24/08/2025
1. Major Capital Market Movements in Banking Stocks
The Nigerian banking sector experienced mixed movements in the capital market during the week of August 18-24, 2025.
The NGX All-Share Index (ASI) closed at 141,004 points on August 22, marking a 0.48% gain from the previous session, driven partly by investor interest in banking stocks amid ongoing recapitalization efforts.
Overall, the NGX lost 0.77% for the week, but banking stocks showed resilience with smart money rotating into defensive plays.
Key highlights include:
Banking stocks contributed to a 6.96% sector increase in Q1 2025, fueled by the CBN-led recapitalization, with ten NGX-listed banks raising ₦2.04 trillion in H1 2025 through public offers and rights issues.
Total capital raised since 2024 stands at ₦2.5 trillion across 16 banks, though only eight have met the new thresholds as of July 31.
Notable stock performances: GTCO shares declined to ₦97 per share as of August 18, amid positioning for interim dividends.
UBA Plc approved its 2025 half-year results on August 14, potentially paving the way for dividends if CBN approves.
Zenith Bank and United Capital issued announcements on directors' dealings and other updates.
Market-wide: Transactions hit a record ₦2.7 trillion in the first four months of 2025, with market capitalization up 21.04% in H1 compared to December 2024, supported by new listings and equity issues.
The Naira weakened 31bps to ₦1,534.80/USD on August 18.
Banks are projected to attract an additional ₦900 billion by year-end to meet CBN requirements, with domestic investors leading the charge.
2. Public Announcements
Several key announcements emerged from Nigerian financial institutions and regulators during the week:
Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN): Governor Olayemi Cardoso held strategic meetings on economic matters, including with the Bank of England on August 20.
The CBN reiterated its open banking policy, set to commence operations in August 2025, mandating banks to share customer data with other institutions. It also released FAQs on settling undelivered forward contracts and directed banks to submit capital restoration plans.
Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC): Announced the disposal of landed properties and assets from Heritage Bank in liquidation, with bids due by August 11.
New NDIC management, inaugurated in July, pledged effective service delivery.
Banks and Others: Tier-1 banks like UBA, GTCO, and others signaled potential interim dividends pending CBN approval.
Zenith Bank and United Capital disclosed directors' dealings on August 19.
Jaiz Bank signed a brand ambassador on August 22.
3. Industry News
The Nigerian banking sector featured prominently in global and local news, with a focus on recapitalization, digital shifts, and challenges:
Recapitalization accelerated, with banks raising ₦800 billion from January to July 2025, and an additional ₦900 billion expected by year-end to comply with CBN thresholds (e.g., ₦500 billion for international banks).
Fee and commission income for five deposit money banks rose 38.62% (₦68.42 billion) on August 18.
Agusto & Co affirmed a stable outlook for Nigerian banks but anticipated declining profitability and rising non-performing loans to 6.9% by year-end.
FX reserves hit $41 billion, a 44-month high.
Digital transformation: Emphasis on open banking rollout in August, positioning Nigeria as Africa's first adopter.
Sterling Financial Holdings reported 157% profit growth in H1 2025 innovations included evolving customer expectations.
Social media buzz: X posts highlighted frustrations with banks' high interest rates (up to 150% annually for loans), risk aversion, and poor service, with fintechs like Moniepoint and Opay gaining traction among SMEs.
NIBSS network downtime affected transfers.
Positive notes included Jaiz Bank's rebranding.
Global context: PepsiCo's $20 million investment in Lagos boosts food security and positions Nigeria as a hub.
4. Regulations and Insider Information
Regulatory updates from the CBN and others focused on strengthening the sector:
CBN Policies: Open banking guidelines require tiered KYC (BVN/NIN for accounts), effective August 2025.
From January 8, 2025, no extensions for repatriating export proceeds
Monetary policy guidelines for 2024/2025 unify exchange rates and maintain liquidity ratio at 30%.
Recapitalization (2024-2026) sets new minima, with implications for resilience but risks like dilution.
FCCPC and Others: New 2025 regulations mandate re-registration for digital lenders and compliance for POS agents.
Crypto recognized as securities under SEC, with strict banking restrictions.
5. Opinions
Industry leaders and experts shared insights on Nigeria's banking landscape:
Financial expert Idi Aja advised investing in high-interest options amid 27.5% rates and 22.22% inflation, highlighting opportunities in stocks.
Tilewa Adebajo discussed balancing stabilization and growth.