Banking
CBN’s Recapitalisation Drive Will Strengthen Economy, Banks—ACAMB
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
The Association of Corporate and Marketing Communication Professionals of Banks (ACAMB) has affirmed its support for the recapitalisation policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for Nigerian banks.
The regulator recently announced new minimum capital requirements for Deposit Money Banks (DMBs), Microfinance Banks (MFBs) and other financial institutions in the country.
The CBN said that banks with international operations would be required to increase their capital base from N25 billion to N500 billion, while banks with national banking licences must have at least N200 billion.
The lenders were given the end of the first quarter of 2026 to meet the new lowest capital requirement, but must within a month present their blueprint on how they intend to raise funds for this process.
The last time the banking sector was recapitalised was in 2005 when the current Governor of Anambra State, Mr Charles Soludo, was the CBN chief.
At his first public outing after he was appointed last September, the incumbent head of the central bank, Mr Yemi Cardoso, hinted that the banks would be asked to increase their capital base, especially because of the Naira devaluation.
In a statement on Sunday, the president of ACAMB, Mr Rasheed Bolarinwa, assured the banking public that the financial institutions would meet the new capital base.
“The import of the recapitalisation announced is that Nigerian banks are safe and reliable but the apex bank in its developmental mandate, is leading the banks to strengthen their capacities to meet competitive domestic and global financial needs.
“This overarching theme that runs through the circular and its explanatory notes further affirms the soundness of the banking sector, in line with several rating reports on Nigerian banks by leading local and international rating Agencies,” he said in the statement.
“We commend the CBN for the thoughtfulness it has put into the announced modality for the recapitalisation. ACAMB particularly note the distinctive definition of the new minimum capital base for each category of banks as the addition of share capital and share premium, as against the previous use of shareholders’ funds. We urge the public to take note of this change. As it stands, banks are on the same page and as such, there is no need whatsoever for any fear, as the banks can meet the recapitalisation in line with allowable options stipulated by the apex bank.
“All facts point to a win-win for the Nigerian banks, the financial market and the economy under this recapitalisation.
“The Nigerian capital market, where banks are the most influential group, has the depth to meet the capital requirements of banks. The extended timeline till 2026 provides ample opportunity for each bank to follow through its recapitalisation plan, without undue crowding effect,” Mr Bolarinwa added.
He noted that the CBN’s recapitalisation drive would strengthen the economy and further strategically position Nigerian banks as worthy continental and global competitors, pledging support and cooperation of banks in the implementation of the recapitalization programme.
“The banking industry will continue to work with financial authorities to build up the economy. This recapitalisation will put Nigerian banks in better stead to support the strengthening of the economy; the expansion of the real sector, and the building of bigger banking brands that can compete continentally and globally.
“Banks will continue to cooperate with the CBN in the implementation of the recapitalisation programme.
“ACAMB shall also be engaging all stakeholders to ensure balanced and factual representation as the recapitalisation progresses.
“ACAMB reassures all depositors and shareholders to keep about their businesses with the Nigerian banks without fears,” he stated.
By Dipo Olowookere
One of the leading financial institutions in Nigeria, Access Bank Plc, has commenced the sale of commercial paper worth N194 billion under its N400 billion commercial paper programme.
Access Bank, one of the subsidiaries of a financial services provider, Access Holdings Plc, currently trades its equities at the NASD OTC Securities Exchange, with its share price closing flat at N19.30 per unit on Thursday.
Subscription for the debt instrument began on Wednesday, March 20, 2025, and will close on Tuesday, March 25, 2025.
The lender is offering the commercial paper for sale in two tenors; 180 days and 270 days, according to details of the exercise obtained by Business Post.
It is selling the six-month maturity at a discounted rate of 19.44 per cent and the nine-month tenor at 20.92 per cent. The minimum subscription is N5 million and in multiples of N1,000 thereafter.
Access Bank combines a strong retail customer franchise and digital platform with deep corporate banking expertise, proven risk management and capital management capabilities.
The lender was the first deposit money bank (DMB) in the country to meet the N500 billion minimum capital requirement of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for banks with international operations, with its share capital exceeding N600 billion.
