Banking
FCMB Targets 10% Loan Growth, Modest Rise in 2019 Earnings
By Dipo Olowookere
Group CEO of First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Plc, Mr Ladi Balogun, has disclosed that the financial powerhouse hopes to grow its loan by 5 to 10 percent in the 2019 fiscal year.
Mr Balogun made this disclosure on Tuesday during the company’s FY 2018 analyst call in Lagos, which was monitored by Business Post.
According to him, apart from the 5-10 percent loan growth the bank is targeting in 2019, the lender hopes to see its fees and commissions record strong growth in the year.
He further stated that FCMB is anticipating a 20 percent rise in its deposit, precisely having more than a million new customers.
Mr Balogun explained that an increase in the number of the bank’s customers will mean more value to shareholders of the company.
The bank executive also said the financial institution will work to modestly improve its earnings in 2019 with focus on “growing customer base in personal and SME banking, balance sheet growth, improved liquidity and revenue growth in (on-pensions) asset management.”
On the macro environment, he noted that the bank looks forward to a 2-3 percent per annum growth in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), an inflation rate between 10 and 11 percent, a moderate stance on monetary policy and a stable currency.
Furthermore, FCMB said it plans to raise tier II debt and retain profits this year to boost its balance sheet after the adoption of stricter accounting standards impacted its capital ratios.
Nigerian banks have been adopting stricter IFRS 9 accounting standards which require lenders to model credit loss risk based on expected rather than incurred losses and has a material impact on regulatory capital requirements.
Business Post reports that in the year, FCMB’s gross earnings increased from N169.9 billion in 2017 to N177.3 billion, while the net interest income appreciated to N72.6 billion from N70.5 billion, with the net trading income significantly rising to N6.2 billion from N2.4 billion.
During the year, fee and commission income brought N28 billion into the purse of the bank against N21.6 billion realized in the previous financial year.
Also, the net fee and commission income rose to N21.6 billion from N16.2 billion, but the amount generated from other income went down to N11.8 billion from N13.4 billion.
In the year, FCMB recorded a profit before tax of N18.4 billion against N10.7 billion in 2017, while the profit after tax rose to N15 billion from N8.6 billion, with the earnings per share increasing to 75 kobo from 43 kobo per share.
Banking
Shareholders Authorise Abbey Mortgage Bank to Raise Fresh Funds
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.
Banking
Spending Limit on GTBank Naira Card Now $20,000
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.
Banking
FairMoney Unveils Asset Financing Solution for Mobility Entrepreneurs
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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