Business
S&P Global Maintains ‘B-/B’ Ratings for Ecobank Nigeria
S&P Global Maintains ‘B-/B’ Ratings for Ecobank Nigeria
Standard and Poors (S&P), a global rating agency, has affirmed its ‘B-/B’ long- and short-term issuer credit ratings on Ecobank Nigeria. This implies that the bank currently has the capacity to meet its financial obligations despite the adverse business, financial, and economic conditions prevalent in the country. However, the agency stated that further potential depreciation of the naira could undermine the bank’s regulatory capital adequacy ratio (CAR), given its thin capital buffers. Therefore, “we revised the outlook to negative from stable and affirmed our ‘B-/B’ ratings on Ecobank Nigeria,” it stated.
In its recent report, the rating agency observed that banks in the country, including Ecobank Nigeria, were being negatively impacted by foreign exchange (FX) shortages and weakening naira. It added that FX scarcities will continue to weigh on key sectors of the economy through 2024, despite the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) efforts to clear the FX backlog.
“The high level of foreign currency loans—at 65 percent compared to a 55 percent estimate for the sector, following naira depreciation in June 2023—poses additional credit risks in Nigeria due to the scarcity of U.S. dollars.”
“Because of the weaker naira, we expect Ecobank Nigeria to adjust the level of collateral on its letters of credit. The bank increased its provisions by 166 percent in the third quarter of 2023 from the third quarter of 2022, with a cost-to-risk ratio of 1.8 percent.”
“Although we expect the bank to meet its capital requirements, a potential sharp depreciation of the naira could undermine its regulatory capital adequacy ratio.” “While the naira trades closer to a managed-float rather than being a fully free-floating currency, the exchange rate is now significantly more in line with market demand—at about N850–N950 per $1—and supply fundamentals, which remain weak.”
The agency said it understands that if the minimum CAR were breached, the bank would have 30 days to restore its capital buffer. If it was not restored, this would trigger an acceleration of payments on the outstanding Eurobonds, amounting to $300 million, stressing that such an event could materially increase pressure on the bank’s FX liquidity position.
According to the agency, ‘B-/B’ ratings on Ecobank Nigeria reflect its core status to the Ecobank group. “This reflects the bank’s integral role in its parent’s future strategy. S&P derives its rating on the bank from the ‘b’ group credit profile on the Ecobank group.”
S&P further confirmed that it would revise the outlook on Ecobank Nigeria to stable over the next 12 months if the bank’s capitalization improves and its regulatory capital buffers increase. “We would take a negative rating action over the next 12 months if the bank breached its minimum CAR due to higher credit losses than we forecast and if U.S.-dollar-denominated contingent sources of funding and liquidity were hindered amid FX shortages in Nigeria. We would also lower our rating on Ecobank Nigeria if we took a negative rating action on Nigeria.”
Business
Diaspora Nigerians to Obtain BVN by Year-End- Cardoso
Naijanewsngr- Nigerians living in the diaspora will soon have the opportunity to acquire Bank Verification Numbers (BVN) before the end of the year, according to Yemi Cardoso, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
During a meeting with the Nigerian community in Washington, D.C., Cardoso announced that the initiative will be managed by the Nigerian Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS). He emphasized that the BVN project will not only improve financial inclusion for diaspora Nigerians but will also bolster remittances sent back home. This strategic move aligns with the CBN’s broader goal of enhancing financial services for Nigerians globally, making it easier for them to maintain financial ties with Nigeria.
In his address, Cardoso stated, “As far as we are concerned, it is totally unacceptable that you should be out here and be having hassles in operating your accounts or doing business in your original country.” His remarks underscored the importance of ensuring that diaspora Nigerians can access and operate their Nigerian accounts without undue complications.
This initiative is expected to significantly impact diaspora remittances, a major source of foreign exchange for Nigeria. With a streamlined process in place, Nigerians abroad will be able to remit funds more easily, contributing to the nation’s economy. The BVN registration will allow for more secure and efficient financial transactions, while also opening doors for diaspora Nigerians to invest more actively in Nigeria.
In a separate meeting with international investors, Cardoso discussed the recent monetary policy reforms in Nigeria. He urged investors to explore the opportunities within the Nigerian market, highlighting the favorable economic climate for foreign investment. This call to action aims to attract international capital into the country, further driving economic growth.
