Banking
GTBank Targets Expansion of Services to Boost Q4 Earnings
By Dipo Olowookere
Managing Director/CEO of Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) Plc, Mr Segun Agbaje, has assured shareholders that the financial institution will grow its earnings in the fourth quarter of this year by improving customer experience and expanding its range of service offering.
Mr Agbaje gave this assurance while commenting to the third quarter financial results of the pan-African bank released recently to the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) and the London Stock Exchange (LSE).
A review of the results shows positive performance across all financial indices, reaffirming the lender’s position as one of the most profitable and well managed financial institutions in Nigeria.
For example, the gross earnings for the period grew by 8.8 percent to N337.3 billion from N309.9 billion reported in September 2017, while the profit before tax stood at N164.2 billion, representing a growth of 9.5 percent over N150.0 billion recorded in the corresponding period of September 2017.
Business Post reports that during the period under review, GTBank’s Loan Book dipped by 12.3 percent from N1.449 trillion recorded as at December 2017 to N1.270 trillion in September 2018, while customers’ deposit grew by 8.6 percent to N₦2.239 trillion from N2.062 trillion in December 2017.
Furthermore, the bank’s balance sheet remained resilient with total assets and shareholders’ funds, closing at N3.433 trillion and N534.3 billion respectively, a 2.4 percent growth from total assets position of n3.351 trillion as at December 2017, Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) however dipped by 300 basis points to 22 percent despite the impact of IFRS 9 implementation.
In terms of assets quality, NPL ratio and Cost of Risk (COR) improved to 5.6 percent and 0.1 percent in September 2018 from 7.8 percent and 0.5 percent position in December 2017 respectively.
Complementing the improvement noted in NPLs and COR, the lender maintained adequate Loan Loss coverage of 180.6 percent for Lifetime Credit Impaired Loans (NPLs).
On the backdrop of this result, Post-Tax Return on Equity (ROE) closed at 32.7 percent while Return on Assets (ROA) stood at 5.6 percent.
For Mr Agbaje, “Despite operating in a very challenging business environment, our 3rd quarter result is a reflection of how we have appropriately positioned our balance sheet to cope with economic realities.”
“It further demonstrates the strength of our business strategy to deliver financial services that enriches the lives of our customers and creates more value for all our stakeholders,” he added.
The bank chief said, “Going into the final quarter of the year, the bank will continue to drive its digital-first customer-centric strategy to improve customer experience and expand its range of service offering whilst constantly differentiating itself by maintaining a high standard in service delivery and putting customers at the heart of everything that we do.”
In recognition of the bank’s stance on world class corporate governance standards, excellent service delivery and innovation, GTBank has been a recipient of numerous awards in the course of the year. They include Africa’s Best Bank for SMEs and Best Bank in Nigeria from Euromoney Magazine, African Bank of the Year from African Banker Magazine, Best Banking Group and Best Retail Bank from World Finance Magazine, Best Bank in Africa for Corporate Governance from Ethical Boardroom Magazine.
Banking
Toxic Bank Assets: AMCON Repays CBN N3.6trn, Still Owes N3trn
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
About N3.6 trillion has been repaid to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) by the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) since its inception in 2010.
This information was revealed by the chief executive of AMCON, Mr Gbenga Alade, during a media parley to update the press on the activities of the agency.
Mr Alade said at the moment, the organisation still owes the central bank about N3 trillion for toxic assets of banks in the country.
He praised the organisation for its asset recovery drive, stressing that when compared with others across the world, Nigeria has done well.
“It is important to stress that the corporation has done tremendously well, especially when compared to other notable government-owned Asset Management Corporations around the world.
“Based on the balance at purchase, AMCON outperformed other Asset Management Corporations all over the world by achieving over 87 per cent in recoveries despite the unique challenges associated with debt recovery in Nigeria.
“The Malaysian Danaharta, which is adjudged one of the best performing Asset Management Corporation’s, only achieved 58 per cent. The Chinese Asset Management Corporation, despite its stricter laws, achieved just 33 per cent.
“Only the Korean Asset Management Corporation (KAMCO), South Korea, has achieved more recoveries than AMCON, with about 100 per cent. This was due to their brute force with which they chased the obligors.
“Despite KAMCO’s recovery records, the agency is still operational to date with slight realignments in its mandate.
“Other noted Asset Management Corporations that have transitioned into a perpetual institution of the various governments include, China Asset Management Company, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) USA, and KFW Germany.
“So, gentlemen, without sounding immodest, AMCON has done well, and we will not relent until all the outstanding debts are fully realized,” Mr Alade stated.
