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Banking Sector

Union Bank Profit Drops by 32% in the First 9 Months of 2022

Union Bank Plc grew gross earnings by 12.4% in the first nine months of the year to ₦140.6 billion from ₦125.2 billion reported in the first nine months of 2021.

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Union Bank Plc, a Nigerian-based bank, grew gross earnings by 12.4% in the first nine months of the year to ₦140.6 billion from ₦125.2 billion reported in the first nine months of 2021.

The bank stated in its unaudited financial statement obtained by Investors King.

Net operating income after impairments stood at ₦76.3 billion, up by 7.3% from ₦71.2 billion filed in the corresponding period of 2021. This was a result of a 37% increase in interest income to N109.3 billion.

Non-interest income, however, dropped by 32.7% to ₦28.3 billion due to weak recoveries. Still, operating expenses remained healthy at ₦58.1 billion, representing a 5.2% increase when compared to ₦55.2 billion achieved in the same period of 2021.

Similarly, customer deposits grew 12.7% from ₦1.36 trillion in December 2021 to ₦1.53 trillion in September 2022. Gross loans also rose by 10.1% to ₦990.3 billion from ₦899.1 billion in December 2021.

Non-performing loan ratio declined by 50 basis points to 4.2% from 4.7% attained in the first 9 months of 2021. As expected profit for the year from continued operations inched higher by 14% to ₦18.2 billion from ₦16.0 billion in the first nine months of 2021.

Union Bank posted ₦8.796 billion loss on the disposal of subsidiary in the period. Therefore, profit before tax declined by 28.48% to ₦10.166 billion down from ₦14.215 billion reported in the same period of 2021.

Profit after tax stood at ₦9.207 billion, representing a decline of 31.5% from ₦13.443 billion achieved in the corresponding period of 2021.

Commenting on the results, Mudassir Amray, the bank CEO said: “We had a good third-quarter performance, with strong growth in profits supported by additional net interest income. Our strategy remains on track, with good delivery in all areas.

“This was reflected in more consistent top-line growth, robust lending pipelines across our businesses, and rising lending to key sectors.

“Our performance reflects the continued impact of our strategy, with gathering revenue momentum. The progress that we have made means we are in a strong position. In 9M 2022, compared to 9M 2021, the Bank’s Gross Earnings, Net Interest Income and Profit Before Tax grew by 12.4%, 59.8%, and 14% respectively.

“As we look towards the rest of the year, we retain a cautious outlook on the external risk environment believing that the lows of recent quarters are behind us. This confidence, together with our focus on building on our efficiency, expanded synergies and robust cost control, will put the Bank in a stronger position”

Also speaking on the lender’s performance was Chief Financial Officer, Joe Mbulu, who  said: “Notwithstanding our deposit book growth, our focus on optimizing our funding costs have started yielding results which has driven profitability from gross revenues to the bottom line, with higher net revenue from funds (after impairment) in the period.

“Interest Income grew by 37% to N109.3 billion as a result of higher earning assets while Non-Interest Income (NII) declined by 33% to N28.3bn compared to prior year driven by decline in recoveries by 64.5% (to N4.6 billion) during the period.

“We grew our loan book by 10% from N899.1 billion as at December 2021 to N990.1 billion as at the end of Q3 2022. Customer deposits increased by 12.7% to N1.5 trillion.

“Our non-performing loan ratio as at 9M 2022 was 4.2% while our coverage ratio remains robust at 143.2%.
Operating Expenses grew by only 5% from N55.2 billion as at 9M 2021 to N58 billion due to inflationary pressures. Consequently, our cost to income ratio decreased from 77.6% to 76.1% as at September 2022.

“The Bank remains adequately capitalized to pursue its growth ambitions with Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) at 15.3%.”

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

UBA, Access Holdings, and FBN Holdings Lead Nigerian Banks in Electronic Banking Revenue

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UBA House Marina

United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, Access Holdings Plc, and FBN Holdings Plc have emerged as frontrunners in electronic banking revenue among the country’s top financial institutions.

Data revealed that these banks led the pack in income from electronic banking services throughout the 2023 fiscal year.

UBA reported the highest electronic banking income of  N125.5 billion in 2023, up from N78.9 billion recorded in the previous year.

Similarly, Access Holdings grew electronic banking revenue from N59.6 billion in the previous year to N101.6 billion in the year under review.

FBN Holdings also experienced an increase in electronic banking revenue from N55 billion in 2022 to N66 billion.

The rise in electronic banking revenue underscores the pivotal role played by these banks in facilitating digital financial transactions across Nigeria.

As the nation embraces digitalization and transitions towards cashless transactions, these banks have capitalized on the growing demand for electronic banking services.

Tesleemah Lateef, a bank analyst at Cordros Securities Limited, attributed the increase in electronic banking income to the surge in online transactions driven by the cashless policy implemented in the first quarter of 2023.

