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Bankers Support CBN Digital Currency, Says Launching To Begin End of The Year

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CBN-headquarters-Investors King

The Director-Information Technology Department, Central Bank of Nigeria, Mrs. Rakiyat Mohammed, has said that the banking regulator will launch a digital currency before the end of 2021.

Muhammed disclosed this during a press briefing on the Bankers’ Committee meeting on Thursday.

“As I said before the end of the year, the Central Bank will be making a special announcement and possibly launching a pilot scheme in order to be able to be able to provide this kind of currency to its populace,” she said.

She said about 80 percent of central banks in the world we’re exploring the possibility of issuing central bank digital currency and Nigeria could not be left behind.

For over two years now, she added, the CBN had been exploring technology and had made tremendous progress.

Explaining what the Central Bank’s digital currency would be, she said there were currently two forms of money in the country.

She added, “We have in two forms in Nigeria as of now, there are the notes and there are the coins.

“So the Central Bank currency is to be the third form of money which means just as we have electronic money, digital money is not new in Nigeria.

“Just as we are about the third or fifth in the whole world as far as advancement in the use of digital money is concerned.

“So this is going to compliment the coins and cash that we have.

“The Central Bank digital currency will just be as good as you having cash in your pocket and even as you have the cash in your pocket, you are going to have the cash on your phone.”

She said the Central Bank was looking at different use cases such as remittances.

The director said, “We all know how money has to travel for someone to send money from Nigeria to abroad and it is huge money in Africa.

“We also know that recent report by EfiNA was that our target was to achieve 80 percent financial inclusion. We are about 60 percent and at the rate at which we are going, we are not going to meet this target.

“Central Bank digital currency will accelerate our ability to meet this target.”

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Banking Sector

At Polaris Bank IWD Webinar, Guest Speakers Advocate Empowering Opportunities for Women

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Polaris Bank

Polaris Bank’s International Women’s Day (IWD) webinar themed: ‘Empowering Voices: Women Leading Change,’ offered a dynamic platform for insightful conversations. 

The 2024 International Women’s Day (IWD) theme “Inspire Inclusion,” recognizes that despite progress made, women face significant obstacles to achieve equal participation in the economy.

Held on March 12, 2024, at the Bank’s Victoria Island, Lagos headquarters, the webinar featured a distinguished panel of experts who discussed various aspects of women’s empowerment and inclusivity. The event witnessed participation from customers and staff alike.

The two guest speakers, who focused on inclusion in the workplace and inclusive health, did a phenomenal job.

The two panelists drawn from diverse fields, delved into crucial topics such as; self-esteem, mental wellness, workplace policies, and the importance of inclusive infrastructure.

They emphasized the need for collaborative efforts from all segments of society to support women in realizing their aspirations.

Ms. Solape Akinpelu, CEO and co-founder of HerVest, a fintech company, highlighted the significance of inclusivity and called for concerted action to dismantle societal narratives that undermine women’s capabilities.

She stressed that women are not helpless and advocated for proactive measures to counter sub-conscious biases.

On her part, Dr. Ifeyinwa Nwakwesi, CEO of Healthy Living Services Nigeria Ltd., provided valuable health tips for women to balance their professional and family lives; while prioritizing their well-being.

Dr. Nwakwesi underscored the pivotal role of women in maintaining family health and urged them to shield themselves from undue pressures.

Earlier in his opening remarks, Polaris Bank’s Managing Director/CEO, Mr. Kayode Lawal emphasized the indispensable contributions of women to societal progress and economic development.

He reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace culture that values diversity and empowers women to excel.

Reflecting on the global theme of IWD 2024, “Inspire Inclusion,” Lawal highlighted the importance of creating a culture where everyone feels valued and respected.

He reiterated Polaris Bank’s dedication to providing a conducive work environment for its female workforce, free from biases and discrimination.

In her own contribution, Bukola Oluyadi who has oversight on Sustainability in Polaris Bank, emphasized the importance of connecting with women in the workplace. According to her, when women feel appreciated and encouraged to bring their best to the table, it enhances their sense of value and contribution.

The webinar concluded with a call to action for all stakeholders to prioritize inclusivity and collaborate towards creating equitable opportunities for women in all spheres of life.

Polaris Bank, was adjudged Nigeria’s Digital Bank of the Year in 2023, 2022 and 2021 in Business Day’s Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.

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Banking Sector

Nigerian Banks Forbidden from Using Forex Revaluation Gains for Dividends, Operations – CBN

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Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has issued a directive reaffirming the prohibition on Nigerian banks from utilizing foreign exchange (forex) revaluation gains for dividends or operational expenses.

The circular, signed by the acting Director of the Banking Supervision Department, Adetona Adedeji, emphasized the necessity for banks to exercise prudence by setting aside forex revaluation gains as a counter-cyclical buffer against adverse movements in the exchange rate.

This latest directive follows a previous letter dated September 1, 2023, where the CBN initially instructed banks to refrain from using such gains for dividends or operational costs.

The CBN’s unwavering stance underscores the importance of safeguarding the financial stability of Nigerian banks amidst evolving economic conditions.

Forex revaluation gains occur when there’s an increase in the value of a bank’s assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currency due to exchange rate fluctuations.

While such gains may present an opportunity for financial flexibility, the CBN maintains that they must be reserved for mitigating potential risks rather than being allocated for dividends or operational expenses.

The regulatory move aims to ensure that Nigerian banks maintain robust financial resilience and remain adequately capitalized to withstand market volatilities.

By adhering to these guidelines, banks are positioned to navigate uncertainties in the forex market and uphold their stability within the broader financial ecosystem.

The CBN’s directive serves as a critical reminder to banks of their responsibility to prioritize prudence and financial soundness, especially in light of recent economic challenges.

Compliance with these regulations is crucial for fostering long-term sustainability and resilience in Nigeria’s banking sector.

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Banking Sector

Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede’s Return Sparks Investor Confidence, Access Holdings Shares Rise

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Access bank

The resurgence of investor confidence in Access Holdings Plc’s shares comes on the heels of the appointment of Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede as the chairman of the financial group.

Access Holdings, trading under the AccessCorp ticker on the Nigerian Exchange, gained 1.52% on Thursday, reflecting a positive market sentiment following Aig-Imoukhuede’s return to the helm.

Aig-Imoukhuede’s reemergence into the fold of Access Holdings has reignited optimism among investors, propelling the company’s shares from N23 to N23.35.

The volume of stocks traded also saw a significant increase, reaching 25,273,345 units compared to the previous session’s 18,240,481 units, signifying heightened interest in the company’s prospects under his leadership.

The veteran banker and former managing director of the Access Bank Group, Aig-Imoukhuede, assumes the chairmanship role, succeeding Mr. Abubakar Jimoh.

Aig-Imoukhuede’s return to Access Holdings comes a decade after his departure, following the tragic passing of his friend and co-founder, Herbert Wigwe.

His appointment heralds a new chapter for the financial group, underlining his commitment to realizing the shared vision he once championed alongside Wigwe.

In response to his appointment, Aig-Imoukhuede expressed enthusiasm about rejoining the Access Group ecosystem, emphasizing his confidence in delivering outstanding value to stakeholders.

His reassurance resonates with investors, who anticipate a strategic direction that aligns with the company’s growth trajectory and reinforces its position in the market.

As Access Holdings charts its course under Aig-Imoukhuede’s stewardship, the recent surge in share prices reflects not only investor confidence but also a renewed sense of optimism surrounding the company’s future prospects in the Nigerian financial landscape.

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