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Stockbroking Firms Move to Reduce Operational Risks

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capital market - Investors King
  • Stockbroking Firms Move to Reduce Operational Risks

Stockbroking firms under the auspices of the Association of Stockbroking Houses of Nigeria (ASHON) have underscored the importance of sound risk management culture among capital market operators in order to safeguard market integrity and investors’ confidence.

As part of its initiatives to promote risk management culture, ASHON has partnered a frontline management consulting firm, IRM Professionals, to address a range of inherent risk management issues, which impact on the operations of securities firms in Nigeria and proffered the way forward.

Managing Partner, IRM Professionals, Mrs Owodunni Yussuff, who spoke at the risk management forum for stockbroking firms, , explained that certain risks were peculiar to capital market operations and they should be managed in order to ensure business continuity.

Yussuff stated that the risks were usually classified into business risk and consequential risk, saying that business risks include credit risk and market risk while consequential risks comprise legal risk, liquidity risk, operational risk, settlement risk and reputational risk

She explained that apart from the technical risks, there are regulatory risks that are currently affecting capital market operators in Nigeria.

“As part of minimum operating standard (MOS), they are expected to have a risk management function, and a risk manager. But many of them are not well equipped in the area of risk management department for optimal performance. As of now, many of our operators have not established what we call risk culture. The principal risk associated with a broker, dealer or a capital market operator in Nigeria is compliance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Nigerian Stock Exchange and the Investment and Securities Acts (ISA). Capital market operators are obliged to comply with the regulatory rules and regulations in order to avert sanctions with its attendant implications on corporate reputation,” Yussuff said.

Chairman, Association of Stockbroking Houses of Nigeria (ASHON), Chief Patrick Ezeagu, said that the Association decided on the risk management training in view of inherent risks associated with capital market operation.

He assured that capacity building would always be on the front burner of ASHON’s activities in order to support global competitiveness of capital market operators in Nigeria..

“Effective and efficient risk management structure positions stockbroking houses to exist in perpetuity as going concern. Risk changes over time and, therefore, tools for identifying and managing risk must change over time, and the only way you can ensure that we are prepared to manage risks is to continually train and re-train risk managers within the capital market space,” Ezeagu said.

According to him, it is necessary to consistently train those who are involved in the day to day management of risk associated with stockbroking businesses because once the integrity of the market is assured by the fact that people operate within rules and regulations guiding the market, then you can be sure that the market is well protected.

“The market is guided by rules and regulations and there is the apex institution that is like the “big brother” watching you. These are the things that ensure that there is integrity and investors can trust the market and participate actively in the market,” Ezeagu said.

Is the CEO and Founder of Investors King Limited. He is a seasoned foreign exchange research analyst and a published author on Yahoo Finance, Business Insider, Nasdaq, Entrepreneur.com, Investorplace, and other prominent platforms. With over two decades of experience in global financial markets, Olukoya is well-recognized in the industry.

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Banking Sector

Zenith Bank Enhances Customer Online Experience with Revamped Digital Channels

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Zenith Bank - Investors King

Zenith Bank, one of Nigeria’s foremost financial institutions, has successfully restored full operational services across its electronic transaction channels, ensuring that customers can now enjoy seamless access to digital banking services.

This restoration follows temporary disruptions caused by a routine upgrade of the bank’s technology infrastructure, which aimed to optimize service delivery but impacted e-channel services recently.

In a post shared on Thursday through its social media platforms, the leading lender confirmed that all services across its electronic channels have been fully reinstated.

Reiterating its commitment to providing quality digital services, the bank assured customers of exceptional service with its newly enhanced technology infrastructure, designed to deliver seamless and innovative financial solutions.

The announcement stated:

“We are pleased to inform you that access to our digital channels has been restored, allowing you to perform transactions conveniently via your preferred platform. We appreciate your patience during the IT infrastructure upgrade and sincerely apologize for any inconveniences you experienced.

“Rest assured, we are dedicated to providing you with exceptional service, and the new IT infrastructure we have implemented will enable us to do so moving forward.

Thank you for choosing to bank with us.”

Important Reminder

Zenith Bank will NEVER call, SMS, or email you requesting your card details, PIN, token codes, mobile/internet banking login details, or any other account-related information.

“We will also NEVER ask you to click on a link to update your bank information or activate your account. If you receive such messages, please DO NOT respond,” the bank stated.

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Banking Sector

CBN Assures Nigerians of Bank Deposits’ Safety Amid Online Disruptions

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Bank - Investors King

Amid growing challenges of maintenance delays and internet disruptions being faced by many of the commercial banks in Nigeria, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has assured depositors and other clients that their money is intact.

