Banking
Banks Unlikely to Declare Huge Profits in 2019—Coronation Research
By Dipo Olowookere
An arm of Coronation Asset Management Limited, Coronation Research, has said banks operating in Nigeria are unlikely to post large gains in profits this year.
In its 2019 economic outlook report titled A Tale of Two Halves, Coronation Research, a leading financial services company licensed and regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), further said the deposit money banks will also not experience much loan growth, given the weak economy and the fact that they can benefit from high treasury bill yields.
Speaking on the report, the Head of Coronation Research, Mr Guy Czatoryski, said if interest rates come down later in the year and the market conditions improve, then there could be a sharp rally in bank stocks later in the year.
He further said the narrative for the Nigerian economy in 2019 is largely hinged around the performance of the oil.
“We forecast an average $58.00/bbl for 2019. An average much below this means the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) will have to keep rates very high and could even challenge the Naira/Dollar exchange argument.
“An average much about $60.00/bbl means the CBN will have confidence its reserve position and will be able to cut rates later in the year, in Q4, less likely Q3.”
In addition, he said, “The current rate of N365.29/$, or close to it, is likely to prevail this year. The CBN’s policy is to defend the rate and with reserves at $43.0 billion, it is in a strong position to do so. We think the CBN will supply US dollars to the FX markets at an average rate of $500 million per month during 2019. This is compatible with maintaining a strong reserve level
“If, as we think, the oil prices will average $58.00/bbl this year, then we think the CBN will want to keep interest rates high. It will do this through its open market operations (OMO).
“We think OMOs will be issued in a range of 17.00 percent to 19.00 percent and that T-bill rates will be very close to this level during 2019.
“We look at Nigeria in the international context of interest rates. Nigerian T-bill rates look competitive in the context of other emerging market rates – which is why the CBN is having success in attracting inflows of Foreign Portfolio Investment
“However, if oil trades at substantially above $60.00/bbl during 2019 then foreign investors in T-bills will be encouraged and the CBN might well be in a position to cut rates in Q4 2019, or even in Q3 2019.
“This could be helped by a downtrend in inflation. Inflation has proved stubborn and has trended at around 11.00 percent over the past few months. But if inflation trends, in 2019, towards the CBN’s target band of 6.00 percent to 9.00 percent, then it will help the CBN cut rates in order to stimulate the economy.
“We are agnostic on politics. However, there is some evidence that in the period after general elections (2011 and 2015) yields in the T-bill market tend to fall. This might help persuade the CBN to cut OMO rates later in the year.” According to the report, GDP growth is expected to be 2.25 percent in 2019, as a result of very weak consumer demand, and a lack of growth in government expenditure relative to the 2018 budget.
Banking
CBN, Fagbemi Express Fears Over Rising MDAs’ Judgement Debts
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has joined the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Mr Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) to raise an alarm over increasing judgment debts against Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of the federal government.
The parties expressed this concern while speaking in Abuja at the 2024 roundtable with legal advisers of MDAs.
The apex bank disclosed that in 2015, the number of cases stood at 441, adding that this has since increased exponentially in terms of volume to 1,629 and also in financial value since then.
Among major concerns was that the sporadic rise in judgment debts recovered through garnishee orders by the courts threatened the availability of funds for development in the country.
The Deputy Governor of the central bank for Corporate Services, Mr Bala Bello, traced the increase to the introduction of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) policy of the federal government in August 2015.
Mr Bala, who was represented by the Director for Legal Services at CBN, Mr Kofo Salam-Alada, said: “It is also pertinent to point out that prior to 2015 the number of cases stood at 441 and has since increased exponentially in terms of volume to 1629 and also in financial value, post-2015.
“Our inquisition on this development revealed that the upturn was a result of apathy by most MDAs towards adequately defending their cases in court, which in most cases will result in a judgement against the MDA”.
He stated that to address the issues, stakeholders must demonstrate a commitment towards the adoption of appropriate case management strategies and standardised practices across MDAs.
Mr Bala added that the purpose of the roundtable was to jointly come up with solutions to tackle the disturbing situation.
“We all know that our country Nigeria is faced with dwindling income and escalating expenditure. This also makes it imperative for us all to put on our thinking caps and participate actively in this session in order to safeguard the limited resources available to the country.
“The CBN remains committed to playing its role as banker and providing economic and financial advice to the federal government,” he added.
On his part, the AGF in his speech expressed happiness with the CBN, particularly the legal department of the bank for the initiative and collaborative efforts with the Federal Ministry of Justice to rescue government agencies from mountains of judgement debts.
“Let me reiterate that as legal advisors to the government, we play a pivotal role in shaping the legal landscape of our nation, safeguarding the state’s assets, avoidance of undue embarrassment to government, and ensuring the smooth functioning of public services.
“Our work touches every facet of public life, from reviewing and rendering appropriate and sound legal advice to defending the government’s interests in court. It is important to note that the quality of our work directly impacts the effectiveness and legitimacy of government actions.
Mr Fagbemi, who spoke through the Solicitor General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Justice, Mrs Beatrice Jedy-Agba, stressed the importance of providing exceptional legal services by approaching each case with diligence, professionalism, high ethics, integrity, and commitment to upholding public policy.
