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Inside Sources Reveal True Situation at Polaris Bank Limited, Clarify Falsehood and Media Attacks against Bank

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KPMG Customer Experience Survey lists Polaris Bank as the Most Improved Retail Bank 

Inside Sources Reveal True Situation at Polaris Bank Limited, Clarify Falsehood and Media Attacks against Bank

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sahara Weekly Reports That Sources within Polaris Bank Limited have revealed the true situation in the financial institution that a section of the media has falsely spun around.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inside Sources Reveal True Situation at Polaris Bank Limited, Clarify Falsehood and Media Attacks against Bank

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

According to the sources, there is no such thing as a controversy trailing the Bank, as the reaction within the financial institution stems from some staff’s inability to understand and accept positive and productive changes in the Bank’s operation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Speaking exclusively with this medium, one of the sources who pleaded anonymity noted that when the new investors acquired Polaris Bank Limited, they set new goals and objectives to drive it to a greater height.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

He added that strategies put in place to achieve these set targets are what some of the Bank’s staff are kicking against because it’s a change from the status quo.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“As you know, there are some basic things when a new owner acquires a business, be it a bank or whatever, he examines the profit and loss channels associated with such company and tries to promote the successful sides while eliminating the negative sides. It is all in a bid to boost profitability.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“In the case of Polaris Bank, what has happened is simple, the new owners want to avoid a run-of-the-mill approach to managing the Bank because they have seen where such leads. They have brought in their wealth of experience and are plucking the worms that are feeding fat on the Bank so that it can become a profitable entity; this is what is leading to the hues and cries you are hearing from some aggrieved staff of the Bank who are now doing their banking on social media pages.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Polaris Bank operates with the best standard and corporate governance you could imagine.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

” change and Innovation are often frowned upon, but the truth is that Polaris Bank is witnessing its best years in a very long time with this new management, they are trying and will do better. It is those who have been exploiting the Bank and have now found out that their channels of exploitation are being threatened that are causing trouble where there is none,” the source noted.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Another source within the Bank who gave his name as Tosin Mohammed (Not his Real Name) noted that it is a shame that people considered enlightened and exposed would feign ignorance of the situation they know about.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

According to him, some of the Bank’s staff obtained loans and have refused to serve them because of the Bank’s magnanimity. Attempts by the Bank to recoup these monies have seen them shouting blue murder. Indeed, some staff have sorted their case out while others are genuinely working on recovering the loans. Of course, some weak minded staff resorted to sponsoring social media stories to bend the hand of the management of the bank.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Talks that individuals and enterprises are taking their money away from the Bank to other banks is a big lie, as Polaris Bank is in the best condition it has ever been in a long while,” Mohammed concluded.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In October 2022, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) sold Polaris Bank to Strategic Capital Investment Limited (SCIL).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On the accusations of staff accrued Uber expenses being taken at once by the new management, a source privy to the inner workings disclosed that Audit revealed an abuse of the process where some Managers were using Uber on public holidays and unauthorized hours.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On late meetings, the source explained that although there are frequent meetings but not late meetings. ‘”Of course, what do you expect when new management comes on board, you expect Strategy sessions, meetings, retreats, Monthly and Quarterly reviews to discuss vision, business plans, and performance.” It is nothing new, he averred.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The source further explained that most of the unfounded negatives pushed around against the Bank are likely from staff currently being investigated for various infractions and being questioned.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“What of some staff who actually colluded with customers to avail loans only to abscond to foreign countries”. He concluded that there is a new order trying to put things right for the good of the Bank.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Since the constitution of the Bank’s new board, Polaris has hit the ground running, enthroning a new work culture and improving its earnings. It has also been celebrated with several awards, including the ‘MSME Bank of the Year 2022’ in the BusinessDay’s Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards, Best Digital Bank: VULTe by Nigeria Fintech Award, and African Digital Bank of the Year presented by African Leadership Award.

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Sterling Bank Takes Sides with Nigerians… … Eliminates bank transfer fees

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Sterling Bank Petitions IGP over Exploitation of NASS, Police Force CID

Sterling Bank Takes Sides with Nigerians…
… Eliminates bank transfer fees

 

LAGOS, NIGERIA– In a bold move that resets the rules of engagement in the Nigerian banking sector, Sterling Bank has removed transfer fees on its digital banking platform, OneBank. This decisive move makes Sterling the first major Nigerian bank to forgo earning a cut from customer transactions on its own app.