Reassuring the public of its unwavering commitment to ensuring the stability and reliability of the Nigerian financial system, the apex bank asked Nigerians not to panic, stating that it remains dedicated to fostering a secure banking environment where depositors can be fully confident in the safety of their funds.

In a statement signed by Hakama Sidi Ali, Acting Director, Corporate Communications, CBN, the apex bank noted that it recognises the crucial role confidence plays in banking operations and wants to affirm that all deposits in Nigerian banks are secure.

Ali said the CBN is actively ensuring that banks adhere to established regulations and best practices to maintain the integrity of the nation’s financial system.

According to him, regular stress testing is conducted to identify potential vulnerabilities, helping to ensure that the financial institutions are resilient.

He added that the CBN has implemented Early Warning Systems that proactively detect and address emerging risks, allowing the bank to provide timely solutions to any foreseen issues.

The statement pointed out that the bank’s approach to Risk Based Supervision ensures that it focuses its regulatory efforts on institutions that may pose the highest risk to the financial system.

“This targeted strategy allows it to maintain a robust oversight mechanism while promoting the overall health of the banking sector,” it stated.

Ali disclosed that the CBN has established a Memoranda of Understanding with the various countries where Nigerian banks’ subsidiaries are located, adding that the collaboration enhances regulatory coordination and ensures that the nation’s banks operate within a safe and sound framework in accordance with banking regulations, both domestically and internationally.

He further assured bank customers that the CBN remains dedicated to fostering a secure banking environment where depositors can be fully confident in the safety of their funds.

The statement revealed CBN’s plans to continue to monitor and adapt strategies to safeguard the financial interests of all Nigerians and stakeholders in our financial system.

Investors King had reported that customers of Zenith Bank recently expressed their frustration over difficulties with online banking transactions.

Just like other banks, Zenith Bank witnessed online service disruptions and maintenance delays for hours as its customers experienced hitch in sending, receiving money and viewing their balance on their bank apps.

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Banking Sector

Unity Bank, CashToken Rewards Promo Produces New Millionaire

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A Unity Bank customer, Mr. Amadi Chinmenem Gift Chike, has emerged as the latest winner of One Million Naira in the ongoing Cash Rewards Promo by Unity Bank Plc and CashToken Rewards Africa.

CashToken Rewards Africa is a Cash-Reward-as-a-Service company that rewards customers for their patronage and loyalty.

Mr. Amadi, a customer from Unity Bank’s Aba Road Branch, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, won the cash prize after completing qualifying transactions on Unity Bank’s digital banking channels including Unifi, *7799#, and on his Unity Bank-issued Verve card. Through these transactions, he received CashTokens, which entered him into the weekly national consumer draw, where he was selected as the lucky winner of the N1 million prize.

The grand prize winner, Mr. Amadi is the second customer to claim the N1 million grand prize in the rewards promo, which commenced in November 2023. Since the launch, Unity Bank customers have collectively won over N6 million in cash rewards.

Unity Bank and CashToken Rewards promo offers guaranteed instant cash rewards and life-changing opportunities for loyal customers who transact on any of the Bank’s electronic payment platforms, including the Unifi mobile banking application and the *7799# USSD platform. Every card transaction earns customers CashTokens, which qualify them for the weekly national consumer draw, with prizes ranging from N5,000 to N100 million.

Presenting the cheque to the winner in Port Harcourt, Unity Bank’s Regional Manager for Port Harcourt/Uyo Region, Mr. Etop Ikpe, congratulated the winner and reiterated the Bank’s commitment to building a sustainable loyalty platform for customer engagement and satisfaction.

He said, “We are happy to see another one of our loyal customers win a substantial cash prize through the Unity Bank and CashToken Rewards Promo. This initiative aligns with our mission to reward customer loyalty while providing a seamless and rewarding banking experience. As we continue to innovate and enhance our digital banking platforms, we are committed to creating more opportunities for our customers to benefit from their relationship with Unity Bank.”

In his reaction, an elated Mr. Amadi said, “This is a reward for my steadfastness. I have been banking with Unity Bank for a long time and I am really happy to win the cash prize. I commend the bank for the initiative and Unity Bank has always come through in keeping their promises both in terms of service delivery and meeting expectations of customers.”

Also commenting on the development, Simi Adeoye, Chief Business Development Officer for CashToken Rewards Africa, added: “We are proud to partner with Unity Bank in bringing life-changing opportunities to their customers through our Cash-Reward-as-a-Service model. We aim to make every transaction meaningful by turning regular banking activities into chances for customers to win significant rewards. We congratulate Mr. Amadi on his win, and we look forward to creating more millionaires as the promo continues. Mr. Amadi just like other beneficiaries can easily cash out his win by dialling *6700#, following the prompt and transferring his wins directly to his Unity Bank account.”

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