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Union Bank Grows PAT by 17% to N5.3b in Q1 2018

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By Dipo Olowookere

One of the old generation financial institutions in the country, Union Bank of Nigeria Plc, has recorded a 17 percent growth in its profit after tax in the first quarter of 2018.

In its audited financial statements for the quarter ended March 31, 2018 announced on Thursday, the lender said its PAT appreciated to N5.3 billion from N4.5 billion in the corresponding period of last year, just as the profit before tax closed at N5.4 billion as at March 31, 2018 in contrast to N4.7 billion in Q1 2017.

Also, the gross earnings went up by 15 percent to N39.5 billion from N34.3 billion in Q1 2017, driven by improvement in net interest margins from 7.1 percent to 8.7 percent and 18 percent increase in non-interest income due to enhanced trading income and increased volumes on alternate banking channels.

Furthermore, interest income increased by 14 percent to N31.7 billion from N27.7 billion in Q1 2017 buoyed by improved yields on loans and government securities.

In addition, the firm’s net interest income before impairment rose by 22 percent to N17.8 billion from N14.6 billion in Q1 2017, driven by 14 percent increase in interest income and a lower 6 percent increase in interest expense.

It was also revealed in the statements that the non-interest income went up by 18 percent to N7.8 billion from N6.6 billion in Q1 2017, driven by a combination of trading income and alternate channel revenues, while the net operating income increased by 11 percent to N23.3 billion from N20.9 billion in Q1 2017.

Furthermore, the operating expenses jumped by 10 percent to N17.9 billion from N16.3 billion in Q1 2017, largely due to regulatory levies from the NDIC and AMCON.

However, the gross loans went down by 12 percent to N495.5 billion from N560.7 billion as at December 2017 as a result of collection efforts and the write-off of some non-performing loans.

During the period under review, the customer deposits of Union Bank went down by 5 percent to N759.1 billion from N802.4 billion in December 2017 as the lender optimised the deposit book towards lower-cost deposits.

It was observed that there was a 68 percent increase in new-to-bank accounts when compared with Q1 2017, highlighting customer acceptance of new products and increasing brand penetration.

There was also a 90 percent increase in volume of funds transfer transactions on Union Bank’s alternate channels, highlighting efficiencies gained from technology investments, which are driving increased customer adoption.

Commenting on the results, the chief executive of Union Bank, Mr Emeka Emuwa, stated that, “In 2018, we renewed our focus on driving efficiency and productivity across the entire organization.

“The objective is to ensure we fully leverage our resources including human, technology and new capital in order to maximize our bottom line.

“While we are just in the early stages of this drive, we are already starting to see positive results. In the first quarter, our Profit Before Tax grew by 16 percent compared to the same quarter in 2017. Gross earnings, bolstered by improved asset yields, strong treasury trading and revenue from our alternate channels, which is steadily seeing increasing customer adoption, are also up by 15 percent to N39.5 billion against N34.3 billion Q1 2017.

“Our Group Non-Performing Loan Ratio is down to 14.9 percent from 19.8 percent at the end of 2017.

“We continue to maintain aggressive focus on our impaired loans and we expect to resolve some large exposures in the course of the year, which will further drive down the ratio. We are pushing strongly on debt recovery efforts across board including initiating or continuing legal action where necessary.

“For the first half of the year, we will continue to hone initiatives around our productivity drive, focusing our people on targeted opportunities across regions and optimising our technology and digital platforms to deliver operational efficiency and improved customer service.

Also speaking on the Q1 2018 numbers, Chief Financial Officer of the bank, Oyinkan Adewale said, “The first quarter numbers reflect the adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) 9, which came into effect at the start of 2018. We are pleased that the Bank’s regulatory risk reserve was adequate to absorb the impact of the new accounting rules.

“Our Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) remains robust at 17.9 percent in spite of the impact of IFRS 9 on impairments. Liquidity ratio is at 39.4 percent, well above the minimum requirement, while Net Interest Margin improved to 8.73 percent from 7.14 percent in Q1 2017.

“Profit After Tax (PAT) rose 17 percent to N5.3 billion compared to N4.5 billion recorded in Q1 2017. Notwithstanding a 19 percent and 27 percent increase in our AMCON levy and NDIC premium respectively, our operating expenses increased by only 10 percent given the continued focus on optimising operating costs.

“We continue to proactively in managing the risks in our business as we pursue targeted opportunities identified for growth.”

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]

Economy

Nigeria Offers Three-Year Retail Bonds for 15.396%

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FGN Retail Bonds

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

Low-income earners and other retail investors willing to lock in their funds in government securities have been given another opportunity to purchase the FGN savings bonds.

The Debt Management Office (DMO), which sells the debt instrument on behalf of the Nigerian government, is calling for subscription for the January exercise.

It is the first for 2026 and according to the agency’s programme, the retail bonds would be sold in the first week of each of the months of this year.

