Banking and Finance

Sterling HoldCo Allots Shares in Oversubscribed Public Offer…

Published

2 months ago

February 19, 2026

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… fully recapitalises two banking subsidiaries

Lagos, Nigeria: Sterling Financial Holdings Company Plc (“Sterling HoldCo” or “the Group”) has announced the commencement of the allotment process for its 2025 Public Offer of 12,581,000,000 ordinary shares of 50 kobo each at ₦7.00 per share.

This follows the earlier receipt of final approval from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the recent clearance by the Securities & Exchange Commission.

The allotment process, which begins
immediately, marks the continuation of a disciplined, multi-year capital-raising programme that has positioned the Group as one of the fastest-growing financial institutions in the region.

The Public Offer, which opened on September 15, 2025, attracted strong participation from the investing public, with the Company receiving 18,280 applications for 16,839,524,401 ordinary shares valued at approximately ₦117.88 billion.

Following a thorough verification process, valid applications were received from 18,276 shareholders for a total of 13,812,239,000 ordinary shares. This represents a subscription level of 109.79% and reflects
sustained confidence in Sterling HoldCo’s strategic direction, governance, and long-term growth prospects.

In line with the guidelines set out in the offer prospectus, the Group confirmed that all valid applications will be allotted in full. Every investor who complied with the terms of the offer will receive all the shares for which they applied. A very small number of applications were not processed or were partially rejected due to non-compliance with the offer terms, including duplicate payments and failure to meet the minimum subscription requirement of 1,000 units or its multiples, as stipulated in the offer documents.

The Public Offer forms part of a broader capital-raising programme designed to enable Sterling HoldCo expand credit responsibly, accelerate innovation, and provide sustained support to businesses and households across Nigeria.

In addition to strengthening the
capital buffers of its banking subsidiaries, Sterling HoldCo will inject ₦10 billion into SterlingFI Wealth Management Limited, its asset management subsidiary, in line with the revised minimum capital requirements for Capital Market Operators issued by the SEC in January 2026.

The capital injection will support the commencement of full operations and contribute to the Group’s revenue diversification objectives.

The Group ensures a seamless post-offer process, with refunds for excess or rejected
applications, along with applicable interest, to be remitted via Real Time Gross Settlement or NIBSS Electronic Funds Transfer directly to the bank accounts detailed in the application forms.

These payments will be processed by the Registrars, Pace Registrars Limited, not later
than Tuesday, 17 February 2026.

Simultaneously, the electronic allotment of shares will be credited to successful shareholders’ accounts with the Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) by the same date.

For applicants who do not currently have CSCS accounts, their allotted shares will be
temporarily held in a registrar-managed pool account pending the submission of their completed account opening documentation to Pace Registrars Limited, after which the shares will be transferred to their personal CSCS accounts.

The Offer attracted significant participation from a new generation of investors, with data from the application process showing that a substantial proportion of successful applicants were first-time shareholders in a financial services company. This broadening of the ownership base reflects growing retail investor belief in Sterling HoldCo’s vision and strengthens the Group’s connection to the communities it serves.

The allotment announcement follows a period of strong financial momentum for Sterling HoldCo. In its FY25 interim results, the Group reported a 99% increase in profit before tax, building on the 102% growth achieved in 2024. Gross earnings rose 46% to ₦476.5 billion, driven by growth across both interest and non-interest income streams, while total assets expanded to ₦3.92 trillion. Customer deposits grew by 18% to ₦2.98 trillion, and shareholders’
funds increased by 39% to ₦424.0 billion, reflecting sustained profitability and balance-sheet expansion.

The Group’s cost-to-income ratio improved to 63% from 72% in the prior year,
underscoring the scalability of the Group’s platforms and the resilience of its business model.

This performance is supported by a diversified financial services structure that spans multiple segments of the market. Its core businesses include Sterling Bank Limited, its conventional banking subsidiary; The Alternative Bank Limited, its non-interest banking arm; and SterlingFI
Wealth Management, which provides investment and wealth advisory services.

This diversified structure enables the Group to serve a broader customer base, reduce
concentration risk, and generate income across multiple revenue streams.

The recapitalisation of the Group’s core banking subsidiaries is already complete. Sterling Bank Limited and The Alternative Bank Limited are fully compliant with the CBN’s revised minimum capital requirements, having received final regulatory approvals in January 2026.

The Alternative Bank, in particular, has emerged as a national non-interest bank with aphysical network now surpassing 150 points, deploying capital to solve real-world
challenges through initiatives such as the Mata Zalla project, which trains women as electric tricycle drivers and mechanics, and an agricultural programme in Plateau State designed to secure economic futures.

These outcomes demonstrate that the capital raised is already being put to work in ways that create tangible impact.

