Sam Bankman-Fried’s FTX crypto exchange said it is not in talks to acquire Robinhood Markets Inc, after a report on Monday claimed the exchange was exploring such a deal.

Bloomberg News reported on Monday FTX was discussing internally how to buy the app-based brokerage and that Robinhood had not received a formal takeover approach, citing people with knowledge of the matter.

“There are no active M&A conversations with Robinhood,” Bankman-Fried said in an emailed statement.”We are excited about Robinhood’s business prospects and potential ways we could partner with them.”

Robinhood declined to comment. The retail-trading platform’s shares were down 5% in extended trading after jumping over 14% on the report.

Last month, the founder and chief executive of FTX revealed a 7.6% stake in Robinhood but said he did not have any intention of taking control of the retail-trading platform.

Robinhood’s dual-class shares give its founders control of 64% of the voting shares outstanding, making it virtually impossible for takeovers without their support.

The popular trading platform has come under pressure this year as trading volumes ease from 2021’s frenetic pace – when retail investors used it to pump money into shares of so-called meme stocks such as GameStop and AMC Entertainment.

That slowdown, along with a sell-off in high-growth technology stocks, has driven a near 50% slump in Robinhood shares this year. The company had a market valuation of nearly $7 billion as of Friday’s closing price.

FTX’s U.S. arm announced in May it would launch a stock trading platform by the end of the summer. Last week, it acquired partner Embedded Financial Technologies for an undisclosed amount, which would add custody, execution and clearing services to its equity trading platform.

FTX and its billionaire founder Bankman-Fried have rescued other players during the crypto market’s recent crash. It provided crypto lender BlockFi with a $250 million revolving credit facility to help the firm avoid a liquidity crunch.

Access Bank Plc, a subsidiary of Access Bank Holdings Plc, has entered into a binding agreement with Centum Investment Plc for the acquisition of 83.4% equity held by Centum in Sidian Bank Limited in Kenya.

Access Bank announced the acquisition in a statement signed by Sunday Ekwochi, Company Secretary, Access Bank and obtained by Investors King.

The acquisition is estimated at US$37 million or N15 billion. This represents a price to book multiple of 1.1x based on the audited 31 Match 2022 shareholder’s equity of Sidian.

According to Access Bank, upon completion of the acquisition, Sidian will be merged with Access Bank’s subsidiary in Kenya, Access Bank Kenya to create a stronger banking institution better positioned to serve the Kenyan market.

Commenting on the deal, the Group Chief Executive, Access Bank, Mr. Herbert Wigwe, said “This growth transaction being implemented in Kenya represents the relentless focus and execution of our strategic objectives within our banking subsidiary even as we grow the other businesses within Access Corporation’s core segments. The acquisition of Sidian is a significant step-up in scale and potential for Access Bank in Kenya which represents the largest market and trade corridor in East Africa.

“The significant increase in scale and customer base presents us with enormous opportunities to support growth in the various ecosystems we are building in our trade and payment business.

“The economies of scale that derive therefrom will continue to drive and enhance contributions to all stakeholders.”

Also commenting on the transactions was Mr. Roosevelt Ogbonna, the Chief Executive Officer of Access bank. Ogbona explained that the acquisition will strengthen the bank’s presence in Kenya and support geographic earnings growth and diversification.

He said “this transaction builds on our earlier acquisition of the former Transnational Bank Plc (now Access Bank Kenya) and underscores our resolve to strengthen our presence in Kenya, a ley African market that fits into our strategic focus for geographic earnings growth and diversification.

“The acquisition and intended subsequent merger will create a strong and competitive balance sheet for Access Bank in Kenya, positioning us to be well-placed to promote regional trade finance and other cross border banking services in the East African Community (“EAC”) and broader COMESA region.

“The proposed combination with Access Bank Kenya would undoubtedly propel Access Bank into a strong contender in the Kenyan market with enhanced capacity to play a more impactful role in the growth of its economy while delivering increased profitability for our shareholders.”

FBN Holdings Plc on Wednesday announced it entered into a definitive agreement with Access Bank Plc to acquire 100% Share Capital of Access Pension Fund Custodian Limited held by Access Bank Plc.

The acquisition would be done through First Pension Custodian Limited, a subsidiary of FBNH, the bank disclosed this in a statement signed by Adewale L.O Arogundade, Ag. Company Secretary and obtained by Investors King.

According to FBN Holdings, the Central Bank of Nigeria and the National Pension Commission have given their no objection to the transaction, with completion subject to the receipt of all required regulatory approvals.

The statement reads, “FBN Holdings wishes to notify Nigerian Exchange Limited and investing public that First Pension Custodian Limited, a subsidiary of FBNH’s flagship subsidiary, First Bank of Nigeria Limited has entered into a definitive agreement with Access Bank Plc for the planned acquisition by First Pension of 100% Share capital of Access Pension Fund Custodian Limited held by Access Bank Plc.