Connect with us

Banking

CBN Announces New Capital Base for Microfinance Banks

Published

on

LAPO Microfinance Bank

By Dipo Olowookere

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has announced N5 billion as the minimum capital requirement for national microfinance bank in the country.

In a circular released and signed by the CBN Director of Financial Policy and Regulation Department, Mr Kevin Amugo, it was disclosed that the capital base for unit microfinance bank is N200 million, while for state microfinance bank is N1 billion.

According to the circular, “the new minimum capital requirement takes immediate effect for new applications while existing microfinance banks shall be required to FULLY comply with effect from April 01, 2020.”

The CBN explained that these new requirements became imperative as a result of the role of microfinance banks in economic growth and development.

Quoting the Microfinance Policy, Regulatory and Supervisory Framework introduced in December 2005 and revised in 2011, the apex bank explained that the key focus of the policy was, among others, to increase financial inclusion rate in the country; improve access to financial services for the active rural poor; and pursue poverty eradication.

“The microfinance banking sub-sector, in pursuit of the above objectives, had been contending with such challenges as inadequate capital base, weak corporate governance, ineffective risk management practices, dearth of requisite capacity and mission drift.

“The CBN has reviewed the state of health of the sub-sector and is of the view that microfinance banks, as presently constituted, would be unable to meet the critical targets set out in the Microfinance Policy, hence the need for specific reforms to strengthen the sub-sector and reposition microfinance banks towards improved performance,” the bankers’ bank said.

The circular said to meet the new requirements, existing microfinance banks are expected to explore the possibility of mergers and acquisitions and/or direct injection of funds.

The Revised Regulatory and Supervisory Guidelines for Microfinance Banks, Code of Corporate Governance for Microfinance Banks and sector-specific Prudential Guidelines for Microfinance Banks would be issued in due course.

Institutions that meet the capital requirements as well as demonstrate the existence of strong corporate governance in their operations would be allowed to open account at the CBN office within their state of operation. Such institutions would also be channels for micro funding activities of the CBN and the Development Bank of Nigeria.

Dipo Olowookere is a journalist based in Nigeria that has passion for reporting business news stories. At his leisure time, he watches football and supports 3SC of Ibadan. Mr Olowookere can be reached via [email protected]

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Banking

GTCO’s N209bn Raise Sets Foundation for Accelerated Development—Agbaje

Published

on

Segun Agbaje GTCO

By Adedapo Adesanya

Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO) Plc recently completed the raising of N209 billion out of its targeted N400.5 billion public offer in the ongoing recapitalisation efforts directed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to create resilient banks amid rising external shocks in the global environment.

Speaking on this development, the chief executive of the firm, Mr Segun Agbaje, said the equity capital raising has set a strong foundation for accelerated development.

“We extend our sincere appreciation to our new and existing shareholders, as well as the regulatory authorities, for their unwavering support during this initial phase of our equity capital raise.

“The strong participation and successful capital verification exercise and allotment process reaffirm the confidence investors have in our fundamentals and execution capabilities.

“This sets a solid foundation for accelerating our strategic roadmap, which aims to pivot the Group for transformational growth and unlock greater value across the Group’s Banking and Non-Banking businesses,” the banker stated.

GTCO had launched a public offer of 9.0 billion ordinary shares of 50 Kobo each at N44.5 per share, with N209.41 billion realized, representing 52.3 per cent of the total offer size.

The offer garnered substantial interest from domestic retail investors, raised a total of N209.41 billion from 130,617 valid applications for 4.706 billion ordinary shares, fully allotted.

“This milestone concludes the first phase of GTCO’s phased equity capital raise programme, which is structured on a balanced allocation strategy based on an equal split between institutional and retail investors. This balanced approach aligns with GTCO Plc’s commitment to fostering a well-diversified and robust investor base,” GTCO stated.

The announcement followed completion of the capital verification exercise conducted by the CBN and the approval of the basis of allotment of the offer by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Continue Reading

Banking

Fidelity Bank Donates Maternity Kits to Pregnant Women in Lagos

Published

on

Fidelity Bank Saturday banking

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

No fewer than 30 pregnant women at the Mushin Primary Health Centre in Lagos have received maternity kits from Fidelity Bank Plc.

