Banking
FBNQuest Merchant Bank Promises to Accelerate Revenue Growth
By Adedapo Adesanya
FBNQuest Merchant Bank Limited, the investment banking and asset management subsidiary of FBN Holdings Plc, witnessed resilience and growth amid a challenging economic environment in 2022.
The Chairman of the firm, Mr Bello Maccido, while addressing shareholders at the 8th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the organisation in Lagos recently, expressed his satisfaction with the bank’s performance in the face of headwinds which created a challenging operating environment.
“2022 was a year filled with unprecedented challenges, but management’s resilience and the board’s keen oversight during the year resulted in the improved performance recorded.
“Our solid financial performance, growth across various business lines, and recognition through esteemed awards are a testament to our unwavering commitment to delivering value to our stakeholders,” he said while presenting the company’s Audited Financial Statements for the financial year ended December 31, 2022, to shareholders.
The bank recorded an impressive 312.5 per cent year-on-year increase in Profit Before Tax (PBT), with the growth driven largely by a 137.7 per cent increase in net interest income and a 34.4 per cent increase in gross earnings.
The bank’s commitment to cost optimization initiatives also helped to control operating expenses, which remained relatively flat year on year.
Speaking on this, Mr Kayode Akinkugbe, Managing Director of FBNQuest Merchant Bank, highlighted the bank’s strength and resilience during the challenging year.
He said, “The year 2022 was marked by significant economic turbulence, but we emerged stronger and more resilient. We were steadfast in our mission to Transform for Maximum Productivity by focusing on the strategic pillars of optimisation, innovation and partnerships, and this yielded positive results.
“We are proud of our achievements and remain focused on delivering exceptional value to our clients, employees, and shareholders.”
FBNQuest Merchant Bank received various awards and accolades in 2022, recognizing its excellence and contribution to the financial industry. These included the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Award for Infrastructure and Project Finance House of the Year, the EMEA Finance Africa Banking Awards for Best Asset Manager, and an ‘’A” rating from Agusto& Co., affirming the Bank’s stable outlook as a financial institution.
Looking ahead to 2023, Mr Akinkugbe acknowledged the macroeconomic and social challenges that Nigeria will face. Nevertheless, he expressed optimism about the improved outlook and opportunities for the bank’s various lines of business.
He stated, “We are dedicated to accelerating revenue growth purposely and responsibly. We will deepen our understanding of our evolving client base, offer novel products and services, pursue collaboration opportunities, and continue our digital transformation efforts.
“By remaining an employer of choice within our industry and nurturing high-quality staff, we will strengthen our position as a provider of investment solutions for all, a corporate and investment bank for entrepreneurs, and a trusted broker/partner for institutional investors.”
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
About N3.6 trillion has been repaid to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) by the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) since its inception in 2010.
This information was revealed by the chief executive of AMCON, Mr Gbenga Alade, during a media parley to update the press on the activities of the agency.
Mr Alade said at the moment, the organisation still owes the central bank about N3 trillion for toxic assets of banks in the country.
He praised the organisation for its asset recovery drive, stressing that when compared with others across the world, Nigeria has done well.
“It is important to stress that the corporation has done tremendously well, especially when compared to other notable government-owned Asset Management Corporations around the world.
“Based on the balance at purchase, AMCON outperformed other Asset Management Corporations all over the world by achieving over 87 per cent in recoveries despite the unique challenges associated with debt recovery in Nigeria.
“The Malaysian Danaharta, which is adjudged one of the best performing Asset Management Corporation’s, only achieved 58 per cent. The Chinese Asset Management Corporation, despite its stricter laws, achieved just 33 per cent.
“Only the Korean Asset Management Corporation (KAMCO), South Korea, has achieved more recoveries than AMCON, with about 100 per cent. This was due to their brute force with which they chased the obligors.
“Despite KAMCO’s recovery records, the agency is still operational to date with slight realignments in its mandate.
