By Modupe Gbadeyanka

An innovative web banking platform to provide customers with an additional digital channel to manage and carry out uninterrupted daily transactions on their phones, laptops and other devices has been introduced by Bankit Microfinance Bank (MFB).

The emerging small financial institution said it came up with this platform to break barriers and empower individuals and businesses to manage their finances with confidence.

With this, Bankit MFB is redefining convenience and security in banking, ensuring uninterrupted access to financial services, time-saving functionalities, efficiency, real-time account updates, 24/7 availability, and faster transactions.

“In today’s fast-paced digital age, connectivity is everything in banking, and for us, it’s all about improving customer experience with simple banking options and empowering our teeming customers to live their best lives.

“We are revolutionizing the Fintech landscape in Nigeria, and we have developed this solution to empower our customers to bank securely, anytime, anywhere, conveniently.

“We are committed to leveraging technology to enhance the banking experience for all our customers,” the chief executive of Bankit Africa, Mr Yen Choi, stated.

“Bankit’s web banking platform reaffirms one of the bank’s core values – Innovation and sets a new standard for accessibility and security in the banking industry.

“As part of our ongoing commitment to excellence, Bankit Africa will continue to evolve its offerings to meet and exceed the needs of its rising customer base.

“Some key features of this web banking platform include: a simple way to send money, buy airtime, and pay bills with no extra fees or hidden charges,” he added.

Bankit MFB is a licensed financial institution dedicated to providing innovative, customer-centric financial solutions to individuals, businesses, and communities in Nigeria, with a focus on simplicity, convenience, and security.

By Dipo Olowookere

Banking operations at the branches of most financial institutions in Nigeria will end earlier than expected today, Tuesday, December 31, 2024.

The majority of them have sent messages to their customers to inform them of this development.

Business Post sighted some of these notices sent by the banks to their customers via electronic mails (e-mails).

One of them from Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) Limited said transactions at its Lagos branches will close for the day and year by 3 pm while in other branches at 2 pm, encouraging customers to use its digital channels for their financial transactions.

“We would like to inform you that all our branches nationwide will close to customers early on Tuesday, December 31, 2024.

“During this period, we encourage you to take advantage of our digital channels for banking needs,” the notice read in parts.

On its part, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc said its branches would close for the day at 2 pm across the nation.

“As we prepare for the New Year celebration, our branches will close by 2 pm on Tuesday, December 31, 2024.

“While our branches take a break, our digital channels, the UBA Mobile Banking, Leo, *919# or internet banking are available 24/7 for all your banking needs.

“Your security is our priority. We will never ask for your BVN, card number, PIN or personal details. Suspect anything fraudulent? Call our Fraud Help Desk,” the message from the lender read.

As for Fidelity Bank Plc, it plans to stop banking services at its branches nationwide today by 2 pm to resume on Thursday, January 2, 2025.

“Please be informed that our branches will close at 2 pm on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, ahead of the New Year holiday.

“As always, our digital channels; Mobile Banking, USSD Bank (*770#), PoS, ATMs, Cards, and Ivy Chat, will be available 24/7 for all banking transactions.

“Please note that normal operations will resume at 8 am on Thursday, January 2, 2025,” the bank said in its message to customers.

By Dipo Olowookere

About N147.5 billion has been raised by the First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Group Plc from a public offer, recording a 33 per cent oversubscription, a statement from the financial institution has confirmed.

This disclosure disclosed that the exercise attracted about 42,800 investors, with 92 per cent subscribing via more convenient digital channels such as the bank’s mobile app and ushering in over 39,000 new investors to the financial services group.

The funds from the public offer will help the banking subsidiary of the company, FCMB Limited, meet the new capital base requirement of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

It was stated that from the N147.5 billion, about N144.6 billion was absorbed through the issuance of 19,802,710,781 ordinary shares at N7.30 per share, bringing total post-offer issued shares to 39,605,421,562 shares.

“We are grateful to our existing shareholders and new investors for coming out strongly to support this offer.

“The success of the public offer reflects significant investor confidence in our strategy and growth potential, as well as trust in the board, leadership, and our people to fulfil our commitments and realise this potential.

“We also extend our profound appreciation to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Limited for their continued foresight, innovation, guidance, and support, which have been instrumental in achieving this significant milestone.

“This marks an important step forward in our journey to unlock new opportunities, create value for our shareholders, and contribute to the economic growth of Nigeria and Africa.

“We remain committed to executing the subsequent phases of our capital-raising program in 2025,” the chief executive of FCMB, Mr Ladi Balogun, said.

Business Post reports that with new funds raised from the public offer, the capital base of FCMB is now N240 billion, more than the N200 billion requested by the CBN for banks with national licenses, the category the lender falls into.

Banks in Nigeria were given till March 2025 by the banking sector to raise their capital base to meet the $1 trillion economy by $1 trillion by 2030.