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Polaris Bank Partners EAS, Funds Training of over 1000 Nigerian SMEs on Export to US, Europe

…Provides local funding for stock purchase

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Lagos, Nigeria – September 14, 2023: Polaris Bank, in its show of commitment towards empowerment of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with Export and Sell (EAS), a renowned expert in export solutions, to train and subsequently fund over 1,000 successful SMEs on export opportunities to the USA via Amazon and other international platforms.

Polaris Bank is leveraging the expertise of EAS as an intermediary between Online and African Stores in the US, UK and Nigerian businesses, for supply of Raw foodstuffs and other items from Nigeria. With a focus on e-commerce sales through Amazon, the training provides in-depth exposure to Nigerian SMEs on export opportunities and sales expansion into the American market. The training will provide an opportunity to educate SMEs on how to find buyers and how to meet specifications for export, especially into the US market.

The training programme is slated to commence in October 3, 2023 as a hybrid model, with in-person sessions slated to hold in Port Harcourt, Abuja and Lagos. Subsequently intensive sessions will hold for four days with over 1000 successful SMEs; many of whom could access facilities of up to ₦20m for SMEs and ₦1billion for large corporate.

This collaboration aims to equip SMEs with the knowledge and tools required to successfully export their products.

In today’s global marketplace, SMEs face unique challenges, including, access to financing, shipping, product registration and finding buyers for their business. Polaris Bank recognizes the importance of fostering economic growth by supporting SMEs, as the backbone of the Nigerian economy. Through the partnership with EAS, Polaris Bank is taking a significant step towards fulfilling its commitment to SME growth and development in Nigeria.

The partnership and training programme, will provide SMEs with a comprehensive understanding of onboarding on Amazon and exporting successfully to the USA, with insights on export credit insurance and risk mitigation strategies. Participants will gain insights into available funding windows provided by Polaris Bank as well as be equipped on how to leverage them effectively.

The training sessions will be led by industry experts from both Polaris Bank and EAS, ensuring that participants receive the highest quality education and guidance.

Commenting on the Export and Sell Business Model, Polaris Bank’s Group Head, Products & Market Development, Adebimpe Ihekuna expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “At Polaris Bank, we understand the pivotal role SMEs play in driving economic growth. Through our collaboration with EAS, we aim to empower SMEs with the knowledge and tools necessary to access export financing opportunities and compete effectively on the global stage. This partnership underscores Polaris Bank’s commitment to SME development and Nigeria’s economic prosperity.”

A BusinessDay news article published on March 23, 2023, quoting Nigerian Bureau of Statistics (NBS) indicated that a total of N598.2billion worth of agricultural produce were exported in 2022, accounting for 18.5 percent increase when compared to the figure recorded in 2021.

Polaris Bank was adjudged Digital Bank of the Year in 2021 and 2022 by Business Day’s Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards. It also emerged as the best MSME Bank because of its ability to use technology to enable bottom-up support to the MSME sector.

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First Asset Management launches N100 Billion Infrastructure Fund to provide sustainable capital for infrastructural development across sectors.