“Other noted Asset Management Corporations that have transitioned into a perpetual institution of the various governments include, China Asset Management Company, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) USA, and KFW Germany.
“So, gentlemen, without sounding immodest, AMCON has done well, and we will not relent until all the outstanding debts are fully realized,” Mr Alade stated.
On the financial performance of AMCON, he said last year, the firm posted a revenue of N156.25 billion and operating expenses of N29.04 billion, while for the 2025 fiscal year should be a revenue of N215.15 billion and operating expenses of N29.06 billion.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
One of the non-interest banks in Nigeria, The Alternative Bank (AltBank), has opened a new branch in Effurun, Delta State.
The new office will serve the Edo-Delta region and provide purposeful banking and real financial empowerment for individuals, entrepreneurs, and businesses, a statement from the firm stated.
The lender disclosed that the Effurun branch is a bold move in its mission to reshape banking in Nigeria.
The launch was graced by key dignitaries, including the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, Emmanuel Ekemejewa Sideso Abe I; the Chairman of Uvwie Local Government, Anthony O. Ofoni, represented his vice, Andrew Agagbo; and the Special Adviser to the Governor of Delta State on Community Development, Mr Ernest Airoboyi; amongst others.
The Divisional Head for South at The Alternative Bank, Mr Chukwuemeka Agada, emphasised the institution’s commitment to Warri and its surrounding communities.
“By establishing a presence here, we are initiating a transformation in the way banking serves the people of Delta. Our purpose-driven approach ensures that customers’ financial goals are not just met but exceeded,” he stated.
“This branch represents our pledge to empower Warri’s dynamic businesses and families, providing them with the tools to grow without compromise,” Mr Agada added.
“We understand the heartbeat of this community, and we are excited to integrate our bank into the fabric of this dynamic region,” he stated further.
On his part, the representative of the Ovie, Mr Samuel Eshenake, challenged the bank to facilitate development and employment within the Effurun community.
The Regional Head for Edo/Delta at The Alternative Bank, Mr Akanni Owolabi, embraced this challenge, pledging that the bank will work sustainably to drive local commerce.
“At The Alternative Bank, we are committed to being an active partner in the development of Effurun. We see this branch as a catalyst for creating opportunities, driving employment, and supporting the growth of local businesses.
“Our mission is to empower this community, ensuring that every step forward is one of progress, prosperity, and shared success.”
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
A partnership aimed to enable seamless, real-time and secure transactions for cardholders across Africa and the rest of the world has been entered into by Payattitude and PAPSSCARD, the card scheme initiative of the Pan-African Payment & Settlement System (PAPSS).
The collaboration will allow Payattitude cards issued by banks and other deposit-taking institutions to be co-branded with PAPSSCARD, Discover, Diners and Pulse for acceptance across their networks in Nigeria, Africa and worldwide.
As an initiative of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and a key financial infrastructure supporting the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the PAPSSCARD scheme will facilitate instant cross-border payments in local currencies.
“This partnership reflects our commitment to cross-enterprise alliances and enabling inclusive, efficient, and borderless payments across Africa and the world
“With Payattitude, Nigerian cardholders and financial institutions can now enjoy the benefits of a Nigerian card that can be used worldwide,” a director at Payattitude, Dr Agada Apochi, said.
The acting chief executive of PAPSSCARD, Mr John Bosco Sebabi, said the aim is “to connect African payment ecosystems, reduce the cost and inefficiencies of cross-border payments, and strengthen African sovereignty over payments infrastructure.
“Collaborating with Payattitude, a key innovator in Nigeria’s payment space, represents a significant step towards a more unified African payment landscape.”
The chief executive of PAPSS, Mr Mike Ogbalu, said, “By bringing together PAPSSCARD’s robust cross-border payment capabilities with Payattitude’s leadership in the Nigerian digital payments, we are taking tangible steps toward building a single African market where individuals and businesses can transact easily and securely, both within and beyond Africa.”
Payattitude is the first-in-kind Nigerian Payment Scheme to pioneer multibank App and USSD Code *569#.
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