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CBN Excludes Microfinance and Primary Mortgage Banks from Cash Withdrawal Limit Policy, Fostering Economic Growth and Specialized Services

This latest update comes as part of the CBN’s ongoing efforts to optimize financial operations and meet the unique needs of various financial institutions.

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Central Bank

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) announced on Monday that it has excluded Microfinance Banks (MfBs) and Primary Mortgage Banks (PMBs) from its cash withdrawal limit policy.

The decision was conveyed through a circular signed by Musa Jimoh, the director of the payment system management department at CBN, and forwarded to all banks and other financial institutions (OFIs).

This latest update comes as part of the CBN’s ongoing efforts to optimize financial operations and meet the unique needs of various financial institutions.

The previous cash withdrawal policy, effective from January 9, 2023, had set a maximum withdrawal limit of N500,000 for individuals and N5 million for corporate entities.

However, recognizing the distinctive role played by Microfinance and Primary Mortgage Banks in the Nigerian financial landscape, the CBN has granted them an exemption from this limit.

In the circular, the CBN emphasized the importance of these institutions in the economy and their vital role in providing specialized retail banking services to their customers. By lifting the cash withdrawal limit for MfBs and PMBs, the CBN aims to empower them to continue their operations effectively and cater to the unique requirements of their clientele.

Microfinance Banks, which primarily serve low-income individuals and small-scale entrepreneurs, have been essential in driving financial inclusion and supporting the unbanked population in Nigeria. Their unrestricted access to cash withdrawals will enable them to serve their clients more efficiently and stimulate economic growth at the grassroots level.

Similarly, Primary Mortgage Banks, focused on providing housing finance and mortgage services, will now have the flexibility to manage larger transactions without constraints, facilitating smoother real estate transactions and promoting homeownership.

The apex bank in its circular explained that the exempted banks must ensure full compliance with other financial regulations while serving their customers. This move is expected to fortify the financial sector, instill confidence among customers, and foster a positive economic climate.

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Banking Sector

Access Bank, Others Collect N154 Billion in Electronic Banking Fees in H1’23, a 16.7% YoY Surge

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Global Banking - Investors King

In the first half of 2023, customers of Nigeria’s top nine commercial banks paid a whopping N154 billion in fees for utilizing electronic banking services, reflecting a robust 16.7% year-on-year increase compared to H1’22’s N131.97 billion.

The data, extracted from the financial statements of these banks, underscores the escalating trend of Nigerians embracing electronic payment channels.

Leading the pack in revenue generation from these fees is Access Bank, amassing N43.9 billion, followed by United Bank for Africa Plc (N51.07 billion), Zenith Bank (N22.27 billion), Guaranty Trust Bank (N21.2 billion), and others like Stanbic IBTC (N2.14 billion), First City Monument Bank (N7.4 billion), Unity Bank (N1.96 billion), Fidelity Bank (N1.85 billion), and Wema Bank (N3.13 billion).

Electronic banking services encompass a gamut of options, including internet banking, mobile banking, ATMs, and Point of Sale (PoS) systems.

Recent data from the Nigerian Interbank Settlement System (NIBSS) for Q1’23 indicates a substantial surge in electronic transactions.

Transaction volume increased by 209% YoY to 4.7 billion, and transaction value grew by 48% YoY to N137.52 trillion.

The nine banks collectively raked in N66.7 billion in account maintenance fees and commissions during H1’23, reflecting a 14.7% YoY rise.

Zenith Bank led this category with N21.02 billion, trailed by Access Bank (N13.36 billion), Guaranty Trust Bank (N10.5 billion), and United Bank of Africa (N9.6 billion).

Overall, the banks’ cumulative net fees and commission income registered a substantial 20.7% YoY growth, reaching N448.47 billion in H1’23 from N371.43 billion in H1’22.

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Banking Sector

Access Holdings Posts 52.6% Profit for the First Half of the Year

Parent Company of Access Bank Celebrates Remarkable Financial Performance in H1’23

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Access bank

Access Holdings Plc, the parent company of Access Bank, has reported a 58.9 percent surge in gross revenue to N940.3 billion for the first half of 2023.

The financial services giant also recorded remarkable growth in Profit Before Tax (PBT) and Profit After Tax (PAT) at 71.4 percent and 52.6 percent, respectively, culminating in N167.6 billion for PBT and N135.4 billion for PAT during the same period.

These financial milestones were unveiled as part of Access Holdings’ Audited Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements for the period concluding on June 30, 2023.

The driving force behind this unprecedented growth can be attributed to a potent combination of factors. A 63.0 percent growth in interest income and a 51.9 percent increase in non-interest income fueled the surge in gross revenue.

Access Holdings also witnessed a 35 percent year-to-date growth in customer deposits, capping the first half of 2023 at an impressive N12.5 trillion. This remarkable achievement encompassed all business segments, reinforcing the Group’s status as Nigeria’s largest financial institution by total assets.

The company’s total assets grew by 39.0 percent year-on-year to N20.9 trillion while shareholders’ funds surged by 40.6 percent to N1.7 trillion.

These astounding figures underline the Group’s ability to generate value from a diversified business portfolio, spanning banking, asset management, and payment services.

Herbert Wigwe, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings Plc, commented on the company’s positive performance, saying, “Our growth plans for the African continent remain firm and clear, driven by the strong long-term growth prospects and trade opportunities seen across many of the countries.”

He went on to emphasize the company’s commitment to its 5-year cyclical strategy, stating, “Our primary objective remains to transform Access Holdings Plc into a leading financial and ecosystem player, fostering opportunities for shared prosperity among all stakeholders.”

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Banking Sector

Central Bank of Nigeria Postpones 293rd Monetary Policy Committee Meeting

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Central Bank of Nigeria - Investors King

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has announced the postponement of its 293rd Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting, originally scheduled for September 25th and 26th, 2023.

Dr. Isa AbdulMumin, the bank’s Director of Corporate Communications, released a statement on Thursday confirming the decision.

In the statement, Dr. AbdulMumin stated, “The Monetary Policy Committee of the Central Bank of Nigeria has deferred its 293rd meeting, which was initially planned for Monday and Tuesday, September 25th and 26th, 2023, respectively. A new date will be communicated in due course. We regret any inconvenience this change may cause our stakeholders and the general public.”

While the CBN did not provide an official reason for the postponement, some industry experts suggest it may be related to the pending approvals for the newly appointed governor and deputy governors of the bank.

President Bola Tinubu recently nominated Yemi Cardoso as the potential head of the CBN. Additionally, Tinubu has endorsed the nominations of four new deputy governors for the apex bank, who are expected to serve for an initial term of five years, pending confirmation by the Senate.

The nominated deputy governors are Emem Usoro, Muhammad Abdullahi-Dattijo, Philip Ikeazor, and Bala Bello. However, the appointment of the CBN governor is contingent upon Senate confirmation, which is currently on a yearly recess.

The CBN assures stakeholders and the public that the rescheduled MPC meeting date will be communicated promptly as soon as it is confirmed.

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