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Uncertainty Grips Keystone Bank Workers, Embark on Job Hunt

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By Modupe Gbadeyanka

The fear and uncertainty surrounding the sale of Keystone Bank Limited has created anxiety among its employees as many of them now look out for new jobs in order not to be caught unawares, investigation by Daily Times has revealed.

Earlier in the week, the biggest of the three nationalized lenders after 2009 financial crisis, Keystone Bank Limited, was announced to have been sold by the Asset Management Company of Nigeria (AMCON) to some unknown local investors at undisclosed amount.

In a statement made available to newsmen, AMCON referred to the new owners of the bank as a consortium of local investors called Sigma Golf Nigeria Limited and Riverbank Investment Resources.

But the manager of bad assets failed to inform the general public on the total amount payable for the sales of the bank and the initial amount paid.

Also, the statement did not disclose the sale price or any financial details, as well as the faces behind the investment firms buying the bank.

However, our investigations showed that the some employees of the bank have been on the lookout for better job opportunities with other lenders as their fate remain uncertain, as the new owners are set to take over.

One of the staff of the bank, who spoke to our correspondent on condition of anonymity, disclosed that some of them who do not want to be without job suddenly have started to look for jobs since the announcement was made.

“I have submitted my CV to a couple of banks and I hope to secure a job with any of them”, the source disclosed.

The three lenders that were nationalized in 2011, Afribank, Spring Bank and Bank PHB, were recapitalised by AMCON and changed their names to Mainstreet Bank, Enterprise Bank and Keystone Bank.

Two of the banks have since been sold.

AMCON was set up in 2010 to absorb non-performing loans in exchange for government bonds, after the central bank injected $4 billion to rescue nine lenders from collapse seven years ago.

It is worthy of note that before the end of 2015, the Corporation had completed the sale of Mainstreet Bank purchased by Skye Bank Plc, while Heritage Bank bought Enterprise Bank.

In view of this, there had been anxiety over the sale of Keystone Bank, but AMCON at the beginning of 2015 said the sale of the bank would commence during the second quarter of the year but failed to carry out the sale till the recent announcement.

Recall that AMCON had during the last quarter of 2014 completed the sale of Enterprise Bank and Mainstreet Bank to Heritage Bank and Skye Bank Plc, respectively for a combined sum of N181.1 billion, after bidding processes that lasted for several months.

Heritage Bank won the bid to acquire Enterprise bank for N56.1 billion, while Skye Bank was announced as the winner for Mainstreet bank with a bid of N125 billion.

While Heritage Bank won the bid for Enterprise Bank, Fidelity Bank emerged the reserved bidder after a bidding process that involved over 20 buyers.

Cedar One Investment Partners Limited and Fidelity Bank emerged as the first and second reserve bidders respectively for Mainstreet bank.

However, all the aforementioned processes and measures were put in place when the two other bridged banks were sold, unlike now that Keystone bank is being sold.

https://dailytimes.ng/news/keystone-bank-staff-job-hunt-amid-sale-uncertainty/

Modupe Gbadeyanka is a fast-rising journalist with Business Post Nigeria. Her passion for journalism is amazing. She is willing to learn more with a view to becoming one of the best pen-pushers in Nigeria. Her role models are the duo of CNN's Richard Quest and Christiane Amanpour.

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Banking

AG Mortgage Bank N3.97bn Commercial Paper Closes June 18

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AG Mortgage Bank

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.

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Banking

Access Holdings Earnings Capacity Remains Strong—Aig-Imoukhuede

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access holdings 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.

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HabariPay Unveils ‘HabariPay Impact Report 2025’

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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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