Banking
FY17: Wema Bank Grows Earnings by 20% as NPL Ratio Drops to 3.52%
By Dipo Olowookere
Mid-tier lender, Wema Bank Plc, on Wednesday released its audited financial result for the year ended December 31, 2017.
The innovative bank, which launched ALAT, Africa’s first fully digital bank, confirmed the growth of its gross earnings by 20.07 percent from N54.36 billion in FY2016 to N65.27 billion in FY2017.
The growth was supported by the launch of ALAT, Nigeria’s first fully digital bank enhancing Wema Bank’s already existing alternate platforms which recorded a combined growth rate of 205.67 percent in transactions executed and with an estimated 30,000 accounts opened monthly.
In the financial results analysed by Business Post, the lender recorded a drop in its profit before tax by 7.38 percent to N3.01 billion in the period under review from N3.25 billion in the previous year.
Also, the profit after tax went down by 11.72 percent to N2.26 billion from N2.56 billion.
Furthermore, the financial institution’s total assets depreciated by 8.46 percent to N388.15 billion last year from N424.04 billion two years ago.
In addition, customers’ deposits declined by 10.18 percent to N254.46 billion in 2017 from N283.30 billion in 2016.
However, shareholders’ funds increased in 2017 by 2.31 percent to N49.62 billion from N48.50 billion in 2016.
During the year under review, Wema Bank’s loan to deposit ratio was 84.82 percent from 70.86 percent as at December 2016, while the Non-Performing Loans (NPL) Ratio closed at 3.52 percent in 2017 versus 5.07 percent as at December 2016.
Also, the NPL Coverage Ratio was 136.98 percent as at December 31, 2017 compared with 100 percent as at December 2016, while the Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) stood at 14.32 percent in the period under review.
Commenting on the results, Managing Director/CEO of Wema Bank, Mr Segun Oloketuyi, provided further insights into the performance of the bank during the period.
“Despite the slow start to the year, 2017 recorded significant progress, highlighted by the introduction of the Investor & Exporters (I&E) window and recovery in oil prices,” Mr Oloketuyi noted.
“Our target market is the upwardly mobile youth segment, the young entrepreneurs, the young professionals and the financially excluded, where we continue to leverage incremental innovation and integral capabilities. For us, banking should be simple, reliable and convenient,” he added.
In view of the bank’s commitment to incremental innovation, the lender was recognized as the Best Digital Bank, Best Mobile Banking app, Digital Banking Platform of the year, Best Digital Bank in Africa, Best & Most Innovative Digital Solution and Excellence in Branchless Banking by World Finance, the Asian Banker and Business Day – reputable organisations located in Africa, Europe and Asia.
“We continue to execute our omni channel business model with precision, as we made in-roads to Kaduna, Bauchi, Kano, Mararaba (Nasarawa), Warri, Aba, Sangotedo (Lagos) and Lagos State University (LASU). Furthermore, we recorded increases in the number of strategic partnerships forged and expect this trend to further gain momentum.
“In October, the bank held its Extra-Ordinary General Meeting (EGM) towards its proposed Capital Reorganisation Scheme.
“I am delighted to announce that the exercise has been concluded, with all relevant regulatory approvals in place and duly passed and reflected in the 2017 financial year accounts.
“As earlier highlighted, the conclusion of the exercise would lead to an efficient balance sheet, as ploughed back profit can be capitalised to grow the business while positioning the Bank for dividend payment in the near term.
“I would like to appreciate our esteemed shareholders for their patience and the trust reposed in us. We are now in the final stage of our three-pronged strategy; stabilise the bank (2009 – 2012), reposition the bank (2013-2017) and grow the bank (2017 and beyond).
“We approached the money market in November 2017 to raise N25 billion in two Series under a commercial paper Program; Series 1 N10 billion – 182-day tenor and Series 2: N15 billion- 270-day tenor.
“Given the relative decline in interest rates and possible growth within the economy, the bank will be re-opening the 2nd series of its N50 billion debt issuance program. This should commence from the second quarter of the year,” Mr Oloketuyi said.
According to the Wema Bank MD, the bank’s commitment to excellence positioned it for a top-8 finish at the 2017 KPMG Banking Industry Customer Survey. It, therefore, stressed commitment to improving its capabilities towards the attainment of sustainable competitive advantages, especially a top-5 finish in 2018 and increasing market share.
In his own review of the result, Chief Finance Officer of the financial institution, Mr Tunde Mabawonku, noted that the bank’s 2017 result was reflective of its continued resilience despite realities arising from increased impairment charges during the period.
The bank’s earnings from non-interest income remained strong, growing by 24.44 percent from N9.80 billion in 2016 to N12.19 billion in 2017; surpassing its 2017 guidance of a 19 percent growth rate.
“Risk management remains at the core of our operations, as we leverage on our prudent risk management practices and reported a Non-Performing Loan (NPL) ratio of 3.52 percent (2016; 5.01 percent) while our Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR), closed at 14.32 percent (2016; 11.07 percent).
“We remain confident, that the Bank’s credit rating will continue to remain affirmed at investment grade level,” Mr Mabawonku noted.
He expressed the bank’s commitment to sound risk management while leveraging its digital platforms, built capabilities in lowering the cost of service and attaining competitive advantages.
“In addition, with our positive retained earnings account, the balance sheet has now been repositioned for efficiency,” Mr Mabawonku concluded.
