Connect with us

Banking Sector

Foreign Investments Climb Amid CBN’s Bank Recapitalisation Efforts

Published

3 months ago

on

Dr. Olayemi Michael Cardoso

Nigerian foreign investments surged following the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) recent bank recapitalisation program.

The CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, stated this during an event in Abuja on Wednesday.

Cardoso, represented by John Simeon Onoja, Acting Director of Financial Policy and Regulations, said the recapitalisation program is designed to enhance the liquidity of Nigerian banks, thereby increasing their lending capacity to critical sectors.

“The impact of the capitalisation program is evident as it has significantly increased the lending capacity of banks, empowering them to support relevant sectors more effectively,” Onoja said.

The CBN’s efforts have already started to bear fruit. Foreign investments into Nigeria soared to $3.38 billion in the first quarter of 2024, a dramatic rise from the $1.09 billion reported in the previous quarter, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

Portfolio investments led the charge, accounting for $2.08 billion, or 61.5% of the total investment.

“The banks are already seeing the influx of foreign direct investments,” Cardoso noted. “These investments are not only bringing in much-needed foreign exchange but also improving the liquidity situation in our forex market.”

The recapitalisation requirements have prompted some banks to explore various capital-raising strategies, including issuing ordinary shares, public offers, rights issues, private placements, mergers, and acquisitions.

The CBN has provided flexibility for banks unable to meet the new capital requirements, allowing them to downgrade to regional status while still serving the Nigerian market effectively.

Cardoso pointed out that the CBN routinely conducts stress tests to ensure that financial institutions can withstand economic shocks. “These stress tests are crucial for making informed management decisions and ensuring the resilience of our financial institutions,” he explained.

The new minimum capital requirements, announced by the CBN in March 2024, set a baseline of N500 billion for commercial banks with international authorization. This has led to an assessment of the capital gaps faced by banks.

For instance, international banks like Access, First Bank, FCMB, GTCO, Fidelity, Zenith, and UBA collectively hold a capital of about N1.3 trillion but need at least N2.2 trillion to meet the new standards.

Nationally licensed banks such as Ecobank, Stanbic IBTC, Citibank, Keystone Bank, and others face a similar challenge, with a collective gap of N1.6 trillion to reach the N2.2 trillion requirement.

Ike Chioke, CEO of Afrinvest Group, presented a report highlighting the capital shortfall and the likely industry changes, including mergers, acquisitions, and license adjustments.

Chioke emphasized that for Nigeria to achieve its target of a $1 trillion economy, comprehensive growth across all sectors is essential. “It’s not just the banks that need to grow; every sector of the economy must expand to reach this ambitious goal,” he said.

The recapitalisation program aligns with Nigeria’s broader economic goals, aiming to foster a robust financial sector capable of supporting sustainable economic growth.

As foreign investments continue to climb, the CBN’s efforts are poised to drive significant advancements in the nation’s financial and economic landscape.

Is the CEO and Founder of Investors King Limited. He is a seasoned foreign exchange research analyst and a published author on Yahoo Finance, Business Insider, Nasdaq, Entrepreneur.com, Investorplace, and other prominent platforms. With over two decades of experience in global financial markets, Olukoya is well-recognized in the industry.

Continue Reading
Comments

Banking Sector

NDIC Issues Fresh Directives to Unpaid Heritage Bank Customers, List Requirements for Refund

Published

1 day ago

on

November 8, 2024

By

The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has issued fresh directives to customers of the defunct Heritage Bank who are yet to receive the refund of their money deposited in the bank.

The managing director of NDIC, Bello Hassan, through the director of communications and public affairs, Nuhu Bashir, issued the fresh directive during the corporation’s ‘special day’ event at the 36th Lagos International Trade Fair.

Urging unpaid customers to come forward, Hassan said that the requirements needed to claim a refund include the customer’s BVN, proof of account ownership, and alternative account details.

He detailed that affected customers can process their claims via the NDIC website, email, and social media platforms.

Highlighting the corporation’s role in liquidating Heritage Bank and facilitating the ongoing recovery and refund of depositors’ funds, Hassan stated, “Depositors who are yet to receive their payment should come forward with their BVN, proof of account ownership, identification, and alternative account details.”

NDIC reaffirmed its commitment to protecting depositors and ensuring financial stability.

“Our mandate is to safeguard depositors and ensure financial stability,” he stated.

Hassan assured customers that banks that are still in operation are safe saying, “All banks with active licenses from the CBN are safe and healthy,” Hassan said.

He pledged the corporation’s commitment to providing a safe and stable financial environment for Nigerians.

