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Lagos Business School Training Excites South African Bankers

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By Dipo Olowookere

South African Investment Bankers have lauded the Lagos Business School for hosting the International Executive Development Programme (IEDP) for the Banking Sector and Training Authority (BANKSETA), which was held in Lagos.

The five-day programme started on Monday, June 19, 2017, and brought together high potential leaders from the investment banking sector in South Africa, immersing them into the best practices of the Nigerian economy, culture and environment.

Mr Thebe Mabiletsa of Absa Capital, South Africa commended the Lagos Business School for hosting them in Nigeria, an experience he said had broadened the delegation’s horizon on the uniqueness of the Nigerian economy and market.

He revealed that Nigerian businesses “have created a niche space in terms of their innovation and expertise which can make them partner favourably with South African banks as well as other banks on the continent.”

Mr Jared Bleak, Lead Professor/Orchestrator, Duke University, said that the key learning from the week-long programme was evident in the prospects for Nigerian banks becoming more international and how they could collaborate with other markets on the continent and even the rest of the world.

“The internationalisation of Nigerian banks is happening, and even the South African groups here have learned from the economy and possibly thinking about partnerships,” he stated.

He commended the Lagos Business School for exposing the team to a fast emerging market on the African continent, as well as the warm reception.

Dr Franklin Ngwu, Senior Lecturer, Strategy, Finance and Risk Management, Lagos Business School, remarked that it was a great feat helping the South African Investment bankers to understudy the Nigerian financial sector to see areas of opportunity, investment and collaboration with the two countries.

“We have exposed them to both the formal and informal aspects of the economy and we envisage a possible cooperation and investment between the two economies,” he said.

CEO of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Mr Oscar Onyeama, commended the Lagos Business School for the IEDP initiative.

He stated that opportunities such as this afford the stock exchange an avenue to share relevant information which boosts confidence in the Nigerian capital markets and in turn the Nigerian economy.

Dr Enase Okonedo, Dean, Lagos Business School, expressed appreciation to all organisations that welcomed the LBS/IEDP-BANKSETA participants during their tour for showing support during the programme and wished the South African bankers a safe trip back home.

Some of the activities included visits to the International Centre for Commerce (ICC) Balogun Market, Lagos; NIKE Art Gallery; SLOT Systems Limited; Computer Village, and interactive sessions with Afri Invest, Ecobank and Fintech CEOs (Konga, Venture Garden, Interswitch etc).

Also included in the activities was a visit to the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), where they got an expose into the Nigerian economy, the capital markets and participated in the activities of ringing the closing bell on the NSE trading floor.

The participants were given adequate exposure to the Nigerian economy, culture and environment.

Banking Sector Education and Training Authority (BANKSETA) is a South African statutory body interested in promoting knowledge and skill acquisition in the financial sector.

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]

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Banking

Fidelity Bank GAIM 6 Promo Produces 20 Additional Millionaires

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fidelity bank gaim 6 promo

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.

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Rand Merchant Bank Adopts Kachasi to Strengthen Trade Finance Operations

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RMB Union Systems Kachasi

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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TAJBank to Raise N20bn Mudarabah Sukuk to Fuel Business Expansion

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TAJBank

By Adedapo Adesanya

Nigerian non-interest bank, TAJBank, is finalising arrangements to raise the sum of N20 billion Mudarabah Sukuk to beef up its additional tier 1 capital with the aim of fueling its business expansion drive in the country.

The issuance is part of its larger N100 billion Sukuk programme.

The new investment initiative, which is coming two years after the issuance of the first-ever N10 billion Sukuk on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Limited in 2023, presents a unique opportunity for individuals and institutions to invest in an ethical instrument with a competitive 20.5 per cent per annum return.

The Mudarabah Sukuk, which is open to all investors, is designed to offer a stable and ethical investment option, allowing investors to participate in the bank’s profit-sharing ventures.

According to a statement, the the move underscores its commitment to expand access to innovative financial solutions and promoting financial inclusion in the country.

The Mudarabah Sukuk issuance terms and conditions are undergoing final regulatory assessment and approval processes.

The chief executive of TAJBank, Mr Hamid Joda, said, “We are excited to bring this Mudarabah Sukuk to the market, offering a compelling investment opportunity that aligns with ethical financial principles.”

“This listing on the NGX will enable a wider range of investors to participate in our growth and benefit from our profit-sharing model”, the banker added.

Mr Joda had, at the beating of the gong during the listing of the TAJBank’s maiden N10 billion Sukuk bond on the NGX in February 2023, assured investors that the bank’s board and management would ensure good returns on their investments.

Business Post reports that the bond was over-subscribed by over 115 per cent.

“As TAJBank gets the NGX’s endorsement today on its fund raising for operations, I want to assure all investors in the maiden Sukuk bond offer by our bank that the board and management will surpass their expectations in terms of return on their investment and other benefits,” he said.

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