The initiative marks a turning point in the industry and reflects the bank’s deep-rooted
commitment to building a future where banking is affordable, accessible, and in tune with the everyday needs of Nigerians.

“This is not a gimmick. This is the future. And it starts now,” said Abubakar Suleiman, Chief
Executive Officer of Sterling Bank, during a press briefing in Lagos. “For years, Nigerians have paid fees just to move their own money. We’re saying no more.”

Suleiman explained that the decision stems from years of digital transformation. The bank builtba custom callback system capable of handling over five million customers, already processing more than 180 million transactions. It also migrated entirely from a legacy European core to a homegrown platform built for scale, and deployed a private cloud environment with capacity
well beyond current and future demand.

“We’ve engineered a platform that can support 50 times our current customer base without breaking a sweat,” Suleiman added. “It’s time to pass the benefits of that transformation back to the people.”

The zero-transfer-fee policy applies exclusively to users of OneBank, Sterling’s flagship digital app. New customers who sign up before April 30 will also receive a complimentary AfriGo debit card and lifetime access to fee-free transfers.

This is more than a product update. It’s an economic statement,” Suleiman said. “We are
taking sides with the customer, with the small business owner, with every Nigerian tired of being nickel-and-dimed by the system.”

Obinna Ukachukwu, Growth Executive leading the Consumer and Business Banking
Directorate, said the policy is both a reward for loyal customers and an invitation to new ones.

“We owe this to the customers who stuck with us through our transformation journey,”
Ukachukwu said. “We are also opening the door to anyone ready to bank differently. If you join us in April, you’re family, so you get the same lifetime benefits.”

He added that Sterling’s next steps would involve layering on even more value in the months ahead, targeting both individuals and businesses with tools that improve financial wellbeing and fuel economic growth.

“We still bear a portion of the transaction costs, including fees payable to other banks. But we’re doing this because we believe it’s right. And if others in the industry follow suit, we all win,” Ukachukwu concluded.
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About Sterling Bank
Sterling Bank is a forward-thinking financial institution committed to transforming lives through innovative solutions, exceptional service, unwavering integrity and a steadfast focus on it’s HEART strategy. As pioneers in digital banking and financial inclusion, Sterling continues to lead by example, proving that purpose-driven leadership can unlock transformative outcomes for individuals, businesses, and society at large.

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STERLING BANK LEADS PROTEST FOR REMOVAL OF BANK TRANSFER CHARGES

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STERLING BANK LEADS PROTEST FOR REMOVAL OF BANK TRANSFER CHARGES

 

LAGOS, NIGERIA – In a landmark move that sets a new benchmark for customer-focused
banking in Nigeria, Sterling Bank has championed the cancellation of bank transfer fees by major banks, announcing it will no longer take any money for itself for any local online transactions by its customers.

The announcement, made on April 1st, initially sparked widespread arguments, with many
assuming it was a marketing prank tied to April Fools’ Day. However, Sterling has confirmed that this is no stunt: the zero-transfer-fee policy is real, and effective immediately.

With this move, Sterling becomes the first major Nigerian bank to take a definitive stand against the long-standing practice of charging customers for everyday digital transfers, an issue that has grown increasingly contentious as digital banking adoption deepens.

“We believe access to your own money shouldn’t come with a penalty,” said Obinna
Ukachukwu, Growth Executive leading the Consumer and Business Banking Directorate. “This is more than a financial decision, it’s a values-based one. It reflects our commitment to making banking fair, inclusive, and truly customer focused.”

“We’re not yet the biggest bank in Nigeria, but we’ve been the boldest,” Ukachukwu added. “Sterling fearlessly believes in the future of Nigeria, and this is us backing Nigerians with more than words.”

Under the new policy, Sterling customers will enjoy free transfers for all local transactions
conducted via the bank’s mobile app. This translates into significant savings, particularly for individuals and new small business owners who make frequent daily transfers.

This customer-first orientation is not new for Sterling. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the bank stood out by providing supplementary payments to healthcare workers in public hospitals—at a time when few others were willing or able to offer additional support. From that moment to now, Sterling has continued to redefine what it means to be a responsible and responsive institution.