By Adedapo Adesanya
Access Bank Plc, the banking subsidiary of Access Holdings Plc, has entered into a binding agreement with South African-based Bidvest Group Limited for the acquisition of 100 per cent equity stake in Bidvest Bank Limited.
The deal for the 24-year-old South African lender is due to be completed in the second half of 2025, upon regulatory approval.
This shows Access Bank’s further expansion plans in line with goals set by its late founder, Mr Herbert Wigwe.
The agreement to acquire 100 percent stake in Bidvest Bank reflects Access Bank’s commitment to strengthening its footprint in South Africa and consolidating on its position as the continent’s gateway to global markets as it seeks to optimise the benefits of recent acquisitions and accelerate its transition towards a greater focus on efficiencies.
Bidvest Bank, founded in 2000 is a niche and profitable South African financial institution providing a diverse range of services, including corporate and business banking solutions and diverse retail banking products.
As of its year ended June 2024, Bidvest Bank reported total assets equivalent of $665million and audited profit before tax of $20million.
Upon conclusion of this acquisition, Bidvest Bank will be merged with the bank’s existing South African subsidiary to create an enlarged platform to anchor the regional growth strategy for the SADC region.
This is coming just as the bank opened a new branch in Malta as part of efforts to focus on international trade finance after obtaining a banking licence from the European Central Bank (ECB) and the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA).
Access Bank said the licence marks a transformative milestone in bolstering Europe-Africa trade flows.
The Maltese branch was established by Access Bank UK Limited, the subsidiary of Access Bank Plc, which is also the subsidiary of Access Holdings Plc, which is listed on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Limited.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
To strengthen Europe-Africa trade ties, Access Bank has opened a new branch in Malta. It will focus on international trade finance, employing approximately 30 people in its initial phase, with plans for controlled expansion over time.
It was learned that this Maltese branch was established by Access Bank UK Limited, the subsidiary of Access Bank Plc, which is also the subsidiary of Access Holdings Plc, which is listed on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Limited.
Access Bank Malta Limited commenced operations after obtaining a banking licence from the European Central Bank (ECB) and the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA).
Access Bank said the licence marks a transformative milestone in bolstering Europe-Africa trade flows.
Malta, a renowned international financial centre, and a gateway between the two continents, is strategically positioned to play a pivotal role in advancing commerce and fostering economic partnerships.
This strategic expansion into Malta enables The Access Bank UK Limited to leverage growing trade opportunities between Europe and Africa.
It underscores the organisation’s commitment to driving global trade, financial integration, and supporting businesses across these regions.
“By establishing operations in Malta, we will gain a foothold in a market that bridges European and North African economies, moving us one step closer to our goal of becoming Africa’s Gateway to the World.
“It further enhances our bank’s capacity to support clients with innovative solutions tailored to cross-border trade and investment opportunities,” the chief executive of Access Bank, Mr Roosevelt Ogbonna, stated.
“Europe has emerged as Africa’s leading trading partner, driven by initiatives such as the Economic Partnership Agreements between the EU and African regions and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“With Europe-Africa economic relations entering a new phase, The Access Bank Malta Limited is ideally positioned to deepen trade and meet the financing and banking needs of our clients in these expanding markets,” the chief executive of Access Bank UK, Mr Jamie Simmonds, commented.
Also speaking, the chief executive of Access Bank Malta, Renald Theuma, said, “Malta is uniquely positioned as a bridge between Europe and Africa, making it an ideal location for our subsidiary. This move allows The Access Bank Malta Limited to engage more closely with customers in Europe and deliver tailored financial solutions that drive growth and connectivity across both continents.”
By Adedapo Adesanya
The International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Goldman Sachs have announced a new partnership with African banks, including Nigeria’s Zenith Bank and Stanbic IBTC Nigeria to support the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women initiative, a joint programme launched in 2008 to provide access to capital and training for women entrepreneurs globally.
The two Nigerian banks are part of nine financial institutions from across Africa which have agreed to join the 10,000 Women initiative committing to leverage the business education and skills tools the programme provides to create more opportunities for women entrepreneurs across the continent by providing access to business education.
Others banks include Stanbic Bank Kenya, Ecobank Kenya, Ecobank Cote d’Ivoire, Equity Bank Group, Banco Millenium Atlantico – Angola, Baobab Group, and Orange Bank.
Speaking on this, Ms Charlotte Keenan, Managing Director at Goldman Sachs said – “10,000 Women has had a powerful impact to date, but we know that there are more women to reach and more potential to be realized.
“We are delighted to partner with IFC to supercharge the growth of women-owned businesses across Africa, and mainstream lending to female business leaders. We remain committed to supporting entrepreneurs with the access to education and capital that they need to scale.”
Since 2008, the 10,000 Women initiative has provided access to capital and business training to more than 200,000 women in 150 countries.
“This expanded initiative marks a significant step forward in creating equitable economic opportunities for women in Africa, enabling them to build stronger, more resilient businesses and to realize their entrepreneurial goals,” said Ms Nathalie Kouassi Akon, IFC’s Global Director for Gender and Economic Inclusion.
Goldman Sachs’ 10,000 Women initiative complements the Women Entrepreneurs Opportunity Facility (WEOF), launched in 2014 by Goldman Sachs and IFC as the first-of-its-kind global facility dedicated to expanding access to capital for women entrepreneurs in emerging markets.
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