According to him, a stable financial environment will boost public confidence in financial institutions and enable businesses to thrive.

He stated, “The NDIC is committed to ensuring a stable financial environment that safeguards depositors and builds public confidence, enabling businesses to thrive and contribute to our nation’s economic development.”

Gabriel Idahosa, the president of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) praised the NDIC for its vigilant monitoring of banks and its proactive intervention in distressed institutions.

Idahosa said, “The corporation’s vigilant monitoring of banks, proactive intervention in distressed institutions, and ongoing commitment to depositor protection have instilled confidence in the banking sector.

“These ensure that banks can continue to serve businesses and individuals even in uncertain economic times.

“Its unwavering commitment to depositor protection and financial stability has been vital in navigating recent economic challenges and safeguarding the integrity of Nigeria’s banks.”

Continue Reading

Banking Sector

Zenith Bank Commends Customers After Successfully Unveiling Upgraded Enhanced Tech infrastructure

Published

3 days ago

on

November 6, 2024

By

Zenith Bank - Investors King

Zenith Bank Plc has announced that it now boasts the best technology infrastructure in the banking industry, positioning itself to provide an exceptional customer experience and superior service delivery moving forward. This upgrade follows a recent comprehensive technology enhancement.

The bank expressed its heartfelt gratitude to customers for their support and patience throughout the upgrade process, while also extending apologies for any inconveniences experienced during this time.

This announcement was made in a social media post on Wednesday, signed by Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, OON, the Group Managing Director/CEO.

In her message, the GMD/CEO emphasized the bank’s commitment to delivering an unparalleled service experience, stating, “We undertook this upgrade to ensure we can offer our customers the best possible service.”

Umeoji pledged that Zenith Bank will continue to innovate, ensuring that customer needs are met swiftly, safely, and conveniently.

The post read in part: “On behalf of the Board, Management, and Staff of Zenith Bank PLC, I would like to thank you for your patience and support during our IT infrastructure migration to a new and more robust operating system.

“We are truly grateful for the trust and confidence you have placed in us. The primary reason for undertaking this extensive endeavor was to better position Zenith Bank PLC for improved service delivery to all our valued customers and to create memorable banking experiences at all our touchpoints.

“While I regret the inconveniences and challenges you faced during and immediately after our migration, I am pleased to inform you that Zenith Bank PLC now has the best technology infrastructure in the industry. We are committed to ensuring you experience superior service delivery going forward.

“Rest assured, you remain our top priority, and Zenith Bank will continue to innovate and offer value-added products and services to meet all your banking needs quickly, safely, and conveniently.”

Continue Reading

Banking Sector

FBN Holdings To Invest N103.1bn In Corporate, Retail Businesses

Published

5 days ago

on

November 4, 2024

By

FBN Holdings

As part of means of actualizing its expectation of raising N150 billion from its existing shareholders by way of rights issue, the management of FBN Holdings said it has budgeted an estimated N103.1 billion for its corporate business and retail business lending segments of the market.

The Holdings recently held the signing ceremony to begin the rights issue offering of 5,982,548,799 ordinary shares of 50 kobo each at N25.00 per share to its existing shareholder on the basis of one new ordinary share for every six ordinary shares held as of October 18, 2024.

Extracts from the offer raising prospectus of the financial institution revealed that lending to the corporate business segment gets N77.34 billion, while lending to the retail business segment gets a budget of N25.78 billion.

This covers 68.95 per cent of the N150 billion proposed rights issue the management seeks to raise from existing shareholders.

Out of the N150 billion, a total of N29.46 billion was budgeted to support international business expansion and N14.73 billion for investment in automation and digital banking.

According to the financial institution, seamless and convenient banking experience for its customers would be guaranteed through its significant investment in automation and digital banking.

Through its mobile banking app, FirstMobile, and its internet banking platform, FirstOnline, the management of FBN Holdings said it has effectively acquired a broad cross-section of the target demography, with a clear proposition of owning bank accounts and utilising various financial services from the comfort of their locations.

It added that the bank plans to upgrade the FirstMobile and FirstOnline apps with additional features while driving customer adoption of the platforms, noting that the development is in line with First Bank’s commitment to providing customers with the best-in-class electronic banking experience.

The offer, however, is part of the company’s plan to recapitalise its commercial banking subsidiary, First Bank of Nigeria Limited,  with a view to increasing the bank’s capacity for business development and growth.

Chairman, FBN Holdings, Olufemi Otedola in a statement from the document urged shareholders to support the Rights issue by accepting their rights, stating that the company will be well positioned to achieve its strategic objectives and to deliver improved returns to all stakeholders.

Continue Reading

Trending