Finance

Banks Tighten Terms for Credit Cards

Published

7 years ago

June 19, 2017

Banks Tighten Terms for Credit Cards

The second quarter credit condition survey has revealed that lenders tightened their credit scoring criteria for granting credit card loan applications in the second quarter of 2017, as part of risk management measures.

Owing to this, the proportion of approved credit card applications decreased.

But the survey of households, small businesses and corporate entities indicated increases in the availability of secured, unsecured and corporate credit to the aforementioned segments respectively.

According to the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Credit Conditions Survey Report for second quarter (Q2) 2017, lenders resolved to tighten the credit scoring criteria in granting overdraft/personal loan applications in the current quarter and decreased the proportion of approved household’s overdraft/personal loan applications in the current quarter.

Therefore, due to lenders’ resolve to tighten the credit scoring criteria for total unsecured loan applications in Q2, 2017, the proportion of approved total loan applications for households decreased in the quarter.

Lenders were expected to further tighten the credit scoring criteria in the next quarter, and were still of the opinion that the total loans applications to be approved in Q3, 2017 will further decrease.

“Lenders tightened the credit scoring criteria for granting credit card loan applications and the proportion of approved credit card applications to decreased in Q2, 2017.

“Lenders resolve to tighten the credit scoring criteria in granting overdraft/personal loan applications in the current quarter, decreased the proportion of approved household’s overdraft/personal loan applications in the current quarter.

“Lenders reported that spreads on credit card lending widened in Q2, 2017, but was expected to narrow in the next quarter. Spreads on unsecured overdrafts/personal loans on approved new loan applications widened in the current quarter and was expected to remain widened in the next quarter.

“The limit on unsecured credit cards on approved new loan applications decreased in Q2, 2017 and was expected to decrease further in the next quarter.

“The minimum proportion of credit card balances to be paid on approved new loan applications increased in the review quarter, and was expected to further increase in the next quarter.

“Maximum maturities on approved unsecured new loan applications were shortened in the current quarter, but were lengthened in the next quarter,” the report explained.

But demand for unsecured credit card lending from households increased in Q2, 2017 and was expected to increase in Q3, 2017 (Question 1a). Similarly, demand for unsecured overdraft/personal loans from households increased in Q2, 2017 and was expected to increase further in Q3, 2017.

Lenders experienced higher default rates on credit card and overdrafts/personal lending to households in the current quarter. They however, expect improvement in default rates in the next quarters. Losses given default on total unsecured loans to households improved in Q2, 2017 and were expected to improve further in Q3, 2017.

Credit for Corporates

The credit conditions in the corporate sector vary by size of the business. The survey asked lenders to report developments in the corporate sector by large and medium-size private non-financial corporations (PNFCs), other financial corporations (OFCs) and small businesses.

The overall availability of credit to the corporate sector increased in Q2, 2017 and was expected to further increase in Q3, 2017.

The report stated that the major factors contributing to the increase in credit availability were brighter economic outlook, favourable liquidity conditions, tight wholesale funding conditions, changing sector specific risk and increased appetite for risk.

Lenders reported that the prevailing commercial property prices negatively influenced credit availability of the commercial real estate sector in the current and next quarters.

Similarly, lenders expected the prevailing commercial property prices to negatively influence secured lending to PNFCs in the current and next quarters.

Small businesses were defined as those with an annual turnover of under N5 million. Medium-size corporates were defined as those with an annual turnover of between N5 million and N100 million, while large corporates were defined as those with an annual turnover of more than N100 million.

“Availability of credit increased for all sized business except the OFCs in Q2, 2017. Similarly lenders report credit availability for all sized businesses, except the large PNFCs and OFCs in the next quarter.

“Changes in spreads between bank rates and MPR on approved new loan applications to the small, medium, large PNFCs and OFCs widened in Q2, 2017. Conversely, spreads for all size business types is expected to narrow in the next quarter except for medium PNFCs.

“The proportion of loan applications approved for the medium and large size firms decreased in the current quarter and were expected to decrease further in the next quarter.

“Lenders required stronger loan covenants from all sized businesses in the current and next quarter,” it added.

Furthermore, the report showed that fees/commissions on approved new loan applications fell for all firm sized businesses in both the current and next quarters.

It also showed that all firm sized businesses except the small businesses did not benefit from an increase in maximum credit lines on approved new loan application in Q2, 2017. “Similarly, lenders expect that the small businesses and OFCs will benefit from an increase in maximum credit lines on approved new loan application in Q3, 2017.

“Lenders demanded more collateral requirements from all firm sizes on approved new loan application in Q2, 2017. Similarly, lenders will demand for more collateral from all firm sizes in the next quarter.

“Demand for corporate lending from small businesses, medium & large PNFCs businesses increased in Q2, 2017. They were also expected to increase in the next quarter. Demand for overdrafts/personal loans in Q2, 2017 were higher in comparison with other business types.

“The most significant factors that influenced demand for lending in Q2, 2017 were the increase in inventory finance and capital investment, and they were expected to remain the main driver in the next quarter,” it added.

