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Guaranty Trust’s You Read Initiative Hosts Damilare Kuku At Its Book Reading Event

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Guaranty Trust Bank Named Best Bank In Nigeria By Euromoney Lagos, Nigeria – July 17, 2023: Guaranty Trust Bank Ltd (“Guaranty Trust” or “the Bank”) has been named Best Bank in Nigeria at the Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2023. This marks a record 12th time that Guaranty Trust Bank has been recognised as the leading financial institution in Nigeria. Announcing the award, Euromoney stated: “Nigeria’s Best Bank, Guaranty Trust Bank, has continued to do a good job of convincing investors that it is better placed than its key competitors to deal with the risks ahead—and perhaps to take advantage of opportunities in economic and policy transition.” Despite a difficult operating environment, the Bank continues to deliver exceptional results as the flagship franchise of Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc, which recorded a profit before tax of ₦214.2billion, pre-tax Return on Equity (ROAE) of 23.6%, and Cost to Income Ratio (CIR) of 48.0% for the period ended December 31, 2022. Euromoney is the leading authority for global banking and financial markets and the annual Awards for Excellence celebrates financial institutions that demonstrate leadership, innovation, and resilience in the markets they operate. The latest recognition underscores Guaranty Trust’s position as the leading financial institution in Nigeria. Commenting on the award, Mrs. Miriam Olusanya, Managing Director of Guaranty Trust Bank Ltd, said, "We are honoured to be named the Best Bank in Nigeria by Euromoney. This recognition reflects our unwavering commitment to the values of excellence and innovation which form the bedrock of our value proposition as an institution and has guided the mother-brand to achieve remarkable success for over 30 years. As part of a thriving financial holding company, we will continue to prioritise service delivery and innovation whilst maintaining our strong financial performance.” Guaranty Trust Bank is widely regarded as the best managed financial institution in Nigeria and continues to post the best metrics in the Nigerian Banking industry in terms of key financial ratios. Its leadership in the banking industry and efforts at empowering people and communities has earned it many prestigious awards over the years. The Bank was recognized as Africa’s Best Bank and the Best Bank in Nigeria at the 2021 Euromoney Awards for Excellence. It also retained its position as Africa’s Most Admired Financial Services Brand in the 2021 ranking of The Brand Africa 100: Africa's Best Brands.

Guaranty Trust’s You Read Initiative Hosts Damilare Kuku At Its Book Reading Event

Guaranty Trust

Booklovers in Lagos were treated to an afternoon of uplifting creative interactions at a book reading event organized by Guaranty Trust Bank (Guaranty Trust) on Sunday, October 9, 2022, at the Herbert Macauley Library, Yaba. The event is an offshoot of Guaranty Trust’s You Read initiative which aims to champion continuous learning and promote a reading culture across Africa as part of its CSR policy.

The selected literature for the book reading was, Nearly All the Men in Lagos Are Mad by Damilare Kuku – a work of fiction that chronicles the experiences of various women as they navigate the world of friendships, dating, and marriage in Africa’s most populous metropolis. Each of the 12 stories employs brilliant characterization and witty dialogue to deliver relatable content and evoke familiar emotions. The author recited different portions of the book during the session and went on to explain her influences. She also offered some colour to her characters which fed the audiences’ curiosity and sparked a range of reactions. Attendees were allowed to join the discussion, and some got to share their personal experiences. The event was compered by Judith Atibi, radio personality and broadcast journalist, and featured a poetry act by Kolade Pelumi, a budding spoken word artist.

 

Commenting on the You Read initiative, the Managing Director of Guaranty Trust Bank Ltd, Miriam Olusanya, said; “Reading is a rewarding life-long practice that greatly impacts quality of life – from building character and shaping thought to guiding ambition. With You Read, we are providing a platform that nurtures talent and rewards creative enterprise whilst fostering social engagement especially amongst youths in the society.” She further added; “We will continue to explore opportunities to expand our reach and impact with this initiative as it demonstrates our unwavering commitment to creating better outcomes for people and the communities where we operate through education.”

The Herbert Macauley Library was refurbished and equipped by Guaranty Trust Bank in 2017. The project, which was executed in partnership with the Lagos State Government, included internal and external remodeling of the physical structure, refitting of furniture, installation of computers and internet facilities to start an e-library as well as provision of new books.