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Lagos, Nigeria – May 2025 – In a strategic move to address Nigeria’s infrastructure financing gap, First
Asset Management, one of Nigeria’s leading investment managers and a subsidiary of First HoldCo Plc.,
has officially launched the N20 billion Series 1 Offer under its N100bn FBN Infrastructure Fund Programme.
This groundbreaking initiative reflects the firm’s dedication to support critical infrastructure development
through long-term investment strategies tailored to Nigeria’s unique needs.
The Fund is designed to provide sustainable capital for large-scale projects across key sectors, including
renewable energy, power, recycling, waste management, and water resource development. These sectors
are critical to economic transformation, environmental sustainability, and fostering social impact. The
launch marks a significant milestone in First Asset Management’s mission to enhance Nigeria’s capital
markets by offering investors robust alternative investment opportunities.
Mr. Ike Onyia, Managing Director of First Asset Management, emphasized that the infrastructure fund
underscores the company’s strategic focus on contributing to national development through innovative
financial instruments. “This launch represents a bold step forward in actualising our promise to support
transformative projects that unlock economic potential, empower communities, and align with the global
drive towards sustainable finance,” he stated. Mr. Onyia further affirmed that the Fund would facilitate
private and public sector collaboration on capital-intensive projects that will create jobs, enhance social
welfare, and improve Nigeria’s environmental outlook through a strong focus on ESG (Environmental,
Social and Governance) principles.
The Series 1 Issuance offers a tenor of ten years and a minimum investment of N10,000,000.00, targeting
qualified investors seeking long-term returns. The Fund is structured to provide stable income derived
from infrastructure projects domiciled in Nigeria, with investments denominated in Naira. It is tailored to
attract pension funds, development finance institutions, institutional and professional investors, as well
as high-net-worth individuals who are eager to contribute to infrastructure growth while achieving
substantial financial returns.
In addition to offering a strong financial proposition, the Fund aims to directly support Nigeria’s
development priorities by financing projects that create employment, enhance productivity, mitigates
pollution, and improve the quality of life across communities. By adopting a sustainable and impact-driven
approach to investing, First Asset Management is setting the tone for a new era of development aimed at
capital mobilisation in Nigeria.
First Asset Management Limited reaffirms its position as a catalyst for progress in the Nigerian financial
ecosystem. Through initiatives like the FBN Infrastructure Fund, the firm remains dedicated in its
commitment to delivering innovative solutions, building investor confidence, and contributing to the
nation’s enduring growth trajectory.
To access this fund, kindly reach out to: infrafund@first-assetmanagement.com or Call – 02018886722

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Interswitch Leadership Visits FIRS Executive Chairman to Deepen Strategic Collaboration

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The leadership of Interswitch Group, one of Africa’s leading integrated payments and digital commerce companies, recently paid a courtesy visit to the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr. Zacch Adedeji, at the FIRS Headquarters in Abuja.

The Interswitch delegation was led by the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mitchell Elegbe, and the Board Chairman and Lord-Lieutenant of Greater London, Sir Ken Olisa. Also present at the meeting was the Chief of Staff to the Executive Chairman and Coordinating Director of the FIRS Strategic Management Office, Tayo Koleosho.

The visit served as an opportunity to strengthen the relationship between Interswitch and the FIRS, reinforce ongoing collaboration, and reiterate Interswitch’s commitment to responsible corporate citizenship and support for national development efforts.

Speaking concerning the visit, Elegbe, remarked:

We recognise the critical role that the FIRS plays in shaping Nigeria’s fiscal landscape, and we are honoured to engage at this level. At Interswitch, we see our work not just through the lens of innovation, but also through the responsibilities that come with growth. This visit reflects our belief that public-private partnerships are essential to building sustainable progress in the digital economy.”

The courtesy visit reflects Interswitch’s continued efforts to maintaining strong, transparent relationships with key regulatory institutions, while contributing meaningfully to Nigeria’s economic advancement. Interswitch remains committed to building solutions that support national objectives, aligning innovation with compliance, and driving transformation across Africa’s financial ecosystem.

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First Asset Management Limited Surpasses ₦1 Trillion in Assets UnderManagement

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Lagos, Nigeria – May 2025 – First Asset Management Limited, a leading investment
management firm in Nigeria and a subsidiary of First HoldCo Plc., has announced a significant
milestone, the company has surpassed ₦1 trillion in Assets Under Management (AUM).
This achievement reflects the firm’s steadfast commitment to delivering exceptional client
service and strong investment performance. It also underscores the trust and loyalty shown
by its clients, partners, and stakeholders, which have been instrumental in driving the
company’s sustained growth.
Speaking of the milestone, Ike Onyia, Managing Director of First Asset Management Limited,
credited the accomplishment to the enduring support of the firm’s clients and stakeholders.
“This milestone is a clear indication of the confidence placed in us by our clients and partners.
It highlights the firm’s ability to deliver successful investment outcomes and reinforces its
dedication to fulfilling its mandate,” Onyia said.
He went on to express deep appreciation to the firm’s clientele: “The continued partnership
of our clients is not taken for granted. Their commitment has been pivotal, and the
performance of their investments inspires the team’s dedication to providing best-in-class
service. As the firm continues to grow, it remains focused on deploying innovative and
forward-looking investment strategies tailored to each client’s financial goals.”

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