The bank’s latest move has been met with widespread public approval, sparking positive
reactions across social media and placing pressure on industry peers to follow suit.

We’re proud to lead this change,” Ukachukwu added. “We hope it inspires others to think
differently about what customers truly need from their banks, not just in services, but in values.”

Online communities were not excluded as WhatsApp Nigeria lit up with viral broadcasts as users forwarded the news across various groups, including one from a prayer circle that read: “Please my good people this is not a joke!!! Sterling Bank has just shocked Nigeria today o!! My neighbour Justina just transferred N100k and no charges!!! God bless Sterling Bank!!”. The message quickly gained traction, sparking massive public interest and mounting pressure on other banks to follow suit.

Sterling’s zero-fee policy is part of a broader strategy to transform the customer experience and deliver transparent, ethical banking solutions at scale.

 

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FRESH: GTCO Plc Releases 2024 Full Year Audited Results…..…Pays Shareholders Record Dividend of N8.03k for 2024 Financial Year

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FRESH: GTCO Plc Releases 2024 Full Year Audited Results…..…Pays Shareholders Record Dividend of N8.03k for 2024 Financial Year

Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (“GTCO” or the “Group”) has released its Audited Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2024, to the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) and London Stock Exchange (LSE).

The Group reported profit before tax of ₦1.266trilion, representing an increase of 107.8% over ₦609.3billion recorded in the corresponding year ended December 2023. This performance reflects not just strong earnings but also the quality and sustainability of our earnings, underpinned by a well-diversified revenue base, robust risk management practice, and disciplined capital management.

The Group recorded growth across all financial and non-financial metrics, and continues to maintain a well-structured, healthy, and diversified balance sheet. The Group’s loan book (net) increased by 12.3% from ₦2.48trillion in December 2023 to ₦2.79trillion in December 2024, while deposit liabilities grew by 37.8% from ₦7.55trillion to ₦10.40trillion during the same period. Total assets and shareholders’ funds closed at ₦14.8trillion and ₦2.7trillion, respectively. Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) remained very robust and strong, closing at 39.3%, likewise, asset quality was sustained as evidenced by IFRS 9 Stage 3 Loans which closed at 3.5% at Bank Level and 5.2% at Group in December 2024 (2023: Bank, 2.5%; Group, 4.2%) and cost of risk (COR) closed at 4.9% from 4.5% in December 2023.

Commenting on the results, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO Plc), Mr. Segun Agbaje, said; “Our strong performance for 2024 underscores the resilience and depth of our business, driven by a well-diversified earnings base across our banking and non-banking subsidiaries, all of which are P&L positive. Our capacity to generate sustainable high-quality earnings, maintain strong asset quality, and drive cost efficiencies reflects the soundness of our long-term strategy and disciplined execution. We have also prudently provided for all our forbearance loans, well ahead of the June 2025 timeline, whilst fully accruing for the windfall tax, further strengthening our balance sheet and enhancing financial resilience.

He further added; “The total dividend of N8.03k for the 2024 FYE is underpinned by the quality of our earnings and is in line with our long tradition of increasing dividend pay-out year-on year. Looking ahead, we remain committed to building a Financial Services Group that thrives on innovation, operational efficiency, and sustainable profitability. We will continue to deepen our relationships with customers, leverage technology to deliver cutting-edge financial solutions, and accelerate the growth of all our business verticals—Banking, Funds Management, Pension, and Payments—to unlock new opportunities and create more value for our shareholders.”

Overall, the Group continues to post one of the best metrics in the Nigerian Financial Services industry in terms of key financial ratios i.e., Pre-Tax Return on Equity (ROAE) of 60.5%, Pre-Tax Return on Assets (ROAA) of 10.3%, Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) of 39.3% and Cost to Income ratio of 24.1%.

Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO Plc) is a leading financial services group with operations across Africa and the United Kingdom. Renowned for its strong corporate governance, innovative financial solutions, and customer-centric approach, GTCO Plc provides a wide range of banking and non-banking services, including payments, funds management, and pension fund administration. The Group is committed to delivering long-term value to stakeholders while driving growth and development across its markets.

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