Banking
Moody’s Assigns A1.ng Rating to Access Bank N15bn Bond
By Dipo Olowookere
A Senior Unsecured national scale rating (NSR) of A1.ng has been assigned to Access Bank Plc issuance of up to N15 billion five-year senior unsecured notes.
This rating was assigned to the Nigerian lender by Moody’s Investors Service with the NSR rating on review for downgrade, in line with Access Bank’s other ratings.
The A1.ng senior unsecured NSR rating assigned to the senior unsecured notes is aligned with Access’ A1.ng local currency deposit NSR rating, recognizing that the debt securities will be unsecured and unsubordinated obligations of Access Bank and will rank at least equally with all other senior unsecured and unsubordinated obligations of the bank at all times.
A statement issued by Moody’s said the A1.ng NSR maps from the global scale rating of B2 (RUR) for such unsecured notes.
“The A1.ng NSR reflects the bank’s strong asset quality metrics and relatively robust loan underwriting standards and risk management processes, large local currency liquidity buffers, and resilient capital buffers.
“These strengths are balanced against Nigeria’s still challenging operating environment which negatively affects banks’ asset quality and revenue growth, and concentration risks in the bank’s loan book, including its exposure to loans denominated in foreign currencies,” the statement said.
Moody’s also noted that the senior unsecured NSR rating is on review for downgrade to reflect the potential negative pressures on capital and asset risk metrics as a result of Access Bank’s merger with Diamond Bank Plc.
NSRs provide a measure of relative creditworthiness within a single country, and are derived from global scale ratings (GSRs) using country-specific maps. NSRs are not intended to rank credits across multiple countries; instead they provide a measure of relative creditworthiness within a single country (Nigeria in the case of Access).
The rating agency disclosed that Access Bank’s Senior Unsecured NSR rating, along with the lender’s other ratings, could be affirmed if the bank’s solvency and funding metrics are not materially strained by the merger, pointing out that an upgrade is not likely given that Access Vabk’s ratings are on review for downgrade.
“Access Bank’s Senior Unsecured NSR rating, along with Access Bank’s other ratings, could be downgraded if the bank’s solvency indicators deteriorate materially as a result of the merger and the bank does not improve its capital position in order to support its larger balance sheet,” it stated.
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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