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Banking Sector

Global Banking Sector Grows 40% Reviving Pandemic Losses in Just 12 Months

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European Investment Bank - Investors King

In 2020, the global banking sector took a hit following the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic, which was reflected in the overall market capitalization. However, with the ongoing global recovery, the banking industry has regained most of the losses incurred during the health crisis. 

According to data acquired by Finbold, in just 12 months between Q2 2020 and Q2 2021, the global banking sector’s market cap has surged 39.62%, adding €2.1 trillion from €5.3 trillion to €7.4 trillion. On the path to recovery, the market cap slightly plunged in 2020 Q3 to €5.2 trillion before gaining 17.3% the next quarter.

Among the Western European banks, Spain’s BBVA bank recorded the highest total shareholder return rate at 19.7% between April 2021 – July 2021, followed by Société Générale from France at 13.8%, while Banco Santander, also from Spain, ranks third at 12.1%. United Kingdom’s Barclays is the worst performer with a TSR of -8%. Data on the global banking sector’s market cap is provided by Banking Hub.

How banking sector sustained growth

The registered market capitalization is supported by the large-scale reopening of economies due to the vaccine rollout. Additionally, the banks, especially from major economies like the United States and Europe, have reaped from policies meant to cushion the economy from the adverse effects of the pandemic. Notably, the decisions by most banks to retain a low-interest-rate environment has been beneficial to banks.

Worth noting is that during the pandemic, banks found themselves in a tight spot. Historically, the banking sector has been considered the custodian of the economy but the pandemic also plunged the banks into a crisis. The banking sector’s profits were adversely affected considering they are bound to the business cycle and interest rates.

At the same time, banks also put in place measures like approaching loans with caution due to uncertainty in repaying which directly impacted profits. However, banks were tapped to facilitate the distribution of stimulus packages boosting their capital reserves in return.

Worth pointing out is that institutions like the European Central Banks allowed banks to continue using their capital buffers flexibly with a planned extension until 2022. With such moves helping banks sustain growth, it eliminates the worry of straining capital buffers while the health crisis is still impacting the banks’ balance sheets.

Furthermore, the crisis highlighted the need for banks to keep huge reserves of capital that can be activated in the wake of economic turmoil. Although most banks have historically relied on assets for future cushion, a crisis like the coronavirus calls for more capital because selling assets in such an environment is challenging.

Besides the policies, the banking sector recovery was partly aided by existing operational risk management arrangements. The pandemic tested all financial market participants and most leading banks successfully invoked business continuity plans. The plans ensured that the financial markets continued to run smoothly and orderly.

The sector’s recovery has also been accelerated by other factors like the increased adoption of pre-pandemic trends like digitalization and sustainability. Digitization of operations has been backed by consumers who are willing to conduct transactions online. At the same time, the digital shift has presented a competitive factor in the sector, with institutions that had established online presence benefiting the most.

Notably, the recovery was at some point under threat during the third quarter of 2020 amid concerns of the pandemic’s second wave. However, the sector sustained the gains with the rollout of the vaccine. Furthermore, moving into 2021, the industry appears not to be bothered by the Delta variant.

The future of the banking sector

By sustaining the market capitalization for two consecutive quarters, it can be assumed that the banking sector response to the health crisis is bearing fruits. However, it is still early to determine if the recovery is sustainable.

The rally will be tested, especially when central banks eliminate all the policies meant to cushion the economy. However, in the long run, banks will have to tailor their operations towards changing consumer behaviour.

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

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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