Banking
GTBank Cuts NPL Ratio to 6.8% as Customer Deposits Hit N2.42trn
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
In the first half of 2019, Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) Plc ensured that its bad debts were reduced as the loan book grew by 1.0 percent from N1.262 trillion recorded as at December 2018 to N1.274 trillion in June 2019.
Last Friday, the lender released its audited financial results for the half year ended June 30, 2019 to the Nigerian and London Stock Exchanges.
The half year result showed positive growth across key financial metrics and reflects GTBank’s leading position as one of the best managed financial institutions in Africa.
In terms of asset quality, the non-performing loan (NPL) ratio and Cost of Risk improved to 6.8 percent and 0.2 percent in June 2019 from 7.3 percent and 0.3 percent in December 2018 respectively.
Overall, asset quality remains stable with adequate coverage of 84.7 percent, while capital remains strong with CAR of 23.5 percent.
On the backdrop of this result, Return on Equity (ROAE) and Return on Assets (ROAA) stood at 33.7 percent and 5.8 percent respectively.
In the period under review, the financial institution grew its customer deposits by 6.3 percent to N2.418 trillion from N2.274 trillion in December 2018.
In addition, the profit before tax improved by 5.6 percent to N115.8 billion from N109.6 billion recorded in the corresponding period of 2018, while the total assets closed at N3.598 trillion and the shareholders’ funds at N603.0 billion.
In continuation with its tradition, the bank proposed an interim dividend of 30 kobo per ordinary share of 50 kobo each for period ended June 30, 2019.
In his views, CEO of GTBank, Mr Segun Agbaje, said, “We have delivered a good result in spite of a challenging market, characterized by varying degrees of uncertainty and a rapidly changing competitive landscape.
“Our strong financial performance is underpinned by our unwavering focus on delivering value for our shareholders and reimagining the role we play in our customers’ lives.”
He further stated that “In a rapidly changing world and increasingly unpredictable environment, we are committed to building a long-term business that is both nimble and focused on flawless execution. The progress that we have made over the past six months demonstrates that we have the right strategy and the dedicated team to deliver for all our stakeholders, even in difficult conditions.”
The bank has continued to report the best financial ratios for a financial institution in the industry with a return on equity (ROE) of 33.7 percent and a cost to income ratio of 37.6 percent evidencing the efficient management of the banks’ assets.
These ratios are a testament to the competent and experienced management and work-force, efficient balance sheet structure and operational efficiency of the bank.
In recognition of the bank’s bias for world class corporate governance standards, excellent service delivery and innovation, GTBank has been a recipient of numerous awards over the years. Some of these include Africa’s Best Bank and Best Bank in Nigeria from Euromoney Magazine, and Best Banking Group and Best Retail Bank by World Finance Magazine
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
Foremost Nigerian real estate lending institution, Abbey Mortgage Bank Plc, has rebranded to Abbey Bank Plc.
This is to reflect its new status as a full-fledged financial institution as against its previous status as a bank for only the real estate sector.
The company, which trades its securities on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Limited, informed the investing community of its transformation.
This was in line with the approval granted by shareholders to the board of the organisation to change the name at an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) in January 2025.
The NGX Regulation Limited last week confirmed the name change via a circular signed by Bonaventure Onwuji on behalf of its Head of Issuer Regulation Department.
“Trading license holders and the investing public are hereby notified that the change of name of Abbey Mortgage Bank Plc to Abbey Bank Plc has been implemented by Nigerian Exchange Limited.
“This is in line with the approval obtained from the shareholders of the bank at its Extraordinary General Meeting held on January 24, 2025, and the receipt of a new certificate of incorporation from the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).
“Please note that the company’s trading symbol has also been changed from ABBEYBDS to ABBEYBANK,” the notice read.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
In recognition of its outstanding performance, operational excellence, and commitment to delivering superior Institutional Cash and Trade Finance services, Ecobank Nigeria has clinched the Client Excellence Award.
The accolade was given to the subsidiary of the leading pan-African financial services group, Ecobank Group, by Deutsche Bank.
It recognises Ecobank Nigeria’s consistent achievement of high standards in transaction processing, service delivery, operational efficiency, and collaboration within the global trade finance ecosystem.
It further reinforces the lender’s position as a leading financial institution providing innovative financial solutions that support corporates, financial institutions, and businesses engaged in domestic and international trade.
“The Client Excellence Award recognises institutions that consistently demonstrate outstanding quality, efficiency, and reliability in transaction banking operations.
“Ecobank Nigeria distinguished itself through its commitment to excellence, strong operational controls, and customer-focused service delivery that has created measurable value for clients and counterparties alike,” the Managing Director for Global Head of TFFI and Regional Head of Trade & Lending for the Middle East and Africa (MEA) at Deutsche Bank, Mr Anand Jha, said.
“We are pleased to recognise Ecobank Nigeria’s achievements and appreciate the strong partnership we have built over the years. We look forward to continuing our collaboration in supporting trade, payments, and financial flows that drive economic development across Africa and beyond,” Mr Jha added.
In his remarks, the Coverage Head of Corporate and Investment Bank at Ecobank Nigeria, Mr Segun Anjorin, thanked Deutsche Bank for the recognition, noting that the award reflects the bank’s unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and customer-centric service delivery.
“We are honoured to receive the Deutsche Bank Client Excellence Award. This recognition is a testament to our commitment to delivering seamless and innovative solutions that enable our clients to thrive in an increasingly interconnected global marketplace.
“At Ecobank Nigeria, we remain focused on leveraging our extensive pan-African network, digital capabilities, and strategic partnerships to facilitate trade, improve transaction efficiency, and support economic growth across Nigeria and the African continent. We value our longstanding relationship with Deutsche Bank and look forward to further strengthening our collaboration in the years ahead,” Mr Anjorin said.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has commenced the process of paying insured deposits to customers of the 46 microfinance banks whose operating licences were revoked by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Head of Communication and Public Affairs Department, Mrs Hawwau Gambo, the corporation said it had been appointed the official liquidator of the failed banks following the CBN’s revocation of their licences, which took effect on July 1, 2026.
The NDIC said its appointment was in line with the provisions of the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA) 2020 and the NDIC Act 2023.
The organisation said the affected banks have ceased to operate as licensed financial institutions and are no longer authorised to carry out banking business in Nigeria.
“The NDIC has commenced the process of the orderly closure of the failed banks with their immediate takeover, verification and payment of insured sums to eligible depositors,” the statement said.
It added that depositors and the general public would be informed of subsequent steps in the liquidation process, warning members of the public against conducting transactions with any of the affected banks following the revocation of their licences.
It also cautioned individuals against removing, concealing or tampering with the assets, records or properties of the failed institutions, noting that such actions could amount to a breach of the law and attract sanctions.
Business Post earlier reported that the CBN revoked the operating licences of the 46 microfinance banks after determining that they no longer met the regulatory conditions required to continue operations.
According to the apex bank, the affected institutions were sanctioned for various regulatory breaches, including insufficient assets to meet liabilities, operating without approval, prolonged inactivity, failure to commence business within the stipulated period and failure to maintain the minimum capital required by law.
The apex bank said the action forms part of its efforts to strengthen financial sector stability, protect depositors and ensure compliance with banking regulations.
The affected institutions are spread across several states, including Lagos, Kano, Abia, Kaduna, Kebbi, Ogun, Niger, Plateau, Rivers, Delta, Benue, Cross River, Ondo, Osun, Anambra, Oyo, Bayelsa, Abuja and Akwa Ibom.
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