 

 

 

Guaranty Trust Bank is the flagship subsidiary of Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc, a leading financial services company providing banking and non-banking services across eleven countries spanning West Africa, East Africa, and the United Kingdom. The Group operates a diversified, proudly African franchise and is renowned for its innovative approach to customer service and stakeholder engagement, especially through its non-profit, consumer-focused fairs and capacity building initiatives for small businesses and individuals, which has endeared the brand to millions of people across Africa and beyond.

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ZENITH BANK DELIVERS REMARKABLE TRIPPLE-DIGIT GROWTH IN GROSS EARNINGS AS PBT HITS N1.0 TRILLION IN Q3 2024  

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Zenith Bank Enhances E-Channel Services for Customers

ZENITH BANK DELIVERS REMARKABLE TRIPPLE-DIGIT GROWTH IN GROSS EARNINGS AS PBT HITS N1.0 TRILLION IN Q3 2024

 

Zenith Bank Plc has announced its unaudited results for the third quarter ended 30 September 2024, recording a remarkable triple-digit growth of 118% from N1.33 trillion reported in Q3 2023 to N2.9 trillion in Q3 2024. This performance underscores the Group’s resilience and market leadership in spite of the challenging macroeconomic environment.

 

According to the Bank’s unaudited third quarter financial results presented to the Nigerian Exchange (NGX), the triple-digit growth in the topline also led to an increase in the bottom line, as the Group recorded a 99% Year on Year (YoY) increase in profit before tax, growing from N505 billion in Q3 2023 to N1.0 trillion in Q3 2024.  Profit after tax equally grew by 91% from N434.2 billion to N827 billion in the same period.

 

The growth in the topline was driven by the expansion of both interest income and non-interest income. Interest income saw a notable 190% rise to N1.95 trillion, attributed to the high-yield environment. Non-interest income rose by 41% to N856 billion, bolstered by substantial growth in fees and commissions, which highlights the strength of Zenith Bank’s retail growth and the robust performance of its digital channels during the reporting period. The robust increase in profitability reflects the Bank’s focus on operational efficiency and strong risk management practices. Earnings per share (EPS) nearly doubled, rising to N26.34 from N13.82 in Q3 2023, underscoring Zenith Bank’s strong value creation for shareholders.

 

The Bank’s balance sheet grew significantly, with total assets growing by 49% to N30.4 trillion, largely supported by customer deposits, which rose by 42% to N21.6 trillion. This growth in deposits was broad-based across corporate and retail segments, highlighting the Bank’s deepening reach and customer loyalty. Gross loans increased by 46% to N10.3 trillion, underscoring the commitment to supporting strategic sectors in the economy.

 

Capital adequacy ratio remained strong, improving to 21.9%, well above regulatory requirements. The return on average equity (ROAE) stood at 37.8%, up from 35.1%, while return on average assets (ROAA) also improved to 4.3% as Zenith Bank maximized its asset base. Cost of funds increased to 4.3%, reflecting the broader market trend of rising interest rates, while the cost of risk was maintained at 7.3%, underscoring the Bank’s proactive approach in provisioning for credit risk. The Bank’s cost-to-income ratio rose to 39.5%, reflecting the impact of strategic investments in technology and capacity building aimed at supporting long-term growth, even as it continues to strive for greater operational efficiency.

 

Zenith Bank’s asset quality remains a cornerstone of its strength, with a non-performing loan (NPL) ratio of 4.5%, within regulatory limits. A high coverage ratio of 198.4% underscores the Bank’s disciplined approach to risk management, positioning it for resilience in the face of market volatility while supporting stable loan growth.

 

Zenith Bank remains steadfast in its commitment to sustainable growth and value creation. The Bank launched a capital raise program on August 1, 2024, consisting of a combined Rights Issue and Public Offer. This capital raise was driven by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)’s recapitalization directive for commercial banks issued in March 2024. While the Bank awaits final capital verification approvals from authorities, the fundraising exercise was successful, reflecting strong confidence in Zenith Bank’s brand.

 

The additional capital will enhance the Bank’s ability to expand its product offerings, deepen its penetration in strategic sectors, boost lending to the real sector and pursue its African and global expansion plan.  In furtherance of this, the Bank in September 2024 received regulatory approval for the establishment of a Zenith Bank branch in Paris, France, which is fully operational and will enhance the Bank’s product offerings in international markets.

 

With a strengthened capital base, Zenith Bank is well-positioned to navigate the evolving economic landscape, while putting best-practice sustainability standards at the heart of its business. The Bank will also continue to prioritize opportunities that enhance stakeholder value and a strong compliance and corporate governance culture, which will reinforce the its leadership position within Nigeria’s financial sector and drive long-term growth.

