds.
Beyond speed, the partnership offers a vital solution for international tourists and wealthy locals who prefer holding assets in cryptocurrency to bypass the restrictions of traditional cards.
“Most high-net-worth individuals are crypto investors who don’t leave all their assets in banks,” Peter explained. “If you spend 20 million Naira a night and have an international card with a $5,000 or $10,000 limit, you face massive inconveniences. Crypto provides the flexibility to move freely through borders and settle bills without those restrictions.”
Due diligence
Emeka Asidanya, the CEO of Ciel Lagos, said the decision to integrate crypto payments was not taken lightly. Despite numerous approaches from individuals in the past, Asidanya remained cautious until a corporate partner could prove their regulatory standing.
“I’ve had individuals approach me, but I am very careful to avoid involvement with anything suspicious,” Asidanya said.
Asidanya views the partnership as a natural evolution for his brand, which is modelled after international lounges in Ibiza. He believes that to play at a global level, a venue must offer alternative payment methods that cater to a tech-savvy, younger demographic.
Security and compliance at the forefront
Addressing potential concerns regarding the security of digital transactions, Asidanya pointed to the shift in the Nigerian government’s stance under the current administration.
“Our high-end clients trust our brand,” Asidanya remarked. “If they have trusted us for the past year to give them quality service, that is the reassurance they need. The fact that the regulatory bodies have vetted Doux Finance means they have done their due diligence.”
To ensure ongoing compliance, Doux Finance has implemented rigorous protocols. Peter emphasised that the platform maintains a strict Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Terrorist Financing (CFT) policy.
“We do KYC (Know Your Customer) through our partners,” Peter confirmed. “Whenever we spot non-compliant customers, we flag it. If you don’t pass our security checks, you cannot sign up.”
The Doux Finance and Ciel Lagos partnership serves as a blueprint for the “Stay Doux” lifestyle—one where digital assets are no longer just speculative investments held in wallets, but practical tools for the luxury market and just another currency in the real world.
With Peter’s background in international business and finance, and Asidanya’s vision for a globally competitive lounge, the collaboration signals a new era for the Lagos economy.
