Banking
QNB Group Delivers High Profits in Q1 2016

By Dipo Olowookere
Largest financial institution in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region, QNB Group, has announced its results for the three months ended March 31, 2017.
For the three months under review, the lender’s Net Profit reached $900 million, up by 12 percent compared to previous year, delivering a consistently high profitability.
Total assets increased by 35 percent from March 2016 to reach $204 billion. This was driven by a growth rate of 33 percent in loans and advances to reach $147 billion.
QNB Group was successful in attracting new customer deposits to comply with the cap on loans to deposit ratio of 100 percent set by QCB, which is effective from the end of 2017.
These deposit mobilisation efforts resulted in increased customer funding by 34 percent to reach $149 billion from March 2016. This led to the Group’s loan to deposit ratio reaching 99 percent.
The Group’s prudent cost control policy and strong revenue generating capability allowed it to maintain an efficiency ratio (cost to income ratio) of 28.9 percent, which is considered one of the best ratios among financial institutions in the region.
QNB Group was able to maintain the ratio of non-performing loans to gross loans at 1.8 percent and coverage ratio at 114 percent as at 31 March 2017, a level considered one of the best amongst financial institutions in the MEA region, reflecting the high quality of the Group’s loan book and the effective management of credit risk.
Total Equity increased by 17 percent from March 2016 to reach $20 billion as at March 31, 2017. Earnings per Share reached $1.0, compared to $0.9 in March 2016.
Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) calculated as per the QCB and Basel III requirements stood at 15.7 percent as at March 31, 2017, higher than the regulatory minimum requirements of the Qatar Central Bank and Basel Committee.
The Group says it is keen to maintain a strong capitalisation in order to support future strategic plans.
In March 2017, QNB launched its operations in the Saudi capital, Riyadh. This branch is a significant milestone in QNB Group’s strategy of international expansion.
Based on the Group’s continuous stellar performance and its diversified international presence, QNB is now the most valuable banking brand in the MEA region, with the value of its brand increased to $3.8 billion to rise to the 60th place globally, in addition to attaining the highest rating of AA+ in brand strength.
QNB Group is present, through its subsidiaries and associate companies, in more than 30 countries and 3 continents providing a comprehensive range of products and services. The total number of staff for the Group is more than 28,000 operating from 1,250 locations and 4,300 ATMs serving more than 21 million customers.
Banking
AG Mortgage Bank N3.97bn Commercial Paper Closes June 18
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
The N3.97 billion commercial paper issuance of AG Mortgage Bank Plc will close on Thursday, June 18, 2026.
The sale of the debt instrument by the real estate lender commenced on Wednesday, June 10, 2026.
It is under the N5 billion commercial paper issuance programme of the lending firm aimed to support its short-term working capital and funding requirements.
The company is selling the papers in two series, with Series 2 offered at a discounted rate of 19.2895 per cent for 270 days, and Series 3 at a discounted rate of 19.3651 per cent for 364 days.
The minimum subscription is N5 million, and subsequent additions of N1 million.
AG Mortgage Bank is a leading primary mortgage bank in Nigeria with over two decades of experience in providing affordable mortgage financing and housing finance solutions.
The bank has grown its asset base to over N33 billion and remains a key participant in major housing intervention programmes, including the National Housing Fund Scheme and other government-backed mortgage initiatives.
Supported by a diversified product offering, strong institutional credibility, and an experienced management team, AG Mortgage Bank continues to deliver solid financial performance.
For FY 2025, interest income increased by 28.1 per cent to N3.65 billion, while profit after tax rose by 130.0 per cent to N1.05 billion, reflecting strong earnings growth, operational efficiency, and prudent risk management.
Banking
Access Holdings Earnings Capacity Remains Strong—Aig-Imoukhuede
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
The chairman of Access Holdings Plc, Mr Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, has reaffirmed the organisation’s long-term commitment to shareholders, expressing confidence in the company’s strategic positioning, which he said is underpinned by disciplined execution, a diversified business model, a strengthened capital base, and a clear focus on sustainable value creation.