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Wema Bank Releases Q3 2024 Unaudited Results… Reports Profit Before Tax of ₦60.62billion, a 174% YonY Growth* 

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*Wema Bank Releases Q3 2024 Unaudited Results… Reports Profit Before Tax of ₦60.62billion, a 174% YonY Growth* 

 

Wema Bank Nigeria (“Wema” or “the Bank”)) has released its unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements for the period ended September 30th 2024, to the Nigeria Exchange Group (NGX). The Bank reported profit before tax of ₦60.62bn, representing an increase of 174% over the ₦22.13bn recorded in the corresponding period in 2023.

 

Wema Bank’s balance sheet remained well structured with total assets growing by 38% to

₦3,084.27 trillion in Q3 2024 from ₦2,240.06trillion in FY 2023. The bank also grew its deposit base year to date by 23% to ₦2,292.30bn from ₦1,860.57bn reported in FY 2023. Loans and Advances grew by 25% to ₦1003.28bn in Q3 2024 from ₦801.10bn in FY, 2023. NPL stood at 3.19% as at Q3 2024.

 

The bank recorded an improved 3rd quarter performance as Gross Earnings grew by 91% to

₦288.32bn (Q3 2023: ₦150.90bn)). Interest Income was up 81% y/y to ₦229.11bn (Q3 2023:

₦126.67bn). Non-Interest Income up 144% y/y to ₦59.21bn (Q3 2023: ₦24.23bn).

 

Return on Equity (ROAE) of 38.62%, Pre-Tax Return on Assets (ROAA) of 2.64%, Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) of 14.06% and Cost to Income ratio of 60.47%, speak to the resilience of the brand.

 

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the bank, Mr. Moruf Oseni said, ‘our Q3 2024 numbers speaks to our resilience despite a tough operating environment. We will sustain our growth trajectory into 2025. The performance is headlined by impressive improvements in Profit before Tax which grew strongly by 174%. The growth of Gross Earnings by 91.07%, Total Assets by 38% and earnings per share at 328.1kobo shows the core improvements to our balance sheet. In addition, our cost to income ratio at 60.48% has witnessed significant improvement from the previous period.

 

Wema Bank Releases Q3 2024 Unaudited Results… Reports Profit Before Tax of ₦60.62billion, a 174% YonY Growth* 

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FirstBank Joins Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials, Reinforces its Commitment to Climate Action

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FirstBank Joins Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials, Reinforces its Commitment to Climate Action

 

As part of its commitment to sustainable finance and taking active steps towards reducing its carbon footprint, FirstBank has joined the Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials (PCAF) to promote sustainable finance, combat climate change and advance sustainable socioeconomic development for the just transition.

 

PCAF is a collaboration between financial institutions worldwide to enable harmonised assessments and disclosures of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from loans and investments. With more than 530 financial institutions from six continents, the group is rapidly expanding in North America, Latin America, Europe, Africa and Asia-Pacific.

 

Joining PCAF aligns with FirstBank’s broader climate agenda, reinforcing its efforts to contribute meaningfully to global climate goals. By adopting PCAF’s globally recognised standards, FirstBank aims to enhance transparency in carbon accounting and reporting, integrate climate risk into its lending and investment decision-making, and support Nigeria’s transition to a low-carbon economy. This initiative complements FirstBank’s ongoing work on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues, underscoring its dedication to responsible banking practices.

 

PCAF will provide FirstBank with a standardised methodology and framework to measure and report the Bank’s GHG emissions and climate-related risks. By joining PCAF, the Bank’s capability in understanding and managing its exposure to climate risks and liabilities (physical and transition risks) will be enhanced. This will enable the Bank to make informed decisions and take proactive measures to mitigate these risks while leveraging on the opportunities for growth.

 

Dylan Hauser, regional lead For PCAF Africa said “We congratulate FirstBank on becoming a signatory of PCAF. We are absolutely delighted to have FirstBank on board sharing our commitment to driving positive change and reducing carbon footprints in the region through transparent and accountable practices.”

 

According to Patrick Akhidenor, Chief Risk Officer, FirstBank, “Joining PCAF is a significant milestone in our sustainability journey. It is not only a demonstration of our commitment to combatting climate change but also a step towards ensuring that we, as a financial institution, are accountable for the carbon emissions our activities finance. We are excited to collaborate with other global institutions in driving meaningful climate action”.

 

By joining forces with PCAF, FirstBank is poised to champion transparency and accountability in impact of the financial sector’s activities on climate change.

 

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