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ZENITH BANK MAINTAINS LEADING POSITION IN PROFITABILITY AS PBT SOARS TO N727 BILLION IN H1 2024 RESULT

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ZENITH BANK RAISES OVER N350 BILLION IN COMBINED RIGHTS ISSUE AND PUBLIC OFFER

 

ZENITH BANK MAINTAINS LEADING POSITION IN PROFITABILITY AS PBT SOARS
TO N727 BILLION IN H1 2024 RESULT

 

Zenith Bank Plc has announced its audited results for the half-year ended 30 June 2024,
recording an impressive triple-digit growth of 117% in gross earnings from N967.3 billion
reported in H1 2023 to N2.1 trillion in H1 2024. This superior performance has been
achieved even as the Nigerian banking industry navigates a challenging macro
environment.

According to the bank's audited half-year financial results presented to the Nigerian
Exchange (NGX) on Friday, 30th August 2024, the triple-digit growth in the top line also
drove growth in the bottom line as the Group recorded a 108% Year on Year (YoY) increase
in profit before tax, from N350 billion in H1 2023 to N727 billion in H1 2024. Profit after tax
also grew by 98% from N292 billion to N578 billion in the same period. This led to growth in
earnings per share (EPS) by 98% from N9.29 in H1 2023 to N18.41 in the period under
review.

 

The growth in gross earnings was driven by an acceleration in both interest income and
non-interest income. Propelled by the growth of and by the effective pricing of risk assets,
interest income surpassed the N1 trillion mark, a half-year record, growing by 177% from
N415.4 billion in H1 2023 to N1.1 trillion in H1 2024, while non-interest income grew by 74%
from N515.7 billion to N899.3 billion.

 

 

The Group continued to strive for operational efficiency, resulting in only a marginal
increase in cost-to-income ratio Year on Year (YoY) from 38.5% to 39.4%. The heightened
risk environment has fuelled a growth in impairment levels, thus mildly elevating the cost of
risk from 8.8% to 9.7%. Cost of funds grew Year on Year (YoY) from 2.6% to 4.4% given
the high-interest rate environment. This also resulted in growth in interest expense from
N153.6 billion in H1 2023 to N434.4 billion in H1 2024. Despite this, net interest margin
grew by 49% from 5.9% in H1 2023 to 8.8% in H1 2024, underscoring the efficient repricing
of interest earning assets and interest accruing liabilities.

 

Total assets grew by 35% from N20.4 trillion in December 2023 to N27.6 trillion in June
2024, while customer deposits grew by 29% from N15.2 trillion in December 2023 to N19.6
trillion in June 2024. Gross loans also grew by 44% from N7.1 trillion in December 2023 to
N10.2 trillion in June 2024 aided by loans disbursements to customers and the translation
effect of foreign currency denominated loans. The Group’s consistent stringent risk
acceptance criteria helped ensure that the non-performing loan ratio continued to show only
modest growth, increasing from 4.4% in December 2023 to 4.5% in June 2024 despite the
challenging macroeconomic environment. Capital adequacy ratio improved from 21.7% in
December 2023 to 23% in June 2024, loan-to-deposit ratio grew by 11% from 46.5% to
51.7%, while liquidity ratio reduced from 71% to 59% in the current period. All prudential
ratios are still well above regulatory thresholds.

 

In maximizing value to its highly esteemed shareholders, the Group has declared an interim
dividend of N1.00 per share. This represents the highest half year dividend pay-out in its
history, and also the highest interim dividend in the Nigerian banking sector till date.
The Group’s strong brand equity and excellent service quality position it to mine new
business opportunities in strategic sectors of the economy, in existing geographies where it
has a presence, and in new geographies it is exploring. In furtherance of its expansion
plans, the Group has received regulatory approval for the establishment of a third-country
branch in Paris, France, which, when fully operational, will enhance its product offerings in
international markets.

 

The Group will continue to invest in enhancing its digital banking capabilities and is
expediting the completion of its technology infrastructure upgrade. Its track-record of
successful capital raises puts it on a solid footing to meet the new minimum capital
requirements for commercial banks with international authorisation, well ahead of the
deadline set by the CBN. The Group remains undoubtedly on track for a record year in its
financial performance and will continue to deliver maximum value to its shareholders, while
ensuring a strong corporate governance culture.

 

Zenith Bank’s track record of excellent performance has continued to earn the brand
numerous awards including being recognised as the Number One Bank in Nigeria by Tier-1
Capital for the fifteenth consecutive year in the 2024 Top 1000 World Banks Ranking,
published by The Banker Magazine. The Bank was also awarded the Bank of the Year
(Nigeria) in The Banker’s Bank of the Year Awards for 2020 and 2022; and Most
Sustainable Bank, Nigeria in the International Banker 2024 Banking Awards. Further
recognitions include Best Bank in Nigeria for three consecutive years from 2020 to 2022
and in 2024 in the Global Finance World’s Best Banks Awards, and Best Commercial Bank,
Nigeria for four consecutive years from 2021 to 2024 in the World Finance Banking Awards.
Additionally, Zenith Bank has been acknowledged as the Best Corporate Governance Bank,
Nigeria, in the World Finance Corporate Governance Awards for three consecutive years
from 2022 to 2024, and ‘Best in Corporate Governance’ Financial Services’ Africa for four
consecutive years from 2020 to 2023 by the Ethical Boardroom.

 

The Bank’s commitment to excellence saw it being named the Most Valuable Banking
Brand in Nigeria in the Banker Magazine Top 500 Banking Brands for 2020 and 2021, and
Retail Bank of the Year for three consecutive years from 2020 to 2022 at the BusinessDay
Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards. The Bank also received the
accolades of Most Sustainable Bank, Nigeria, in the International Banker 2023 Banking
Awards, Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria and Best Innovation in Retail Banking, Nigeria, in
the International Banker 2022 Banking Awards. Zenith Bank was named Bank of the
Decade (People’s Choice) at the ThisDay Awards 2020, Bank of the Year 2021 by
Champion Newspaper, Bank of the Year 2022 by New Telegraph Newspaper, and Most
Responsible Organisation in Africa 2021 by SERAS Awards.

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Union Bank Rewards Customers with Motorcycles, Cash Prizes in 3rd Save and Win Palli Promo 4 Monthly Draw

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Union Bank Rewards Customers with Motorcycles, Cash Prizes in 3rd Save and Win Palli Promo 4 Monthly Draw

Lagos, Nigeria— Union Bank of Nigeria has rewarded another set of customers in the ongoing Save and Win Palli Promo 4 campaign. Six lucky customers each won a brand-new motorcycle, and 120 additional winners won cash prizes.
The third monthly hybrid live draws were transparently conducted at the Bank’s Sabo, Yaba Branch in Lagos under the supervision of relevant regulatory institutions. For integrity purposes, some of the winners were contacted to congratulate and remind them that the Bank will never call to request or confirm their confidential banking details such as BVN, date of birth, pins, or passwords.

 

Save & Win Palli Promo 4 is a nationwide campaign designed to reward both new and existing customers with cash prizes and other exciting gifts worth N131,000,000. This initiative aims to support them in achieving their savings goals while getting rewarded at the same time.

 

To stand a chance to win, customers can continue to top up their savings in multiples of N10,000 or more and perform a minimum of five transactions a month to increase their chances of winning in the draws. This promo is open to new and existing savings and current account holders.

Prospective customers can download the UnionMobile app on their smartphones to open accounts or walk into any Union Bank branch. Returning customers can call the 24-hour Contact Centre on 07007007000 or visit any Union Bank branch nationwide to reactivate dormant accounts.

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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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