Also, it showed that corporate loan performance as measured by the default rates improved for the large PNFCS and the OFCs businesses in the review quarter, while it deteriorated for the small businesses and medium PNFCs. Default rates on lending to all sized businesses was also expected to improve in the next quarter except on small businesses.

The average credit quality on newly arranged PNFCs borrowing facilities improved in Q2 2017 but was expected to deteriorate in Q3, 2017. The target hold levels associated with corporate lending improved in Q2, 2017 and was expected to improve further in Q3, 2017. Loan tenors on new corporate loans deteriorated in Q2, 2017 and were expected to deteriorate further in the next quarter.

Also, draw down on committed lines by PNFCs improved in the current quarter, but was expected to deteriorate in the next quarter.

Lending to Households

In the review quarter relative to the previous quarter, lenders reported an increase in the availability of secured credit to households. Lenders noted that anticipation of a brighter economic outlook; favourable liquidity positions, higher appetite for risk and tight wholesale funding conditions were major factors behind the increase. The availability of secured credit was also expected to increase in the next quarter with favourable liquidity positions as the major contributory factor.

“Despite lenders stance on tightening the credit scoring criteria in Q2, 2017, the proportion of loan applications approved in the quarter increased. Lenders still expect the credit scoring criteria to remain tightened in the next quarter and a further increase in the proportion of approved household’s loan applications in Q3, 2017.

“Maximum Loan to Value (LTV) ratios increased in the current quarter, but was expected to decrease in the next quarter. Lenders expressed their willingness to lend at low LTV ratios (75% or less) in both the current and next quarters. “However, they expressed unwillingness to lend at high LTV (more than 75%) in the current quarter and the next quarter. The average credit quality on new secured lending improved in Q2, 2017 and was expected to improve further in Q3, 2017.

“Lenders reported that the overall spreads on secured lending rates to households relative to MPR widened in Q2, 2017 and was expected to further widen in the next quarter. Widened spreads were reported for prime, buy to let and other lending in Q2, 2017 and Q3, 2017,” it stated.

Furthermore, households demand for lending for house purchase increased in Q2, 2017 but was expected to increase in the next quarter. Of the total demand, increase in households demand for prime and buy to let were reported. Demand for secured lending on the prime and buy to let were expected to increase in the next quarter.

“Households demand for consumer loans rose in the current quarter and is expected to rise in the next quarter, demand for mortgage/re-mortgaging and small businesses declined in Q2, 2017 but was expected to rise in Q3, 2017.

“Secured loan performance, as measured by default rates improved in Q2, 2017 and was expected to improve further in Q3, 2017. Similarly, loss given default improved in the current quarter and it is expected to improve in the next quarter,” the report added.

The availability of unsecured credit provided to households rose in the current quarter and was expected to further rise in the next quarter.

Lenders reported brighter economic outlook, lower cost/availability of funds and higher appetite for risk as factors that contributed to the increase in Q2, 2017.

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Is the CEO/Founder of Investors King Limited. A proven foreign exchange research analyst and a published author on Yahoo Finance, Businessinsider, Nasdaq, Entrepreneur.com, Investorplace, and many more. He has over two decades of experience in global financial markets.

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Finance

Presidential Committee to Exempt 95% of Informal Sector from Taxes

Published

5 days ago

May 14, 2024

Samed Olukoya

The Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee (PFPTRC) has unveiled plans to exempt a significant portion of the informal sector from taxation.

Chaired by Taiwo Oyedele, the committee aims to alleviate the burden of multiple taxation on small businesses and low-income individuals while fostering economic growth.

The announcement came following the close-out retreat of the PFPTRC in Abuja, where Oyedele addressed reporters over the weekend.

He said the committee is committed to easing the tax burden, particularly for those operating within the informal sector that constitutes a substantial portion of Nigeria’s economy.

Under the proposed reforms, approximately 95% of the informal sector would be granted tax exemptions, sparing them from obligations such as income tax and value-added tax (VAT).

Oyedele stressed the importance of supporting individuals in the informal sector and recognizing their efforts to earn a legitimate living and their contribution to economic development.

The decision was informed by extensive deliberations and data analysis with the committee advocating for a fairer and more equitable tax system.

Oyedele highlighted that individuals earning up to N25 million annually would be exempted from various taxes, aligning with the committee’s commitment to relieving financial pressure on small businesses and low-income earners.

Moreover, the committee emphasized the need for tax reforms to address the prevailing issue of multiple taxation, which disproportionately affects small businesses and the vulnerable population.

By exempting the majority of the informal sector from taxation, the committee aims to stimulate economic growth and promote entrepreneurship.

The proposal for tax reforms is expected to be submitted to the National Assembly by the third quarter of this year, following consultations with the private sector and internal approvals.

The reforms encompass a broad range of measures, including executive orders, regulations, and constitutional amendments, aimed at creating a more conducive environment for business and investment.

