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Bad Debts: CBN Plans Tougher Bank Capital Rules

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  • Bad Debts: CBN Plans Tougher Bank Capital Rules

The Central Bank of Nigeria plans to introduce fresh capital rules in the second quarter of this year, threatening to heap pressure on banks already weighed down by bad loans.

Non-performing loans in the banking sector rose to N2.245tn in the third quarter of last year from N1.939tn in the second quarter, according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics.

The NBS data showed that the NPL ratio – a key metric for banks’ health – rose to 14.16 per cent in the third quarter from 12.45 per cent in the previous quarter, compared to a regulatory limit of five per cent.

Bloomberg quoted the CBN as saying in an emailed response to questions that the new requirements would be stricter in terms of what funding qualified as capital and would also require lenders to create “capital conservation” and “counter-cyclical” buffers.

According to the apex bank, the rule seeks to protect the nation’s banks “against shocks emanating locally and from abroad” by increasing the level of regulatory capital and the quality of the assets.

The central bank said it would “apply a leverage ratio to supplement existing capital ratios” for lenders as well as “additional loss-absorbency requirements for domestic-systemically important banks.”

“Country and cross-border risk guidelines are being developed for the assessment of risks arising from across border operations of Nigerian banks,” it added.

The regulator is aligning itself with a global accord known as Basel III three years after a contraction in Nigeria’s economy spurred authorities to delay the implementation of tougher capital rules. It also comes after policymakers in 2013 spurned some requirements drawn up by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision.

Nigerian authorities migrated banks to a new accounting standard known as IFRS 9 last year to improve disclosure by forcing lenders to provide for existing losses as well as those that might occur in the future.

While the average capital-adequacy ratio for the industry rose to 12.1 per cent in June from 10.2 per cent at the end of 2017, some banks said the transition shaved as much as 200 basis points off their capital bases.

Lenders are struggling to contend with non-performing loans equal to 12.5 per cent of total credit. While these have improved from almost 15 per cent in 2017, many small- to medium-sized banks are battling to raise capital.

Worried about the declining health of Skye Bank, the Central Bank of Nigeria sacked its board of directors in 2016 and constituted a new board, saying the moves had become unavoidable in view of the persistent failure of the bank to meet minimum thresholds in critical prudential and adequacy ratios.

In September this year, the apex bank revoked the operating licence of Skye Bank and created a bridge bank, Polaris, to take over its assets and liabilities.

Access Bank Plc is in the process of taking over Diamond Bank Plc.

The Monetary Policy Committee of the CBN said at its meeting in September 2018 that it was concerned with “the rising level of non-performing loans in the banking system, traced mainly to the oil sector” and urged the CBN to closely monitor and address the situation.

In November, several members of the MPC again voiced concerns over the share of the nation’s oil and gas industry in the large volume of NPLs in banks.

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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Banking Sector

Access Holdings Plc Plans $1.8 Billion Capital Raise

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Access Holdings Plc, the parent company of Nigeria’s leading bank, Access Bank Plc, has unveiled ambitious plans for a $1.8 billion capital raise aimed at fueling its expansion efforts over the next four years.

The strategic move comes as Access sets its sights on becoming one of the largest lenders on the African continent.

During a conference call with investors in Lagos, executives outlined the company’s intention to raise $1.5 billion, or the naira equivalent, through the issuance of shares, bonds, or other financial instruments.

Also, Access aims to generate up to 365 billion naira ($257 million) by selling shares to existing investors.

Bolaji Agbede, acting group chief executive officer, clarified that the current fundraising initiative primarily involves a rights issue.

The capital infusion is earmarked to support Access’s ambitious growth plan, which commenced last year.

The bank intends to expand its footprint into new markets, including Morocco, Egypt, and the United States, as part of a broader strategy to double the share of assets outside its home market by 2027.

With operations spanning 22 countries, including the United Arab Emirates and the UK, Access Bank is positioning itself for significant international growth.

The recent appointment of Bolaji Agbede as acting group CEO follows the passing of co-founder and former CEO, Herbert Wigwe, adding a layer of significance to the bank’s future direction.

Access’s acquisition of National Bank of Kenya Ltd. underscores its commitment to expanding its presence in East Africa’s largest economy.

As Access Bank charts its course for expansion, the $1.8 billion capital raise signals its determination to seize opportunities in a rapidly evolving financial landscape, both domestically and across the African continent.

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Finance

OPEC+ Production Cuts and Geopolitical Tensions Propel Oil Price to Over $87

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Crude oil - Investors King

Oil price surged past the $87 price level on Thursday on the back of production cuts by OPEC+ nations and escalating geopolitical tensions.

Brent crude oil, against which Nigerian oil is priced, rose by $1.39 or 1.6% to $87.48 a barrel, its highest level since October 27.

OPEC+, the alliance of major oil-producing nations, has remained resolute in its commitment to curtail output, effectively tightening the supply of crude in the market.

Despite calls for increased production to alleviate soaring prices, the alliance has opted to maintain its course, further buoying the market sentiment.

Simultaneously, geopolitical tensions have added fuel to the fire. Attacks on Russia’s energy infrastructure, particularly by Ukraine, have sparked concerns over potential disruptions to the global oil supply chain.

Despite diplomatic efforts to deter such actions, the situation remains precarious, contributing to market anxieties.

Analysts suggest that these price surges may have long-term implications for global economies, particularly for oil-importing nations heavily reliant on stable energy prices.

Furthermore, the impact of rising oil prices on inflation and consumer spending patterns remains a point of contention among economists and policymakers.

As the world watches with bated breath, the trajectory of oil prices hinges on a delicate balance between geopolitical developments, OPEC+ policies, and the broader economic landscape.

For now, the $87 threshold serves as a stark reminder of the volatility and interconnectedness inherent in the global energy markets.

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Insurance

Heirs Insurance Group Unveils Revolutionary Website for Seamless Insurance Experience

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Heirs Life Assurance- Investors King

Heirs Insurance Group has launched a website designed to revolutionize the insurance experience for its customers.

With a focus on simplicity, accessibility, and personalized service, the new website aims to streamline the process of obtaining insurance coverage and empower customers to make informed decisions about their insurance needs.

The website boasts a range of innovative features that make navigating insurance options easier than ever before.

From simple and intuitive navigation menus to personalized insurance recommendations, the website is designed to guide customers through every step of the insurance process quickly and efficiently.

According to Ifesinachi Okpagu, the Chief Marketing Officer of Heirs Insurance Group, the new website embodies the company’s commitment to delivering exceptional customer service.

“Today’s customers want simplicity, and this new website delivers on that request,” Okpagu said. “We are empowering customers to take control of their lives, their businesses, assets, and their most cherished people.”

One of the key features of the website is its personalized insurance experience, which takes customers through a short journey to help them identify the best insurance plan for their needs.

Whether customers are looking for coverage for their home, car, business, or loved ones, the website provides tailored recommendations to ensure they find the right insurance solution quickly and easily.

With its user-friendly interface and innovative features, the new website from Heirs Insurance Group sets a new standard for the insurance industry, making it easier than ever for customers to protect what matters most to them.

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