The policy incentivized individuals and businesses to conduct more transactions through digital channels, resulting in a substantial uptick in electronic banking revenue.

Furthermore, the combined revenue from electronic banking among the top 10 Nigerian banks surged to N427 billion from N309 billion, reflecting the industry’s robust growth trajectory in digital financial services.

The impressive performance of UBA, Access Holdings, and FBN Holdings underscores their strategic focus on leveraging technology to enhance customer experience and drive financial inclusion.

By investing in digital payment infrastructure and promoting digital payments among their customers, these banks have cemented their position as industry leaders in the rapidly evolving landscape of electronic banking in Nigeria.

As the Central Bank of Nigeria continues to promote digital payments and reduce the country’s dependence on cash, banks are poised to further capitalize on the opportunities presented by the digital economy.

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Banking Sector

FMBN Set for Commercialization to Improve Affordable Mortgage Financing

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FMBN

In a bid to bolster housing delivery efficiency and enhance affordable mortgage financing for Nigerians, the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) is gearing up for commercialization.

This move comes as part of the Nigerian government’s efforts to address the housing deficit and ensure adequate shelter for its citizens.

The Managing Director of FMBN, Shehu Osidi, made this announcement during a courtesy visit by the Federal Housing Delivery Reforms Task Team at the bank’s headquarters in Abuja.

Led by Mr. Adedeji Adesemoye and Brig. Gen. Tunde Reis, the task team discussed strategies to revitalize the housing sector, with a focus on FMBN’s pivotal role in providing affordable mortgage financing.

Osidi explained the bank’s commitment to supporting the government’s agenda of reforming and improving the housing sector, which is vital for sustainable development and enhancing citizens’ quality of life.

He underscored FMBN’s significant journey in the history of mortgage and housing finance in Nigeria and expressed optimism about the forthcoming commercialization process.

The commercialization plan involves repositioning and recapitalization efforts, following extensive engagements with the Bureau of Public Enterprise (BPE).

Osidi stressed the importance of aligning the bank’s operations with its mandate of affordable mortgage financing, ensuring that it remains a reliable partner in the quest for accessible housing solutions.

As part of its strategic blueprint, FMBN has prioritized various initiatives to enhance service delivery and operational efficiency.

Of note is the ICT project aimed at upgrading core banking applications that is almost complete and promised to revolutionize customers’ experience.

Also, amendments to the FMBN and NFH Acts are underway in the National Assembly, addressing key areas to facilitate the bank’s transformation.

Despite challenges, including performance issues with estate development loans, FMBN is determined to overcome obstacles and achieve its objectives.

The commercialization plan aligns with broader efforts to deepen reforms and foster a remarkable turnaround in the housing sector.

By focusing on process automation, cost efficiency, credit quality enhancement, and strategic partnerships, FMBN aims to catalyze sustainable growth and address the nation’s housing needs effectively.

Chairman of the Federal Housing Reforms Task Team, Adedeji Adesomoye, reiterated the committee’s mandate to review the operations and governance structures of key housing institutions.

With ambitious targets set by the government, including the construction of 20,000 housing units in 2024 and 50,000 units in subsequent years, the commercialization of FMBN marks a pivotal step towards realizing Nigeria’s housing aspirations.

As the commercialization process unfolds, FMBN stands poised to play a central role in facilitating access to affordable mortgage financing, thereby contributing to the realization of homeownership dreams for millions of Nigerians.

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Banking Sector

Adesola Adeduntan’s Early Departure Prompts First Bank Holdings to Scrap Capital Raise Plans

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FirstBank Headquarter - Investors King

First Bank Holdings Plc has decided to scrap its plans for capital raise following the early departure of its Managing Director, Adesola Adeduntan.

The decision to cancel the extraordinary general meeting (EGM), which was planned to discuss the proposed N300 billion capital raise, comes amidst Adeduntan’s resignation from his role, eight months before the scheduled expiration of his tenure.

The bank formally announced the cancellation of the EGM in a filing seen by Investors King on Friday.

The meeting, which was initially scheduled to be held virtually on April 30, 2024, aimed to seek authorization from the company’s members for the capital raise and address other related matters.

Adeduntan’s resignation, announced on the same day as the cancellation of the EGM, comes as a result of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s tenure requirements affecting bank executives.

In his retirement letter addressed to the Chairman of First Bank, Adeduntan expressed gratitude for the support received during his stewardship and highlighted the strides made by the bank during his tenure.

He stated, “During this period, the bank and its subsidiaries have undergone significant changes and broken new grounds. We have repositioned the institution as an enviable financial giant in Africa.”

Adeduntan further mentioned his decision to pursue other interests, prompting his early retirement effective April 20, 2024.

The cancellation of the capital raise plans shows the impact of Adeduntan’s departure on the bank’s strategic initiatives.

It reflects a shift in priorities for First Bank Holdings as it navigates leadership changes and seeks to chart a new course for its future direction.

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