The bank has been acquiring different financial institutions outside the country, including in South Africa, as part of its expansion drive.
It operates commercial banking services through a network of more than 700 branches and service outlets spanning three continents, 24 countries and over 60 million customers spread across Africa, Europe and Asia.
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
No fewer than 20 fresh millionaires have emerged in the Fidelity Bank Plc Get Alert in Millions (GAIM) Season 6 promo.
They winners were picked at the second and third monthly draws of the financial institution held at its corporate headquarters in Lagos recently.
The events were monitored by the representatives of relevant regulatory bodies, including the South-West Zonal Coordinator of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Council (FCCPC), Mrs Aboluwade Margaret; and the Principal Legal Officer of the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority, Oyinkan Kusamotu.
A statement from the lender disclosed that the 20 lucky winners were randomly selected through an electronic draw across Lagos, North, Abuja, South-West, South-South, and South-East zones and would be rewarded with N1 million each.
The Fidelity Bank GAIM campaign was launched in November 2024 and about N19.75 million has been won by 869 customers across different categories.
The GAIM 6 campaign, which will run until August 2025, is set to reward lucky customers with a total of N159 million.
Speaking at the draws, the promo Chairperson and Executive Director for Lagos and South-West, Fidelity Bank, Dr Ken Opara, noted that the GAIM 6 promo was designed to reward customers’ loyalty, encourage a savings culture, and promote financial inclusion across the country.
Dr Opara, represented by the Regional Bank Head for Ikoyi, Chetachi Okechukwu, said, “Fidelity Bank is dedicated to the financial well-being of our customers and this commitment inspired the launch of the GAIM Promo, designed to cultivate a strong culture of savings.
“Through this promo, customers have the chance to win substantial cash prizes up to N10 million by saving and transacting with their Fidelity Bank Savings accounts.
“In addition to the monetary rewards, winners will receive complimentary financial advisory services to secure and grow their wealth for the future.”
Fidelity Bank, ranked among the best banks in Nigeria, is a full-fledged Commercial Deposit Money Bank serving over 8.5 million customers through digital banking channels, its 255 business offices in Nigeria and United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
As part of its commitment to deliver quality service to customers, Rand Merchant Bank (RMB) has finally embraced the trade finance software of Union Systems Limited (USL), Kachasi.
The lender said its migration from Finastra’s Trade Innovation (TI) to USL’s Kachasi is a testament to the strength, reliability and competitiveness of this homegrown solution.
Kachasi is Nigeria’s leading indigenous trade finance software built to empower banks with seamless automation, regulatory compliance, and enhanced operational efficiency.
The platform has consistently proven to be a game-changer in the trade finance sector, offering key features such as full compliance with statutory and local regulatory requirements, end-to-end automation of trade finance processes, compliance with international trade regulations, advanced risk management and reporting tools, as well as seamless integration with core banking, local portals and third-party systems.
RMB said its decision to integrate Kachasi into its operations reinforces the platform’s reputation as a trusted trade finance solution.
As international trade becomes more complex, financial institutions require cutting-edge technology to navigate regulatory requirements, mitigate risks, and ensure operational excellence.
“This win affirms our commitment to revolutionizing trade finance automation across Africa. As more financial institutions embrace Kachasi, we remain dedicated to delivering cutting-edge solutions that drive efficiency and elevate the banking sector,” the financial institution stated.
Also, the chief executive of USL, Mr Chuks Onyebuchi, said, “This partnership with Rand Merchant Bank marks a defining moment, not just for Union Systems Limited but for African-built fintech solutions on the global stage.
“The successful transition from Finastra’s Trade Innovation (TI) to Kachasi proves that our homegrown technology is not only competitive but also better suited to the evolving needs of banks and trade finance institutions.
“Kachasi’s seamless automation, deep integration capabilities, and understanding of the local and international trade landscape make it the ideal choice for financial institutions looking to drive efficiency and innovation. This achievement is a testament to our commitment to building world-class technology, and we are excited to support RMB in revolutionizing their trade finance operations.”
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