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Stanbic IBTC Gets Highest GCR Rating AAA(NG) With Stable Outlook

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Stanbic IBTC Gets Highest GCR Rating AAA(NG) With Stable Outlook

Stanbic IBTC Gets Highest GCR Rating AAA(NG) With Stable Outlook

By Olorunfemi Adejuyigbe

Stanbic IBTC Gets Highest GCR Rating AAA(NG) With Stable Outlook

 

The foremost credit rating agency, Global Credit Ratings (GCR) upgraded the national scale long-term issuer rating assigned to Stanbic IBTC Bank PLC to AAA(NG) from AA+(NG) and affirmed the national scale short-term issuer rating at A1+(NG), with a Stable Outlook. The upgrade made Stanbic IBTC Bank the only financial institution in Nigeria with the rating.

The rating upgrade was underpinned by Stanbic IBTC’s sound competitive position, good risk profile, and healthy funding and liquidity position.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Further supporting the rating was the robust financial and technical support from its parent, Standard Bank Group (“SBG”), the largest banking group in Africa in terms of balance sheet size and earnings.

Leveraging on its membership in the Group, the Bank continued to harness inherent cross-selling opportunities to serve a wide range of customers and ultimately enhanced its financial performance and market position.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In further reiterating the impeccable fundamentals of Stanbic IBTC Bank, the report recognised the Bank’s good asset quality, good capitalization, liquidity, and experienced management team, which had contributed positively to the Bank’s rating.

Dr. Demola Sogunle, Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC, commented: “We are excited by this independent assessment of our operations, as it provides an objective opinion on the organisation’s credibility and capacity in meeting short and long-term obligations. It shows the rigorous commitment and detailed process we have continued to demonstrate over the years. It also shows the efficacy of our credit creation model and overall risk management culture including governance as the number one financial solution holding company in Nigeria and our AAA rating further validates our ability to meet all your financial needs”.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Demola noted that besides the new recognition, Stanbic IBTC’s various subsidiaries have continued to provide financial solutions to meet the need of our esteemed customers.

“At Stanbic IBTC, we play vital roles in Nigeria’s economic and infrastructure development. Our solutions have continued to meet the needs of individuals, small and medium scale enterprises, big corporates and governmental institutions across the country while our pension subsidiary has remained the delight for pension fund owners,” he said.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Also, as an organisation committed to provide the needed financial solutions for infrastructural development in the country, Stanbic IBTC Asset Management championed Nigeria’s infrastructure drive, through the Stanbic IBTC N100 billion Infrastructure Fund. The Fund, which was designed for institutional investors such as pension fund administrators, insurance companies, asset managers, and high networth individuals was geared at mobilising long-term capital to support private and public infrastructure projects,” the Chief Executive said.

In his remarks, Wole Adeniyi, Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Bank PLC, said the new rating was a testament to the bank’s mandate of enhancing access to credit for all classes of its customers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“At Stanbic IBTC Bank, we have provided support for small and medium scale enterprises, thereby deepening credit penetration to the low end of the market while various corporate organisations have continued to enjoy our unwavering support. We will continue to leverage our unique capabilities and innovative approach in meeting our short and long-term obligations,” Wole said.

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WHO IS AFRAID OF FIDELITY BANK -By Udeme Etukeyen

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WHO IS AFRAID OF FIDELITY BANK -By Udeme Etukeyen

Leading up to the recent superlative annual reports showcasing one of the most significant growth experienced by a Nigeria Financial Institution in recent years I was forced to ask “what is Fidelity Bank” doing right?

My banking and financial sector experience got me digging deeper into the statistics of the report-Fidelity Bank recorded a substantial 210.0% growth in PBT, reaching N385.2 billion in FY 2024. Deposits increased by 47.9%, from N4.0 trillion in 2023FY to N5.9 trillion in 2024FY, Gross earnings shooting by 87.7% to N1,043.4 billion which was primarily caused by a 106.9% increase in interest and similar income. Was I impressed? Absolutely

Now to the scary part, they opened the year with a bang implying that 2025 year end results was going to be nothing but spectacular; check this out-Fidelity reported a whooping 167.8% increase in PBT (Profit Before Tax)to N105.8 billion in Q1 2025, compared to N39.5 billion in Q1 2024. Gross earnings from January to April had reached some N315.421 billion signaling a 64.21% increase year-on-year.

These results were nothing short of astonishing and with great hope I sat my team to review our Investment Strategy to accommodate taking up equities in Fidelity and advising our portfolio investors to do same.

We quickly appraised the fundamentals and Key Success Factors to include their focus on the strategic youth economy that the Creative and Digital Transformation sector promises, the banks bullish inroads in MSME promotion and financing, their glowing penchant for Gender inclusion without abandoning the core sectors of Mining, Renewables and other key industries

Then came the dissecting of Leadership, my team of analysts mostly female went on about Fidelity MD being one of the most experienced and affable Amazons in the industry; done this, achieved that and all the entreaties you’d expect from smart ladies who feel mentored from a distance. I didn’t hesitate to draw their attention to the experience of the menfolk within the organization like I had any measurable data to establish that mix…truth remains you can’t but admire the Banks Leadership and strides

A deeper look at the banks expansion globally could reveal a strategic and noiseless acquisition of Union Bank,London and their planned incursion into African and other European financial markets, you just can see that such daring strides and impact would give competition and detractors sleepless nights. Not in an era where sleeping pills are sold strictly by prescription and no thanks to the high cost of medication for peddlers of cheap propaganda

Within barely 30days of announcing such magnificent results little wonder how pundits would cook or spin a narrative to suggest a bank that has announced herself as First Tier with shoulders leveled up with other Banking giants would shudder over a judgement against her customer G.Cappa or even the contribution they would be required to cough out over that said Sagecom saga. With that judgement not going the way of pundits a contemptuous attempt at calculating interest at unclassified rates from an initial N14b to cause an unnecessary scare or negative press on the bank speaks volumes of how we unrepentantly strive to destroy value in our economy.