The gesture from the financial institution is part of its efforts to support improved maternal health in the metropolis.

It was gathered that the items were given to the beneficiaries through the Fidelity Helping Hands Programme (FHHP), a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative of the lender aimed at promoting staff involvement in community development under the Great Minds Inductees Class.

“The project was borne out of the need to support pregnant women by providing them with essential materials for a safe delivery,” the Divisional Head for Brand and Communications Division at Fidelity Bank, Mr Meksley Nwagboh, explained.

“Maternal mortality remains a significant public health challenge in Nigeria, with the country accounting for a substantial proportion of global maternal deaths.

“In fact, a 2023 United Nations report indicate that nearly 28.5% of global maternal deaths occur in Nigeria.

“This is an alarming statistic and as a bank given to improving the welfare of our host communities, we deemed it fit to support initiatives to address this challenge in the Mushin community with this donation,” he stated.

One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Mary Olusanya, expressed her heartfelt appreciation for the bank’s support.

“I appreciate Fidelity Bank for helping us. Many pregnant women cannot afford these kits, but this donation ensures that we can have safe deliveries and better healthcare,” she said.

The Medical and Health Officer for Mushin Local Government Area, Dr Kayode Odufuwa, said, “This intervention by Fidelity Bank will help reduce maternal mortality and encourage more women from less-privileged backgrounds to register for antenatal care.”

“On behalf of the Chairman of Mushin LGA, Mr Emmanuel Bamgboye, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to Fidelity Bank for extending its donation of maternity kits to pregnant women at this centre.

“We appeal for continued collaboration with the Bank to further strengthen healthcare services within the area,” he stated.

On her part, the Apex Nurse and Deputy Director of Nursing Services in Mushin LGA, Mrs Bolanle Odunlami, said, “The donation is a much-needed relief for many mothers who are unable to afford essential delivery kits. Fidelity Bank has truly shown empathy by coming to the aid of our patients, and for that, we are extremely grateful.”

Business Post reports that through the FHHP, employees of the bank identify projects that benefit their immediate community and gather funds to implement them.

The bank’s management then matches this contribution with an equivalent amount and allocates it for the chosen projects.

Continue Reading

Banking

Plot to Remove Otedola as Chairman Won’t Affect Our Services—First Bank

Published

on

First Bank Otedola

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

The management of First Bank of Nigeria (FBN) Holdings Plc has assured that the boardroom crisis rocking the company would not affect its operations.

Recall that a group of shareholders with 10 per cent equity stake in the financial institution asked for an Extra-ordinary General Meeting (EGM) under section 215 (1) of CAMA for the removal of the chairman of the board, Mr Femi Otedola, and a non-executive/deputy chief executive of Geregu Power Plc, Mr Julius Omodayo-Owotuga.

They argued that Mr Otedola, who owns Geregu Power, was plotting full control of FBN Holdings by planting his loyalists on the board.

The aggrieved shareholders pointed out that the businessman was planning to take charge of the proposed private placement of N360 billion shares of the firm, accusing him of removing those he felt were blocking his way.

To calm nerves, FBN Holdings issued a statement on Thursday, informing its stakeholders that the crisis does not pose a threat to its services.

“This matter does not in any way impact the operations of the company, and all the businesses within the Group continue to provide uninterrupted services to its customers.

“We assure our valued customers, shareholders, investors, other stakeholders and the general public that we are taking all necessary steps to protect the interests of the company and its subsidiaries.

“The Group’s performance continues to improve, resulting in a higher market capitalisation even as we work towards surpassing the regulatory minimum capital well ahead of the deadline.

“In the meantime, the Registrar and Lead Issuing House are collating the returns from all receiving agents in respect of the company’s rights issue which closed on December 30, 2024.

“FBN Holdings and its subsidiaries remain committed to the highest level of corporate governance,” the notice signed by its scribe, Mr Adewale Arogundade, said.

Continue Reading

Trending