“Let me use this opportunity to state that the government will no longer condone instances of liability arising from compromises, lack of diligent prosecution/defence of cases, or sheer incompetence exhibited by attorneys acting on behalf of the government.
“While we will take measures to recognise and reward diligence, we will not hesitate to apply appropriate sanctions to officers who have failed to live up to the ethics of both the profession and the public service”, he added.
Banking
Zenith Bank Expands Global Footprint With New Branch in Paris
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
A new branch of Zenith Bank Plc has been opened in Paris, the capital of France, by the United Kingdom subsidiary of the Nigerian lender.
This followed the granting of the final approval by France’s banking regulator, the Autorité de Contrôle Prudentiel et de Résolution (ACPR), in September 2024, allowing the branch to commence operations.
Earlier in November 2023, Zenith Bank strengthened ties with France by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the French Government to establish a subsidiary in France.
The MoU was signed in Lagos by the Founder and Chairman of Zenith Bank Plc, Jim Ovia, CFR, and the French Minister for Trade, Attractiveness and French Nationals Abroad, Mr. Olivier Becht during the French envoy’s visit to Nigeria.
The chief executive of Zenith Bank, Ms Adaora Umeoji, described the opening of the branch as “part of the broad strategy of the bank to extend its footprints across the major global financial centres and our efforts at following our customers’ businesses.”
“[The] Paris branch opening underpins the need to serve our customers and bolster trade and finance relationships between our customers in France and other countries. Zenith Bank’s expansion into France is a very strategic move as Nigeria accounts for 20 per cent of France’s trade with Sub-saharan Africa according to the Franco-Nigeria Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI).
“Having successfully dominated large parts of Anglophone Africa, we will leverage Zenith Bank Paris operations to lead the Francophone market starting from the Ivory Coast and Cameroun where we will be establishing subsidiaries very soon.
“This will facilitate business and trade flows between the African region and France, which is a major business partner to several African countries,” she said.
Also speaking at the opening of the branch on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, at 21 Rue de la Paix, Paris, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, said, “I feel that one of the dividends of building trust for Nigerian institutions around the world is this event today, the opening of Zenith Bank in Paris.
“The presence of Zenith here can only help to engender trust of the French business community. They can learn about the opportunities in Africa, and of course, entry into Nigeria can be facilitated. We are happy and we are glad that we are all here to participate in this historic occasion.”
Banking
Stanbic IBTC Bank Introduces Senior Citizens Account
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
A bank account targeted at Nigerians who are 50 years and above known as Senior Citizens Account has been introduced by Stanbic IBTC Bank.
Senior Citizens Account is an all-encompassing banking solution designed to meet the immediate and long-term financial needs of individuals approaching retirement or those already in their retirement phase.
The package comprises comprehensive features such as zero account opening balance, zero account maintenance fee, free debit card and chequebook, health insurance and telemedicine, wills service and funds management.
Stanbic IBTC Bank described it as an innovative solution exclusively designed for customers in the age category and is expected to serve over 15 million Nigerians estimated to be within this age range, according to Index Mundi.
Through this very thoughtful banking service for the elderly, the financial institution can provide tailored financial services solutions that meet the special needs of this unique clientele.
According to the chief executive of the lender, Mr Wole Adeniyi, it is an excellent opportunity for people who are nearing retirement to consolidate their banking needs, investment management, and wealth transfer across generations and for retirees who rely on Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers to manage their pension funds, to also use Stanbic IBTC Bank to receive their gratuity payments while enjoying excellent benefits.
He said the Senior Citizens Account aims to provide people in their 50s and older with essential support and services, ensuring their financial well-being and stability.
Senior Citizens Account is not just another banking product; it represents a paradigm shift towards creating a banking experience that significantly enhances its users’ lifestyles.
It is crafted to offer senior citizens a sense of financial security, unparalleled convenience, and an improved sense of well-being.
This commitment to exceeding customers’ expectations is further demonstrated by the bank’s initiative to introduce cutting-edge features aimed at making banking services more accessible and convenient.
The financial institution has substantially improved its technical infrastructure, reducing system downtime from 3 per cent to a mere 0.5 per cent.
This reduction in downtime confirms its dedication to providing reliable and uninterrupted service, ensuring that customers’ banking experiences are smooth and hassle-free.
Through these initiatives, Stanbic IBTC Bank reaffirms its commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction, aiming to bridge the gap between modern banking and the evolving needs of the ageing population.
By developing products like the Senior Citizens Account, the Bank addresses a previously overlooked market segment and sets new standards in offering tailored financial solutions that contribute to their overall quality of life.
For individuals interested in discovering more about Vitality Plus and the enrollment process, information is readily available at www.stanbicibtcbank.com or at any Stanbic IBTC Bank branch nationwide. This initiative is part of Stanbic IBTC Bank’s ongoing efforts to refine and adapt its services to meet the evolving needs of its customers better, ensuring that every client, regardless of age, has access to top-tier banking solutions that reflect their lifestyle and aspirations.
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