The organisation is offering the bonds in two tenors of two years and three years, with the former being sold at a coupon of 14.396 per cent per annum and the latter at 14.396 per cent annum.

Subscription for the exercise opened on Monday, January 12, 2026, and will close on Friday, January 16, 2026, a circular from the DMO confirmed.

Business Post reports that interest on the bonds would be paid to bondholders every quarter till maturity.

Investors can purchase the retail bonds at a unit price of N1,000 subject to a minimum subscription of N5,000 and in multiples of N1,000 thereafter, subject to a maximum of N50 million.

The bonds are backed by the full faith and credit of the Federal Government of Nigeria and charged upon the general assets of Nigeria

They qualify as securities in which trustees can invest under the Trustee Investment Act. They also qualify as government securities within the meaning of Company Income Tax Act (CITA) and Personal Income Tax Act (PITA) for exemption for pension funds, amongst other investors.

The bonds further qualify as a liquid asset for liquidity ratio calculation for banks.

After they are sold to investors, they would be listed on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Limited to allow for trades for early exit if the holder intends to liquidate before maturity.

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Economy

The Hidden Economic Power of Fast Digital Payouts in South Africa

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payment speed

Money sitting in limbo doesn’t do anyone any good. That’s the simple truth driving South Africa’s big change toward faster digital payment systems. When funds take days to clear, people can’t spend them, businesses can’t reinvest them, and the whole economy slows down while everyone waits.

Because of this, payment speed has become one of the most important factors in how South Africans choose which platforms to trust with their money.

The reality is, South Africa sits at an interesting crossroads. Better financial infrastructure than most African countries, yet millions of people still don’t have decent access to traditional banking. That creates tension and opportunity simultaneously.

And this is why digital payments are changing faster than predictions suggested. When someone can receive money in minutes instead of days, everything changes. They spend sooner. They save smarter. And they actually trust the platforms handling their cash.

Why Payment Speed Matters So Much

Here’s the thing about payout speed. It signals reliability in ways that marketing never can. When a platform pays you fast, you believe it actually has money and knows what it’s doing. Slow payouts make people nervous. They start wondering if something went wrong or if the company is struggling financially.

This pattern shows up everywhere you look. Retail e-commerce sites have figured out that processing refunds quickly reduces complaints and keeps customers coming back. Mobile money services compete hard on transaction speed. The online gaming sector has caught on, and especially online casinos that rely heavily on trust.

The fastest payout casinos in South Africa have built strong user bases specifically because they process withdrawals fast, rather than making people wait around for days. When real money is on the line, nobody wants to wait.

Mobile Payments Changed Everything

Mobile payments in South Africa have absolutely exploded over the last few years. Statista reckons the digital payments market will keep growing substantially through 2028. Smartphones have basically become the bank for millions of South Africans who used to deal entirely in cash or stash money with informal savings groups.

This shift is way bigger than most people realise. Mobile platforms process transactions almost instantly. Traditional banks often made people wait for things to clear. Mobile money cuts through most of that.

Someone selling vegetables at a street market can get paid, confirm the money arrived, and use those funds for their next purchase within minutes. That kind of speed keeps money circulating and stimulates activity at the ground level.

Fintech Companies Are Pushing Hard

South African fintech startups have figured out that speed wins customers. Digital lending platforms now disburse loans within hours of approval. Gig economy payment systems have moved toward instant payouts for drivers and delivery workers who genuinely cannot afford to wait until the end of the month.

Every sector that touches consumer finance has felt the pressure to get faster.

This competition works out well for regular users. When platforms have to compete on speed, they invest in better technology. They streamline their verification processes. They partner with payment processors that can actually move money quickly.

The result is an environment where slow payouts increasingly signal that something is outdated or unreliable.

Government Benefits and Remittances

The South African government has been testing faster ways to get social grants and benefits to people. The fact is, digital payment infrastructure has made public fund distribution way more efficient across several African countries.

When grants hit accounts instantly instead of making people physically collect them, recipients save time, and honestly, they’re safer too.

Cross-border remittances are another area where speed makes a huge difference. South Africa has loads of migrant workers who send money home to their families regularly. Traditional remittance channels used to take days and hit you with hefty fees.

Digital alternatives now offer same-day transfers at much lower costs. That efficiency means more money actually reaches the families who need it instead of getting eaten up by fees and delays.

The Psychology Behind Quick Payments

There’s something deeper going on with fast payouts beyond just convenience. Speed builds trust in ways people don’t always consciously recognise. When you get paid quickly, you feel confident that the platform is legitimate and financially stable.

Delays create doubt. You start questioning whether something went wrong or whether the company might be in trouble.

This trust compounds over time. Users who experience fast, reliable payouts become loyal customers. They recommend platforms to their friends. They deposit larger amounts because they know withdrawing won’t be a nightmare.

