1. INTRODUCTION
NOVA MERCHANT is owned and operated by NOVA MERCHANT BANK LTD. At NOVA MERCHANT ("we", "our", "us"), we take your privacy and the protection of your personal information seriously. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your data when you use our website, products, or services. It applies to our website and all related applications, services, and tools, regardless of how you access or use them.
By accessing or using our services, you consent to the collection and use of information as described here. If you do not agree with our practices, you are free to refrain from using our services.

NOVA MERCHANT is a business name for NOVA MERCHANT BANK LTD, a registered company:

• Registration Number (Nigeria): RC-1413910
• Registered Address (Nigeria): 23, KOFO ABAYOMI STREET, VICTORIA ISLAND, LAGOS STATE - 106104
• Licensing Authority (Nigeria): Conditional approval by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).

2. DEFINITIONS
2.1 Explanation
Words with the first letter capitalized in this policy have specific meanings. These definitions apply whether used in the singular or plural form.

2.2 Definitions

• Account: A unique profile created for accessing our services.
• Application: The software provided by NOVA MERCHANT, called NOVA MERCHANT, which you can download and install on your device.
• Cookies: Small files stored on your device that help record browsing history and preferences.
• Country: Refers to Nigeria.
• Device: Any electronic device used to access our services, including mobile phones, tablets, or computers.
• Personal Data: Information that can identify an individual.
• Services: All applications, websites, or both provided by NOVA MERCHANT.
• Service Provider: Any third-party company or individual that processes data on behalf of NOVA MERCHANT.
• Usage Data: Data automatically generated during your use of our services, such as page visits or time spent.
• Website: NOVA MERCHANT's official website, accessible at https://www.novamerchant.online.
• You: Any individual or legal entity accessing or using our services, or acting on behalf of a company or other entity.

3. COLLECTION AND USE OF YOUR PERSONAL DATA
3.1 Personal Data
When using our services, we may ask for personal information such as:

• ID number
• Email address
• Full name
• Gender
• Phone number
• Address (including city, state, zip code)
• Bank Verification Number (BVN)
• Photos
• Date of birth
• Emergency contact number
• WhatsApp account

3.2 Usage Data
We automatically collect information when you use our services, including:

• IP address
• Browser type and version
• Pages visited
• Date and time of visit
• Time spent on pages
• Device identifiers
• Additional diagnostic data

For mobile users, we may collect additional data such as:

• Mobile device type
• Mobile operating system
• Mobile browser type
• Mobile IP address
• Device-specific identifiers

3.3 Data Collected by the Application

• Device Information: Access device model, OS version, etc., for optimized performance and security.
• Camera: Use for capturing ID photos during authentication and uploading necessary documents.
• Location: Collect approximate location for compliance and legal purposes.
• SMS: Access historical SMS for authentication and credit assessment.
• Installed Apps: Review installed apps for risk assessment and compatibility.
• Google Advertising ID (GAID): For measuring advertising performance.

3.4 Tracking Technologies and Cookies
We use cookies to monitor activity and store information for enhancing services. Cookies can be divided into two types:

• Persistent cookies: Remain on your device until manually deleted.
• Session cookies: Deleted after you close your browser.

4. USE OF YOUR PERSONAL DATA
4.1 Purpose of Use
We use your personal data for purposes such as:

• Providing and managing our services
• Communicating with you about service updates, promotions, and security notices
• Managing requests, responding to inquiries, and improving services
• Conducting data analysis and business improvements

4.2 Sharing Your Data
We may share your data with:

• Service providers to help manage services
• Business partners for promotions or services
• Affiliates, such as subsidiaries or joint ventures
• Third-party platforms, such as social media, when sharing public information

5. RETENTION OF PERSONAL DATA
We will retain your data only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes of this policy or to meet legal obligations. You may request data deletion, but some information may be retained for legal reasons.

6. TRANSFER OF PERSONAL DATA
Your personal data may be transferred to locations outside your jurisdiction for processing. By using our services, you consent to such transfers.

7. DISCLOSURE OF PERSONAL DATA
We may disclose personal data in response to:

• Business transactions like mergers or acquisitions
• Legal obligations or requests from authorities
• Protecting our rights, property, or safety, or preventing misconduct

8. SECURITY OF YOUR PERSONAL DATA
While we implement reasonable security measures, no method of transmission over the internet is entirely secure. We strive to protect your personal data but cannot guarantee its absolute security.

9. CHILDREN’S PRIVACY
Our services are not intended for individuals under 16. If we discover that we’ve collected data from someone under 16 without consent, we will take steps to delete it.

10. LINKS TO OTHER WEBSITES
Our services may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these sites.

11. YOUR RIGHTS
Under applicable data protection laws, you have rights regarding your personal data, such as:

• Requesting access or correction of data
• Requesting deletion or restriction of data
• Objecting to data processing or requesting data portability

For any requests related to your data, please contact us at tech@novamerchant.online.

12. CHANGES TO THIS PRIVACY POLICY
We may update this Privacy Policy, and changes will be posted on this page. By continuing to use our services, you accept any updates.

13. CONTACT US
For questions or concerns, reach us at:
Email: tech@novamerchant.online