CBN Denies Banks Upgrade of Operations Till License Approval

Following the increase in requests seeking operational upgrades for financial institutions, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has warned against taking such action until their licences are approved.

The CBN informed banks and other financial institutions who have requested for conversion of licenses to refrain from enlarging or reducing their present banking networks while their requests are still pending, Investors King reports.

This was contained in CBN’s circular ‘FPR/DIR/PUB/CIR/001/072’ to banks and other financial institutions in the country dated March 28, 2023.

The circular was titled– “Regulatory guidelines for change of operational licence for banks and other financial institutions in Nigeria” signed by the Director, Financial Policy and Regulation Department, Chibuzor Efobi.

The apex bank barred financial institutions from launching new services or banking activity until otherwise approved and included in the company’s terms.

According to CBN, the regulatory guideline became imperative as more banks and other financial institutions submitted requests for upgrade or conversion to other licence regimes. 

The laid down guidelines will properly guide and give explanations to eligible financial institutions on the system’s requirements.

The circular reads partly, “Under these guidelines, the following prohibitions/restrictions shall apply to eligible banks and OFIs applying for conversion or re-categorisation. The bank or OFI shall not, pending when the application is determined expand or reduce its current banking network;

“Roll-out new products and services; carry out any new strategic banking activity but the settlement of rights and obligations shall continue until extinguished in accordance with existing terms and conditions;

“Take any business decision after the conversion process has commenced, except in line with the bank’s conversion strategy submitted to the CBN; Engage in any banking activity specific to the proposed new licence; any other requirement that may be prescribed from time to time by the CBN.”