On the financial performance of AMCON, he said last year, the firm posted a revenue of N156.25 billion and operating expenses of N29.04 billion, while for the 2025 fiscal year should be a revenue of N215.15 billion and operating expenses of N29.06 billion.
Banking
The Alternative Bank Opens Effurun Branch in Delta
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
One of the non-interest banks in Nigeria, The Alternative Bank (AltBank), has opened a new branch in Effurun, Delta State.
The new office will serve the Edo-Delta region and provide purposeful banking and real financial empowerment for individuals, entrepreneurs, and businesses, a statement from the firm stated.
The lender disclosed that the Effurun branch is a bold move in its mission to reshape banking in Nigeria.
The launch was graced by key dignitaries, including the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, Emmanuel Ekemejewa Sideso Abe I; the Chairman of Uvwie Local Government, Anthony O. Ofoni, represented his vice, Andrew Agagbo; and the Special Adviser to the Governor of Delta State on Community Development, Mr Ernest Airoboyi; amongst others.
The Divisional Head for South at The Alternative Bank, Mr Chukwuemeka Agada, emphasised the institution’s commitment to Warri and its surrounding communities.
“By establishing a presence here, we are initiating a transformation in the way banking serves the people of Delta. Our purpose-driven approach ensures that customers’ financial goals are not just met but exceeded,” he stated.
“This branch represents our pledge to empower Warri’s dynamic businesses and families, providing them with the tools to grow without compromise,” Mr Agada added.
“We understand the heartbeat of this community, and we are excited to integrate our bank into the fabric of this dynamic region,” he stated further.
On his part, the representative of the Ovie, Mr Samuel Eshenake, challenged the bank to facilitate development and employment within the Effurun community.
The Regional Head for Edo/Delta at The Alternative Bank, Mr Akanni Owolabi, embraced this challenge, pledging that the bank will work sustainably to drive local commerce.
“At The Alternative Bank, we are committed to being an active partner in the development of Effurun. We see this branch as a catalyst for creating opportunities, driving employment, and supporting the growth of local businesses.
“Our mission is to empower this community, ensuring that every step forward is one of progress, prosperity, and shared success.”
Banking
Payattitude, PAPSSCARD to Co-brand Payment Card
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
A partnership aimed to enable seamless, real-time and secure transactions for cardholders across Africa and the rest of the world has been entered into by Payattitude and PAPSSCARD, the card scheme initiative of the Pan-African Payment & Settlement System (PAPSS).
The collaboration will allow Payattitude cards issued by banks and other deposit-taking institutions to be co-branded with PAPSSCARD, Discover, Diners and Pulse for acceptance across their networks in Nigeria, Africa and worldwide.
As an initiative of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and a key financial infrastructure supporting the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the PAPSSCARD scheme will facilitate instant cross-border payments in local currencies.
“This partnership reflects our commitment to cross-enterprise alliances and enabling inclusive, efficient, and borderless payments across Africa and the world
“With Payattitude, Nigerian cardholders and financial institutions can now enjoy the benefits of a Nigerian card that can be used worldwide,” a director at Payattitude, Dr Agada Apochi, said.
The acting chief executive of PAPSSCARD, Mr John Bosco Sebabi, said the aim is “to connect African payment ecosystems, reduce the cost and inefficiencies of cross-border payments, and strengthen African sovereignty over payments infrastructure.
“Collaborating with Payattitude, a key innovator in Nigeria’s payment space, represents a significant step towards a more unified African payment landscape.”
The chief executive of PAPSS, Mr Mike Ogbalu, said, “By bringing together PAPSSCARD’s robust cross-border payment capabilities with Payattitude’s leadership in the Nigerian digital payments, we are taking tangible steps toward building a single African market where individuals and businesses can transact easily and securely, both within and beyond Africa.”
Payattitude is the first-in-kind Nigerian Payment Scheme to pioneer multibank App and USSD Code *569#.
-
Feature/OPED6 years agoDavos was Different this year
-
Travel/Tourism9 years ago
Lagos Seals Western Lodge Hotel In Ikorodu
-
Showbiz3 years agoEstranged Lover Releases Videos of Empress Njamah Bathing
-
Banking7 years agoSort Codes of GTBank Branches in Nigeria
-
Economy2 years agoSubsidy Removal: CNG at N130 Per Litre Cheaper Than Petrol—IPMAN
-
Banking3 years agoFirst Bank Announces Planned Downtime
-
Banking3 years agoSort Codes of UBA Branches in Nigeria
-
Sports3 years agoHighest Paid Nigerian Footballer – How Much Do Nigerian Footballers Earn