Speaking at the 4th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the firm on Wednesday, he explained that the temporary suspension of dividend distributions was a consequence of regulatory compliance requirements rather than any deterioration in the group’s financial performance.
Mr Aig-Imoukhuede reaffirmed that the financial institution’s earnings capacity remains strong and that the board’s position reflects adherence to supervisory expectations and prudent capital management principles.
He assured shareholders of the board’s commitment to resuming dividend payments as soon as the relevant regulatory conditions are satisfied, noting that, “Our approach is clear: capital retained today must translate into greater value tomorrow and sustainable returns for our shareholders.”
The Chairman reiterated the strategic imperative underpinning the company’s next phase of growth, saying, “Our strategy, From Scale to Value, reflects the natural evolution of our journey. Scale created opportunity; value creation is how we fully realise it.”
He noted that while the organisation continues to generate strong returns, ensuring that earnings per share consistently exceed the cost of capital remains central to unlocking sustainable shareholder value.
The retired banker also acknowledged the significant unrealised value embedded within the firm’s international subsidiaries and reiterated management’s focus on improving market recognition of that intrinsic value over time.
Commenting on the financial performance of the group in 2025, he said Access Holdings accelerated provisions on legacy and regulatory forbearance credit exposures, resulting in elevated impairment charges.
He explained that the group consciously prioritised balance sheet strength and long-term resilience over short-term earnings optimisation.
“Periods of economic uncertainty often reveal more about an institution than periods of uninterrupted growth. Our focus remains on building a business that is not only growing, but improving in the quality, resilience, and sustainability of its earnings,” he stated.
Last year, the financial services organisation delivered pre-tax profit of N1.007 trillion, underscoring the strength of its diversified platform and expanding earnings base across key markets. Total assets increased to N51.56 trillion, while customer deposits grew strongly, reflecting sustained franchise momentum and deepening customer trust.
Banking
HabariPay Unveils ‘HabariPay Impact Report 2025’
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
A new report highlighting the transformation from a newly established fintech venture into one of Nigeria’s leading payment infrastructure providers has been launched by HabariPay Limited.
The report, known as the HabariPay Impact Report 2025, provides stakeholders with a comprehensive evolution, innovation journey, business performance, and impact of the fintech subsidiary of Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO) Plc on the digital payments landscape.
The company’s contributions to enabling digital commerce, supporting businesses, strengthening payment infrastructure, and expanding financial access through technology-driven solutions were also captured in the piece.
The HabariPay Impact Report 2025 also highlights the organisation’s strong financial and operational performance, the growth of the Squad platform, and the development of infrastructure that powers payment acceptance, switching, transfers, merchant services, and value-added solutions.
The publication further explores the role of innovation, talent development, and ecosystem partnerships in driving the company’s success.
It showcases HabariPay’s investments in innovation through initiatives such as the Take on Squad Hackathon and the Squad Hackademy, both of which are helping to develop future technology talent and accelerate the creation of practical solutions to real-world challenges.
“As a technology-driven company, we believe that impact extends beyond financial performance. It is reflected in the businesses we enable, the merchants we support, the infrastructure we build, and the opportunities we create for the next generation of innovators.
“The HabariPay Impact Report 2025 captures this journey and demonstrates our commitment to creating sustainable value for customers, partners, and the broader economy,” the Managing Director of HabariPay, Ms Eduofon Japhet, said.
“The HabariPay Impact Report 2025 represents more than a reflection on our achievements; it is a testament to the deliberate investments we have made in building sustainable payment infrastructure, empowering businesses, fostering innovation, and creating long-term value for our stakeholders.
“As we look ahead, we remain committed to expanding our capabilities, deepening our impact, and shaping the future of digital payments through technology-driven solutions that are secure, scalable, and inclusive,” she added.
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