By rolling out the BVN to Nigerians abroad, the CBN seeks to ensure that all citizens, regardless of location, can engage meaningfully with Nigeria’s financial system, strengthening the overall economy.
Business
Abbey Mortgage Bank Excites Customers with Abuja Roadshow
Naijanewsngr– Abbey Mortgage Bank, a leading institution in the mortgage sector, has made significant strides with its groundbreaking roadshow tagged “Abbey Sales Storm” held at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
The “Abbey Sales Storm” is aimed at bringing the financial and real estate opportunities to residents of the Federal Capital Territory and sharing valuable information on how it can be achieved with the Abbey Mortgage Banking investment.
The exciting roadshow which kicked off on Thursday, October 17, 2024 made stops at different locations in Abuja including popular spots like UTC and Barnex with Sales reps and activation agents distributing flyers and engaging with prospective clients about its products and service offerings.
Speaking during the roadshow organized by the bank, The Group Head of Retail Sales and E-Business, Abbey Mortgage Bank, Felix Omodayo-Owotuga, noted that “It was a good turnout. We’re thrilled to have finally made a buzz here in Abuja. Our goal is to bring greater awareness to what Abbey has to offer, and today’s roadshow is a big step in that direction.”
Owotuga further noted;
“Abbey Mortgage Bank has a strong presence in Abuja, with branches in key locations including Baze University and Area 11, making it easier for residents to access their trusted mortgage and financial services.
“Abbey continues to lead the industry as an innovator in the Nigerian mortgage sector, not just offering mortgage services but also retail & investment banking solutions, positioning itself as a one-stop-shop for all domestic banking needs.” He added.
Abbey Mortgage Bank recently celebrated the annual Customer Service Week, with daily themed dress codes; ranging from dressing in attires to highlight the bank’s signature corporate navy blue colour, to a fun day in which staff ‘twinned’ outfits and Abbey-branded T-shirts. These activities underscore Abbey’s commitment not only to excellent customer service but also to fostering a positive and engaging work environment.
As Abbey continues to expand its footprint in the Nigerian finance sector, the bank remains dedicated to offering top-tier services in the mortgage space and beyond.
Business
Access Holdings Plc Extend Rights Issue Acceptance Period To August 23, 2024
Access Holdings Plc Extend Rights Issue Acceptance Period To August 23, 2024…
Access Holdings Plc (“the Group”) has announced an extension of the acceptance period for its ongoing Rights Issue. Initially set to close on August 14, 2024, the period has now been extended to August 23, 2024, following the approval of the Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC).
The statement, signed by the Group’s Company Secretary, Sunday Ekwochi, confirmed that, “The decision is in response to the recent nationwide protest that disrupted operations of businesses and individuals across Nigeria and to provide shareholders with ample opportunity to subscribe to their rights.
“During the extended period of the Issue, dealings by the Company’s insiders on the Company’s shares will continue to be strictly limited to participation in the Rights Issue as earlier approved by the Exchange in respect of the Non-Dealing Period on the Company’s Audited Interim Financial Statements for the Period Ended June 30, 2024, until 24 hours after the publication of the Interim Financial Statements.”
For further inquiries or additional information regarding the Rights Issue, shareholders and prospective investors are encouraged to contact Access Holdings’ Investor Relations team at Investor.Relations@theaccesscorporation.com.
Access Holdings Plc
Access Holdings Plc is a leading multinational financial services group that offers commercial banking, lending, payment, insurance, and asset management services. Headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria, Access Holdings operates through a network of more than 700 branches and service outlets, spanning three continents, 22 countries, and 60+ million customers.
Access transitioned into a holding company to drive rapid growth and become a full-scale ecosystem player offering interconnected services across customer needs. Established in 2022, Access Holdings Plc consists of the Access Bank Group; Access Pensions; a Payment and Switching Services Company; a Digital Lending Company, and an Insurance Brokerage Company.
The banking vertical serves its various markets through four business segments: Retail, Business, Commercial and Corporate, and has enjoyed what is it arguably Africa’s most successful banking growth trajectory in the last eighteen years, becoming one of Africa’s largest retail banks by customer base and Sub-Saharan Africa’s largest bank by total assets.
Access Holdings strives to deliver sustainable economic growth that is profitable, environmentally responsible, and socially relevant, helping customers to access more and achieve their dreams.
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