Platforms that master payout speed build user bases that competitors find very hard to steal.

What Happens Next

The direction seems pretty clear. Payment speed across all sectors of South Africa’s digital economy will keep getting faster. Infrastructure investments from fintech companies and government institutions should reduce friction even more.

As more South Africans get smartphones and access to mobile banking, demand for instant transactions will only grow.

The platforms that succeed will be the ones treating payout speed as essential rather than optional. Whether they’re processing e-commerce refunds, gig worker payments, or gaming withdrawals, the operators that move money fastest will capture the market. South Africa is proving that speed is how users measure whether a platform deserves their trust.

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Economy

Strategic Crypto Investing Today: Investor SJMine With AI-Powered Market Intelligence

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SJMine

The crypto market is no longer being dictated by speculation and trends of trading in the short run. With the evolution of digital assets, investors demand more structured, data-driven and technology-supported strategies that are more stable, transparent, and have long-term potential. With all these changes, platforms with built-in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and high-end hashing infrastructure are altering the way crypto participation operates.

SJMine is at the heart of this change. Created to empower the modern investors, SJMine offers an up-to-date and polished crypto-investing experience of automation, smart analytics, and adaptable investment design to enable users to strategically engage in the digital economy.

A New Standard for Strategic Crypto Participation

The investors of today require a higher level of access to digital assets than just a basic one. They desire systems that are capable of responding to market signals, adapting the conditions of the network, and functioning on a large scale. To satisfy this need, SJMine implements AI-based market intelligence within its operations.

The platform dynamically manages the allocation of hashing and computing performance by the use of continuous data analysis. This smart automation provides freedom to the users to control hardware, technical measurements, or manually react to market changes. Rather, the investors have access to a professionally managed environment whereby technology labors tirelessly behind the scenes to bring about consistency and efficiency.

How SJMine Redefines Investor Experience

SJMine is a building that is planned to be very accessible and sophisticated. The platform eliminates any technical obstacles in tradition and supports infrastructure at an enterprise level. The cloud computing system allows it to perform smoothly and its AI-based systems would make sure that the resources are used optimally at any given time.

Key strengths of the SJMine ecosystem include:

  • AI-Driven Optimization: Intelligent algorithms analyze performance data and adjust operations dynamically.
  • High-Performance Hashing Systems: Advanced infrastructure supports efficient blockchain participation.
  • User-Friendly Interface: A clean, intuitive dashboard provides real-time insights into earnings and contract status.
  • Sustainability Focus: Optimized energy usage and modern data centers support responsible long-term operations.
  • Transparent Returns: Clearly defined contract terms with visible daily earnings.

This mixture is what renders SJMine appropriate to simple new investors as well as sophisticated investors who want efficiency and scalability.

Flexible Contracts Built for Diverse Investment Goals

SJMine has diverse flexible contracts that can be used to meet various budgets and investment schedule. Long-term strategic decisions or short-term plans are well developed with simple and predictable results.

Below is an overview of the flexible contract plans available on SJMine:

Contract Amount Contract Duration Daily Earnings Total Income (Principal + Profit)
$15 1 Day $0.60 $15 + $0.60
$100 2 Days $4.00 $100 + $8.00
$600 6 Days $7.68 $600 + $46.08
$1,200 10 Days $16.32 $1,200 + $163.20
$3,200 22 Days $45.44 $3,200 + $999.68
$9,000 30 Days $147.60 $9,000 + $4,428.00

For the most accurate and up-to-date contract information, investors are encouraged to refer directly to the official SJMine website: http://sjmine.com.

Getting Started: Simple Registration with a Welcome Bonus

SJMine puts a lot of emphasis on ease of access, and the process of onboarding is quick and simple. It can take a few minutes before new users start getting acquainted with the platform.

How to register on SJMine:

  1. Visit the official website at http://sjmine.com
  2. Click on Register and create your account by entering basic details
  3. Complete the verification process and log in to your dashboard
  4. Register now and receive a $15 welcome bonus, allowing you to experience the platform with minimal initial risk
  5. Select a contract that matches your investment strategy and activate it

AI-Powered Market Intelligence: The Core Advantage

SJMine is a unique company with its AI-based market intelligence that is constantly analyzing the performance of the blockchain and the conditions of the network. This dynamic flexibility leads to better utilization of resources, minimization of inefficiencies, and a more intelligent, and sturdier approach to investing in the crypto market of the current era that is rapidly changing.

Conclusion

SJMine is a new view of strategic crypto investment in a world where intelligent automation is the new competitive advantage. The platform provides a modern and visionary solution to the current investors by integrating AI-related analytics, cloud computing infrastructure, flexible contract choice, and user-friendly design.

SJMine is an attractive proposal to invest in with confidence in the new technology-driven approach provided that investors are willing to abandon the old paradigm and shift to a smarter approach to crypto economy investment.

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