Connect with us

Banking

Access Bank Awaits Regulatory, Shareholders Approvals to Begin Operations in Cameroon

Published

on

Access Bank Logo

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

Top Nigerian banking group, Access Bank Plc, has said it intends to receive approvals from its shareholders and some regulators in order to commence operations at its new subsidiary in Cameroon.

Access Bank, a tier-one lender in Nigeria, created a subsidiary in the neighbouring Cameroon, with an initial capital of about XAF14.5 billion and the headquarters in Douala, the French speaking country’s economic capital.

It was gathered that the launch of Access Bank services cannot begin without the authorisations of the shareholders, the Ministry of Finance and the Central African Banking Commission (COBAC), an agency which regulates banking sector in Republic of the Congo, Cameroun, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Central African Republic and Chad.

But already, the Nigerian lender has an administrative board for this subsidiary, comprising seven members with only one Cameroonian, the legal notice published for the creation indicates.

These members are Patience Melone, Iyabode Soji-Okusanya, Fatai Oladipo, Abraham Aziegbe, Ibukunoluwa Odegbaike, and Elliz Nzo Azu.

Created for a duration of 99 years, the bank has chosen Price Water House Coopers as its external auditor and will operate in the management of current accounts, savings collection, checks payment and credit granting.

If the necessary approvals are obtained and operations start, Access Bank will become the 16th commercial bank to operate in Cameroon and will meet one of its compatriots, United Bank of Africa (UBA), on that market.

The entry of Access Bank in the Cameroonian market comes some years after the departure of another Nigerian group, Oceanic Bank International.

Some years ago, Oceanic Bank International took over 54.5 percent of Union Bank of Cameroon’s (UBC) assets, saving it from bankruptcy.

However, in 2011, Ecobank had to buy Oceanic Bank International’s assets in UBC, which is a well-rooted bank in the Anglophone regions of Cameroon.

On January 15, 2019, an executive director of Access Bank, Mr Victor Etokwu, announced that apart from the Cameroonian subsidiary, the banking group would create subsidiaries in two other African countries in 2020, increasing the banking group’s subsidiaries in Africa to 18.

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.

Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Banking

Stanbic IBTC Insurance Hosts Second Annuitant Forum

Published

on

Stanbic IBTC Insurance financial future

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

Stakeholders in the underwriting sector are currently discussing how the working group of Nigeria can plan for the rainy days, especially when they no longer have the strength to run around to make ends meet.

They are attending the second edition of Stanbic IBTC Insurance Annuitant Forum being held virtually with the theme Making the Most of Life in Retirement.

Retirement is often viewed as a new beginning, an opportunity to enjoy the fruits of one’s lifetime work.

The subsidiary of Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc organised this programme in line with its mission to support clients through every stage of life.

The virtual format ensures wider access, allowing retirees and those planning for retirement to engage in meaningful, interactive discussions on topics that matter most, ranging from health and wellness, estate planning, and expert insights on securing a fulfilling retirement.

Participants can look forward to discussions on long-term income strategies, the vital role of insurance in maintaining financial stability and how organisations can better support their staff’s retirement journeys. The event will also touch on lifestyle aspects such as wellness, leisure, and personal growth; reinforcing the idea that retirement is a time to thrive.

“Retirement is a significant milestone that should be embraced with purpose, security and fulfilment. Unfortunately, many are unprepared for the realities that come with this phase.

“Our goal with this forum is to provide both retirees and employers with practical guidance and holistic advice, helping them navigate this new chapter confidently,” the chief executive of Stanbic IBTC Insurance, Mr Akinjide Orimolade, stated.

The Stanbic IBTC Insurance Annuitant Forum has become an important platform for the organisation to connect with its retirees, strengthen relationships, and reaffirm its leadership in retirement planning solutions.

By hosting the event virtually, the company is committed to making this resource accessible to retirees nationwide, ensuring that no one is left behind in planning for a rewarding retirement.

Continue Reading

Banking

PenCom Blacklists First Trust Mortgage Bank, AG Mortgage Bank, 5 Others

Published

on

First Trust Mortgage Bank

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

Seven mortgage banks operating in Nigeria have been blacklisted by the National Pension Commission (PenCom) over non-compliance with housing loan guidelines.

In a circular dated August 11, 2025, signed by the Head of Benefits and Insurance Department, Obiora Ibeziako, the regulator directed the Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) and Pension Fund Custodians (PFCs) to immediately stop accepting or processing equity contribution applications from the real estate banks.

It was learned that the lenders failed to generate the loans for which pension funds had been approved.

According to the notice, the affected institutions as Jigawa Savings & Loans Limited, FHA Mortgage Bank Limited, Delta Trust Mortgage Bank Limited, AG Mortgage Bank Limited, Infinity Trust Mortgage Bank Plc, First Trust Mortgage Bank Limited, and Mutual Alliance Mortgage Bank Limited.

“Following the cited letter, the commission instructs that Pension Fund Administrators, including Closed Pension Fund Administrators and Pension Fund Custodians, immediately stop accepting or processing equity contribution applications submitted by the following Primary Mortgage Banks,” a part of the disclosure stated.

Continue Reading

Banking

Jaiz Bank Changes Brand Identity to Reflect Vision for Future

Published

on

Jaiz Bank new logo

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

Pioneer non-interest financial institution in Nigeria, Jaiz Bank Plc, has announced a change to its brand identity, adopting new colours and logo to reflect its vision for the future.

In a statement signed by its Company Secretary, Mr Mohammed Shehu, it was disclosed that the new colours are deep blue, yellow, and grey.

In the statement, Jaiz Bank noted that, “The rebranding reflects our renewed commitment to empowering individuals, businesses, and communities with smarter financial solutions.

The Islamic lender, which said it’s committed to innovation, trust, and customer-centric banking, said, “The new brand represents more than just a colour and logo change; it is a reflection of the bank’s evolution and aspirations building a future-ready bank that is agile, inclusive, and deeply connected to the needs of our customers.”

“The new colours and logo represent Trust, Stability, Professionalism, Energy, Optimism, Visibility, Balance, and Sophistication,” it emphasised.

While “inviting stakeholders, partners, and customers to join us in celebrating this exciting new chapter, Jaiz Bank noted that rebranding became effective today, Tuesday, August 19, 2025.”

It described the “strategic transformation” as a “significant milestone in the bank’s journey to better serve its customers, embrace digital innovation, and expand its footprint in the financial services industry.”

Continue Reading

Trending