Banking
Wema Bank Financial Metrics Remain Weak—Fitch
**Affirms Bank at ‘B-‘ With Outlook Stable
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Renowned global rating company, Fitch Ratings, has disclosed that the financial metrics of Nigeria-based Wema Bank has remained weak despite meeting its strategic goals over the last three years.
Fitch made this disclosure in a statement last week when it announced affirming the lender’s Long-Term Issuer Default Rating (IDR) at ‘B-‘ and National Long-Term Rating at ‘BBB-(nga)’ with the outlook stable.
The rating agency noted that Wema Bank’s core earnings remain low but are improving gradually, adding that its net interest income has benefited from Nigeria’s high-interest-rate environment (the policy rate is 14%) despite continuing pressure on the cost of funding.
The latter, it said, reflects the limited franchise and weak customer deposit mix.
Fitch said one of the main constraints on Wema Bank’s profitability continues to be its very high cost base (the cost/income ratio was 90% in 2016). Loan impairment charges are increasing but remain manageable.
On Wema Bank’s IDRs, the rating firm noted that they are driven by its standalone creditworthiness as defined by its Viability Rating (VR). The VR is constrained by challenging operating conditions in Nigeria, the bank’s modest franchise (1% market share), as well as weak earnings and profitability and tight capitalisation.
It said these factors are counterbalanced by Wema Bank’s coherent strategy, strong management team, good impaired loan ratio and low levels of foreign currency (FC) loans.
The business model, underpinned by the roll-out of sophisticated delivery channels, is improving and the bank is in an early stage of growth focussing on mid-market corporates and retail segments, it said.
However, Fitch said Wema Bank’s low impaired loan ratio (end-9M17: 1.4%) partly reflects its below-average exposure to the oil sector and a smaller proportion of FC loans. The bank’s non-performing loan ratio (based on prudential requirements/90 days overdue) is higher (end-9M17: 3.5%) but still compares favourably with peers.
“Our assessment of asset quality also considers Wema’s very high credit concentrations by industry and single borrower,” the statement released in London on Wednesday, February 7, 2018, disclosed.
It added that Wema Bank’s capital ratios are tight in the context of the operating environment and regulatory requirements.
The bank reported a total capital adequacy ratio (CAR) of 12.4% at end-9M17, which is a modest buffer over its regulatory minimum of 10% and is sensitive to even modest shocks. Pressure on the CAR partly comes from low internal capital generation.
Funding is primarily reliant on costly savings and term deposits given Wema Bank’s limited retail franchise. The bank is diversifying its funding sources by tapping market funding. Positively, Wema Bank has a lower proportion of FC assets and liabilities than peers and is less affected by FC liquidity pressures in the system, it said.
“Wema Bank’s National Ratings reflect Fitch’s opinion of its standalone creditworthiness relative to the best credits in the country. The National Long- and Short-Term Ratings of ‘BBB-(nga)’ and ‘F3(nga)’ take into account Wema Bank’s overall risk profile relative to other Nigerian banks, including its limited franchise and weak financial metrics,” the statement said.
“Fitch believes that sovereign support to Nigerian banks cannot be relied on given Nigeria’s (B+/Negative) weak ability to provide support, particularly in foreign currency.
“In addition, there are no clear messages from the authorities regarding their willingness to support the banking system.
“Therefore, the Support Rating Floor of all Nigerian banks is ‘No Floor’ and all Support Ratings are ‘5’. This reflects our view that senior creditors cannot rely on receiving full and timely extraordinary support from the Nigerian sovereign if any of the banks become non-viable,” the statement said.
Concluding, it said Wema Bank’s IDRs are sensitive to rating action on its VR. This would most likely be triggered by a further decline in its capital ratios. A material deterioration in asset quality and/or a pronounced instability in Wema Bank’s funding profile could also put negative pressure on the bank’s VR.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
In recognition of its strategic leadership in advancing the growth and resilience of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), Union Bank of Nigeria Plc has been honoured by the Association of Small Business Owners of Nigeria (ASBON).
The lender was rewarded by the group for its suite of solutions designed to enable business expansion and long-term value creation.