In addition to tax exemptions, the committee plans to introduce executive orders and regulations to streamline tax processes and enhance compliance. This includes a new withholding tax regulation exempting small businesses from certain tax obligations, pending ministerial approval.

Banking Sector

CBN Governor Vows to Tackle High Inflation, Signals Prolonged High Interest Rates

Published

5 days ago

May 14, 2024

Samed Olukoya

Central Bank of Nigeria - Investors King

The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Dr. Olayemi Cardoso, has pledged to employ decisive measures, including maintaining high interest rates for as long as necessary.

This announcement comes amidst growing concerns over the country’s soaring inflation rates, which have posed significant economic challenges in recent times.

Speaking in an interview with the Financial Times, Cardoso emphasized the unwavering commitment of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) to take whatever steps are essential to rein in inflation.

He underscored the urgency of the situation, stating that there is “every indication” that the MPC is prepared to implement stringent measures to curb the upward trajectory of inflation.

“They will continue to do what has to be done to ensure that inflation comes down,” Cardoso affirmed, highlighting the determination of the CBN to confront the inflationary pressures gripping the economy.

The CBN’s proactive stance on inflation was evident from the outset of the year, with the MPC taking bold steps to tighten monetary policy.

The committee notably raised the benchmark lending rate by 400 basis points during its February meeting, further increasing it to 24.75% in March.

Looking ahead, the next MPC meeting, scheduled for May 20-21, will likely serve as a platform for further deliberations on monetary policy adjustments in response to evolving economic conditions.

Financial analysts have projected continued tightening measures by the MPC in light of stubbornly high inflation rates. Meristem Securities, for instance, anticipates a further uptick in headline inflation for April, underscoring the persistent inflationary pressures facing the economy.

Despite the necessity of maintaining high interest rates to address inflationary concerns, Cardoso acknowledged the potential drawbacks of such measures.

He expressed hope that the prolonged high rates would not dampen investment and production activities in the economy, recognizing the need for a delicate balance in monetary policy decisions.

“Hiking interest rates obviously has had a dampening effect on the foreign exchange market, so that has begun to moderate,” Cardoso remarked, highlighting the multifaceted impacts of monetary policy adjustments.

Addressing recent fluctuations in the value of the naira, Cardoso reassured investors of the central bank’s commitment to market stability.

He emphasized the importance of returning to orthodox monetary policies, signaling a departure from previous unconventional approaches to monetary management.

As the CBN governor charts a course towards stabilizing the economy and combating inflation, his steadfast resolve underscores the gravity of the challenges facing Nigeria’s monetary authorities.

In the face of daunting inflationary pressures, the commitment to decisive action offers a glimmer of hope for achieving stability and sustainable economic growth in the country.

Banking Sector

NDIC Managing Director Reveals: Only 25% of Customers’ Deposits Insured

Published

5 days ago

May 14, 2024

Samed Olukoya

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), Bello Hassan, has revealed that a mere 25% of customers’ deposits are insured by the corporation.

This revelation has sparked concerns about the vulnerability of depositors’ funds and raised questions about the adequacy of regulatory safeguards in Nigeria’s banking sector.

Speaking on the sidelines of the 2024 Sensitisation Seminar for justices of the court of appeal in Lagos, themed ‘Building Strong Depositors Confidence in Banks and Other Financial Institutions through Adjudication,’ Hassan shed light on the limited coverage of deposit insurance for bank customers.

Hassan addressed recent concerns surrounding the hike in deposit insurance coverage and emphasized the need for periodic reviews to ensure adequacy and credibility.

He explained that the decision to increase deposit insurance limits was based on various factors, including the average deposit size, inflation impact, GDP per capita, and exchange rate fluctuations.

Despite the coverage extending to approximately 98% of depositors, Hassan underscored the critical gap between the number of depositors covered and the value of deposits insured.

He stressed that while nearly all depositors are accounted for, only a quarter of the total value of deposits is protected, leaving a significant portion of funds vulnerable to risk.

“The coverage is just 25% of the total value of the deposits,” Hassan affirmed, highlighting the disparity between the number of depositors covered and the actual value of deposits within the banking system.

Moreover, Hassan addressed concerns about moral hazard, emphasizing that the presence of uninsured deposits would incentivize banks to exercise market discipline and mitigate risks associated with reckless behavior.

“The quantum of deposits not covered will enable banks to exercise market discipline and eliminate the issue of moral hazards,” Hassan stated, suggesting that the lack of full coverage serves as a safeguard against irresponsible banking practices.

However, Hassan’s revelations have prompted calls for greater regulatory oversight and transparency within Nigeria’s financial institutions. Critics argue that the current level of deposit insurance falls short of providing adequate protection for depositors, especially in the event of bank failures or financial crises.

The disclosure comes amid ongoing efforts by regulatory authorities to bolster depositor confidence and strengthen the resilience of the banking sector. With concerns mounting over the stability of Nigeria’s financial system, stakeholders are urging for proactive measures to address vulnerabilities and enhance consumer protection.