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UBA on Track to Meet FY2019 Target as Q3 Earnings Hit N428bn

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Kennedy Uzoka UBA Shareholders

**Credit Expansion, Others Buoy Non-Interest Income

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

The United Bank for Africa Plc this week released its financial statements for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 to the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).

During the period under review, the company improved its gross earnings by 14.2 percent to N428.2 billion from N374.8 billion achieved in September 2018 and according to the Group Chief Financial Officer of UBA, Mr Ugo Nwaghodoh, this showed that “bank remains on track to deliver its earnings target for the [present financial] year.”

The lender, which boasts of a network that spans 20 African countries, the United Kingdom, the USA and France, grew its profit before tax by 24.2 percent to N98.2 billion from N79.1 billion in the same period of 2018, while the profit after tax significantly rose by 32.3 percent to N81.6 billion from N61.7 billion, leaving the company with an annualised return on average equity of 20.6 percent.

In the same period under consideration, the net operating income improved by 11.6 percent year-on-year to N266.0 billion from N238.4 billion achieved in the similar period of 2018, while it achieved a 22.1 percent growth in non-interest income, driven largely by the increased penetration of its superior digital banking offerings, credit expansion, remittances and other lifestyle transactional services.

Despite the double-digit inflation rate in Nigeria (its largest market) coupled with uncertainties in the business environment in the country, and in some countries in the rest of Africa, UBA’s curtailed operating expenses only increased by 8.4 percent and this was largely due to regulatory costs.

The financial institution continues to maintain a very strong balance sheet, with total assets of N4.96 trillion, an increase over the N4.87 trillion recorded in December 2018, while customer deposits increased to N3.37 trillion, with the shareholders’ fund remaining very strong at N555.53 billion, rising by 10.5 percent and reflecting a strong capacity for internal capital generation.

Group Managing Director/CEO of UBA Plc, Mr Kennedy Uzoka, while commenting on the results, stated that, “The resilience of our business model and our focused growth of earning assets have yielded a 10.8 percent growth in interest income.

“In addition to the commendable yield on interest earning assets, we also achieved a 22.1 percent growth in non-interest income, driven largely by the increased penetration of our superior digital banking offerings, credit expansion, remittances and other lifestyle transactional services.”

Commenting further, he said, “UBA remains committed to its vision of becoming the undisputed leading and dominant financial services institution in Africa.

“We will continue to innovate and lead in all our business segments, whilst delivering top-notch operational efficiencies and best-in-class customer service. We are beginning to realise early gains from our ongoing Transformation Program and I am indeed excited about the days ahead.”

Also throwing more light on the bank’s financial performance and position, the Group CFO, Mr Ugo Nwaghodoh, said “with the results achieved in the quarter under consideration, the bank remains on track to deliver its earnings target for the year.

“We were able to grow the loan book by 14.7 percent, (well ahead of our guidance) focusing on growth poles of various economies in which we operate.

“We have also developed new credit products targeted at specific consumer and SME market segments, and will continue to do so with strict adherence to best credit/underwriting standards, as we strive to achieve the statutory loan-to-funding ratio threshold set by the apex bank.”

Modupe Gbadeyanka is a fast-rising journalist with Business Post Nigeria. Her passion for journalism is amazing. She is willing to learn more with a view to becoming one of the best pen-pushers in Nigeria. Her role models are the duo of CNN's Richard Quest and Christiane Amanpour.

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Banking

Shareholders Authorise Abbey Mortgage Bank to Raise Fresh Funds

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Abbey Mortgage Bank

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

The board of Abbey Mortgage Bank Plc has been given the approval to raise additional capital aimed at helping the company achieve its next phase, which is centred on delivering seamless and digitally driven banking experiences that eliminate the traditional barriers to premier financial services.

At the 34th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the lender on Monday, investors authorised the raising of up to N100 billion through an offer by way of issuance of shares (whether by rights issue and/or public offer), global depository receipts, commercial papers, loans, convertibles or non-convertibles, medium term notes, bonds, and/or any other instruments either as a stand-alone or by way of programmes, in such tranches, series or proportions, at such coupon or interest rates, within such maturity periods, and on such terms and conditions; including through book building process or such other processes all of which shall be as determined by the directors, subject to obtaining the approvals of relevant regulatory authorities.