At the Nigeria National SME Business Awards, held recently in Lagos, Union Bank was given the Best SME Growth Banking Initiatives Award for 2025.
The ceremony was organised by ASBON in partnership with the Lagos State government through the Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment.
The event convened stakeholders from the public and private sectors to recognise individuals and organisations driving meaningful impact across Nigeria’s SME ecosystem.
Receiving the award on behalf of the bank, its Head of SME Segment, Mr Ayokunnumi Abraham, described the recognition as a strong endorsement of the organisation’s commitment to supporting small and medium-sized businesses.
“We are honoured to receive this recognition, which reflects Union Bank’s continued commitment to helping SMEs grow by making banking simpler, faster, and more accessible.
“Through enhancements to our specialised platforms such as Union360, we have meaningfully reduced the time it takes for businesses to come on board and begin transacting.
“These improvements have shortened onboarding, increased digital adoption among our SME customers, and supported the acquisition of new business clients. Our focus remains on delivering practical solutions that help Nigerian businesses thrive,” he stated.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The stellar contributions of Polaris Bank Limited to youth employment, talent development, and workforce empowerment across Nigeria have not gone unnoticed, as the company was recently recognised at an event in Lagos.
At the 2026 Jobberman Partners’ Convening, the financial institution was bestowed with the Private Sector Champion Award.
The award recognises private sector organisations that have demonstrated exceptional commitment and leadership in advancing youth employability through impactful recruitment initiatives, graduate trainee programmes, executive hiring support, candidate assessment programmes, and strategic partnerships that create sustainable career opportunities for young Nigerians.
Themed From Impact to Action: Collectively Designing the Future of Youth Employment in Nigeria, the convening focused on fostering collaboration between the private sector and other stakeholders to expand access to meaningful employment opportunities and equip young Nigerians with the skills and opportunities required to succeed in an evolving economy.
On the recognition, Jobberman commended Polaris Bank for consistently going beyond transactional partnerships to deliver measurable impact within Nigeria’s employment ecosystem. The renowned recruitment firm described Polaris Bank as a credible and purpose-driven institution committed to advancing youth employability and supporting the future of work in Nigeria.
The Head of Talent Management at Polaris Bank, Ms Cynthia Sanyaolu, reaffirmed the lender’s commitment to empowering young Nigerians and strengthening the nation’s workforce through strategic people-focused initiatives designed to create long-term economic and social impact.
“This recognition reflects Polaris Bank’s unwavering belief in the potential of the Nigerian youths and our commitment to building platforms that enable them to thrive professionally and economically.
“At Polaris Bank, we see talent development and youth empowerment as critical drivers of national growth and sustainable development,” she stated.
Over the years, Polaris Bank has continued to invest in initiatives that promote learning, career growth, workforce inclusion, and economic empowerment.
Through strategic Graduate Trainee recruitment programmes via its flagship Polaris Graduate Intensive Training (PGIT) and Polaris Tech Ignite Training (TechIGNITE), among other talent development initiatives, and collaborative partnerships, the bank remains committed to supporting the next generation of Nigerian professionals while contributing to national development.
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
Plans are underway by Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI) to approach the international debt market for a capital raise.
The parent company of the Ecobank Group intends to use proceeds from the proposed exercise to refinance “the concurrent any-and-all tender offer of the ETI $350 million 8.750 per cent tier 2 notes due June 2031.”
However, the issuance of the notes is subject to prevailing market conditions and the conclusion of the necessary transaction documentation, a statement signed by the organisation’s chief financial officer, Mr Ayo Adepoju, stressed.
After issuance, the debt instrument may be listed on the London Stock Exchange, with the expectation that the bonds will be traded on its regulated market.
Ecobank noted that it would allocate an amount equivalent to the full net proceeds of the issue of the notes to finance or refinance, in part or in full, new and/or existing eligible assets as described in its Green Bond Framework (Ecobank-Sustainability), as amended and supplemented from time to time.
Ecobank, which has banking operations in 34 countries in Africa, is listed on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Limited, the Ghana Stock Exchange and the Bourse Régionale des Valeurs Mobilières (Stock Exchanges).
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