One would think that interpretation of the judgment and computation of due figures which will understandably come with a payment plan be awaited instead of the usual bad blood generated and envisaged by toddler media characters.

It is not in doubt that the discerning public sees through the cruise and flat falling attempt of dramatic clout chasers ever ready to stain Fidelity’s white apparel which savvy Investors and analysts are filled with bridal admiration

Like Joseph Campbell hinted in his famous quote “The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek.” We cast our treasures and bets on Fidelity Bank as the Nigerian treasure house to beat in the years ahead!

*Udeme Etukeyen is an Abuja based Pan African Investment Advisory Expert*

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Fidelity Bank grows PBT by 167.8% to N105.8 billion in Q1 2025

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Fidelity Bank grows PBT by 167.8% to N105.8 billion in Q1 2025

Lagos, Nigeria – May 1, 2025 – Fidelity Bank Plc, one of Nigeria’s leading Tier-1 financial institutions, has announced a remarkable financial performance for the first quarter of 2025, recording a Profit Before Tax (PBT) of N105.8 billion, representing an impressive growth of 167.8% compared to N39.5 billion in Q1 2024.

The bank’s unaudited financial statements, released on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) on April 30, 2025, highlight a substantial increase in Gross Earnings, which rose to N315.4 billion, marking a year-on-year growth of 64.2% from N192.1 billion in the same period last year. Growth in interest income was primarily led by 38.6% yoy (7.4% ytd) expansion in earning assets base, while the increase in non -interest revenue came from FX-related income, trade and commission on banking services, etc., supported by increased customer transactions.

Commenting on the bank’s performance, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe,OON, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank Plc, stated, “We started the year with triple-digit growth in profit and sustained the momentum in our earning assets growth. This performance shows the resilience of our business model and reinforces our confidence in delivering a better result in the 2025 financial year.”

Other areas of the unaudited financial statements, equally show a marked improvement with Total Deposits growing by 11.1% ytd to N6.6tn from N5.9tn in December 2024, driven by 10.6% ytd growth in low-cost deposits to N6.1tn, which represents 92.2% of total customer deposits. Local currency deposits increased by 2.0% ytd while foreign currency deposits increased by 21.4% from $1.9bn in December 2024 to $2.3bn.

Net Loans and Advances increased by 5.0% ytd to N4.6tn. The growth in the bank’s Loan Book was skewed to LCY Loans as cost of risk declined to 0.6% from 1.5% in 2024FY.

“Beginning the year with such positive momentum reinforces our commitment to supporting the growth of individuals and businesses, while enhancing our financial sustainability. As we go into the rest of the year, we remain focused on building a resilient banking franchise with a diversified earnings base,” Onyeali-Ikpe added.

Ranked among the best banks in Nigeria, Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged Commercial Deposit Money Bank serving over 9.1 million customers through digital banking channels, its 255 business offices in Nigeria and United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.

The Bank is the recipient of multiple local and international Awards, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award by BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards; the 2024 Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application award for its Fidelity Mobile App by Global Business Outlook, and the 2024 Most Innovative Investment Banking Service Provider award by Global Brands Magazine. Additionally, the Bank was recognized as the Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence and as the Export Financing Bank of the Year by the BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.

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“Calm Down, Wait for Facts!” — Oba Solomon Weighs In on Verydarkman Arrest, GTBank Boycott

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“Calm Down, Wait for Facts!” — Oba Solomon Weighs In on Verydarkman Arrest, GTBank Boycott

“Calm Down, Wait for Facts!” — Oba Solomon Weighs In on Verydarkman Arrest, GTBank Boycott

Controversial Nigerian preacher, Oba Solomon, has called for calm amid rising public outrage and online campaigns following the arrest of popular social media critic Verydarkman (VDM), which has sparked mass calls to boycott Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank).

VDM was reportedly apprehended after visiting a GTBank branch with his mother to resolve issues related to unexplained debits. While the exact reason for his detention remains unclear, speculation that the bank collaborated with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to arrest one of its own customers has ignited a firestorm of backlash online.

But as hashtags trend and tempers flare, Oba Solomon is urging Nigerians not to jump to conclusions.

“I cannot tell the government to release VDM until I know his offence. Nobody is above the law,” he said in a viral video posted Saturday evening.

Breaking ranks with many social media influencers and online commentators, Solomon refrained from condemning either the EFCC or GTBank, instead urging Nigerians to wait for an official statement expected on Monday from the anti-graft agency.

“Everybody should calm down and wait till Monday when the EFCC will release the official statement on why he was arrested. If they fail to do that, we can then swear for them,” he added, injecting his characteristic mix of bluntness and satire.

The preacher emphasized the importance of due process and warned against rushing to vilify institutions without verified facts.

“The government can arrest anyone, anywhere. But let us not make noise without evidence. Let’s hear from them first.”

As tensions continue to mount and digital protests against GTBank gain momentum, Oba Solomon’s remarks serve as a rare voice of caution—reminding Nigerians that clarity, not chaos, should lead the conversation.

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