The directors were also allowed to raise fresh equity capital of up to N65.547 billion by way of private placement of 26,562,647,265 ordinary shares of 50 Kobo each at N2.43 per share, subject to regulatory approvals.

In addition, shareholders approved the increase in the company’s issued share capital from N5,076,923,077 divided into 10,153,846,154 of 50 Kobo each to N18,358,246,709.50 by the creation of up to 26,562,647,265 ordinary shares of 50 Kobo each, such new shares to rank pari passu in all respects with the existing ordinary shares in the capital of the bank.

Addressing investors at the meeting, the chief executive of Abbey Mortgage Bank, Mr Mobolaji Adewumi, said, “Shaping the future means building a resilient institution that is as agile as it is reliable, while ensuring that every stakeholder benefits meaningfully from our growth and expansion.”

The company’s leadership also highlighted its strategic progress and strong corporate governance culture that positions the institution to deliver broader financial services and enhanced customer experiences.

The meeting also provided an opportunity to appreciate shareholders for their continued confidence, loyalty, and support, which have remained instrumental to its growth journey over the years.

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Spending Limit on GTBank Naira Card Now $20,000

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GTBank Naira Card

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

The international spending limit on the GTBank Naira card has now been increased to $20,000 per quarter, a notice from the financial institution disclosed.

In an email message to customers sighted by Business Post on Tuesday, the lender said the Dollar limit is applicable to POS and online transactions carried out with the debit card.

The increase in the spending limit on the GTBank Naira card for offshore transactions comes as Nigeria continue to experience stability in the foreign exchange (FX) market.

A few years ago, Nigerians were unable to use their Naira cards to conduct financial transactions online for operations outside the country. This frustrated many consumers, who could not buy things online from other jurisdictions.

However, after some forex reforms by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) under the leadership of Governor Yemi Cardoso, these restrictions were removed.

“The Dollar limit on your GTBank Naira Card is now $20,000 quarterly,” the notice read.

The increase in the spending limit to $20,000 per quarter will give GTBank Naira cardholders an opportunity to make more transactions online with ease, as before now, it was pegged at $15,000.

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FairMoney Unveils Asset Financing Solution for Mobility Entrepreneurs

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FairMoney

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

A new product known as Asset Financing Solution, tailored for those in the Nigerian transportation and logistics sector, has been introduced by a technology-enabled financial institution, FairMoney Microfinance Bank.

This initiative marks a significant expansion of FairMoney’s product ecosystem, moving beyond personal and working capital loans into commercial asset financing. By helping entrepreneurs build a verifiable credit history through vehicle repayments, the company is supporting financial inclusion and participation within the formal economy.

Asset Financing Solution forms part of the lender’s broader commitment to responsible lending and structured financing for eligible operators, as it expands access to asset financing for mobility entrepreneurs across the country through an application process subject to credit assessment and eligibility requirements.

The sector continues to record sustained market activity with reported growth rates of approximately 9.87 per cent–10.1 per cent in late 2025.

As road freight and passenger transport remain the nation’s dominant modes of transit, FairMoney’s new initiative aims to improve access to structured asset financing for thousands of transporters and delivery merchants. By providing access to business-use transport assets, the product helps address limited access to structured financing for micro-SMEs and supports activities within Nigeria’s logistics and mobility sector.

Mobility entrepreneurs seeking to acquire vehicles can now access flexible repayment plans through an application process that is subject to credit assessment and eligibility requirements.

Leveraging its technology-enabled onboarding and risk assessment capabilities, applicants can move through a structured onboarding and evaluation process.

Repayment structures are specifically tailored to the daily and weekly cash-flow realities of mobility businesses, supporting operational continuity and business growth within structured repayment arrangements.

The programme is open to eligible applicants via the FairMoney Business platform and through designated partner hubs across major cities.

“Our mission has always been to increase financial inclusion and create income opportunities by supporting individuals and small business operators in growing their businesses.

“With this solution, we are focused on supporting small business operators and mobility entrepreneurs who contribute significantly to transportation and commercial activity. The solution is designed to provide structured asset financing for eligible operators,” the Managing Director of FairMoney MFB, Mr Henry Obiekea, stated.

Speaking further, he said, “The intra-state transportation sector in Nigeria is experiencing sustained demand and market activity, offering opportunities for mobility and transport operators. The Asset Financing Solution ensures that costs are spread into manageable instalments, thereby supporting small business operations and broader economic participation.”

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