Sterling Financial Holdings Company Plc warmly welcomes its new shareholders and thanks all investors for their participation.

With a strengthened capital base, increasing deposits, a diversified earnings mix, and residual capacity for further investment, the Group is wellpositioned to sustain growth across its subsidiaries, deploy capital responsibly, and support sustainable economic activity.

ABOUT STERLING FINANCIAL HOLDINGS COMPANY
Sterling Financial Holdings Company PLC (Sterling HoldCo) is a leading Nigerian financial services group committed to enriching lives through innovation and impact. Its diversified portfolio includes Sterling Bank Limited, The Alternative Bank Limited and SterlingFI Wealth Management among other businesses

As a holding company, Sterling provides strategic direction, governance, and shared capabilities across its subsidiaries, enabling each to focus on its core mandate while benefiting from group-wide expertise,
technology, and oversight.

With a heritage of trust built over six decades, Sterling HoldCo is committed to financial innovation, advancing inclusion, and shaping sustainable growth in Nigeria’s economy. The group continues to
champion customer-focused solutions and socially responsible initiatives while creating long-term value for shareholders, employees, and the communities it serves.

Banking and Finance

Fidelity Bank Extends “Give Her Power” Initiative to Ikorodu

Published

2 hours ago

April 28, 2026

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Photo caption:L-R: Team Lead, CSR, Fidelity Bank Plc, Victoria Abuka; Retail Team Rep., Fidelity Bank Plc, Stanley Ogbuze; Branch Leader, Fidelity Bank Plc, Adeola Odeku Branch, Ifeyinwa Asomugha; Public Sector Team Rep., Nnaemeka Ike; Head, Women Banking, Fidelity Bank Plc, Harriba Harry-Pepple; a beneficiary, Mrs. Akinsanya Abeke; Executive Chairman, Imota LCDA, Hon. Benson Sunday Ayodele; Executive Chairman, Ikorodu West LCDA, Hon. Sulaimon Kazeem Olanrewaju; and Chairman, Ikorodu Local Government, Prince Adedayo Ladega, during the Fidelity Bank “Give Her Power Initiative” which held in Ikorodu, Lagos recently.

Leading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc, has extended its flagship women empowerment programme, “Give Her Power”, to Ikorodu, Lagos State, empowering over 30 women with vocational tools to support their businesses and improve household income.The Ikorodu outreach, which marks the third phase of the Initiative’s nationwide rollout, saw the distribution of 12 sewing machines, 15 grinding machines among other items, to beneficiaries drawn from Ikorodu Central, Ikorodu West, and Ikorodu North Local Government Areas.Speaking at the event, Fidelity Bank’s Regional Bank Head, Victoria Island, Mr. Nnamdi Edekobi, who represented the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, emphasized that the “Give Her Power” initiative reflects the bank’s commitment to delivering practical and sustainable empowerment.“The Give Her Power initiative is intentionally designed to go beyond symbolic gestures. Our goal is to equip women with the tools and resources they need to build sustainable businesses, generate income, and create better opportunities for themselves and their families,” he said.Also speaking at the event, the Divisional Head, Brand and Communication, Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr. Meksley Nwagboh, described the Ikorodu outreach as a strategic intervention targeted at underserved women at the grassroots level.He noted that the Initiative will be expanded across other regions, including the South-East, South-South, and Northern Nigeria, reinforcing the bank’s commitment to ensuring women are not excluded from economic opportunities.“When women are empowered financially, the ripple effect is felt across families, communities, and the broader national economy,” he noted.It will be recalled that the “Give Her Power” initiative was initially launched in Lagos through strategic partnerships with organisations including LUSH Hair, Barbergirl Academy School of Barbering, Dee ‘n’ Ell the Shoe Architect, Inter-Bau Foundation, IVM Innoson, National Credit Guarantee Company (NCGC), and One Universe. The initiative is anchored on the bank’s HerFidelity Apprenticeship Programme, which provides vocational training, mentorship, business support, and access to enterprise opportunities.Prior to the Ikorodu activation, the initiative recently took place in Abeokuta, Ogun Staste, where 100 women received 50 sewing machines and 50 grinding machines at an event held at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena.The Ikorodu outreach attracted key government and community stakeholders, including the Chairman of Ikorodu Local Government, Prince Adedayo Ladega; Executive Chairman of Ikorodu West LCDA, Hon. Sulaimon Kazeem Olanrewaju; and Executive Chairman of Imota LCDA, Hon. Benson Sunday Ayodele.One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Hassan Bukola from Ikorodu North LCDA, expressed gratitude to Fidelity Bank, describing the support as transformative.“This sewing machine is a life-changing opportunity for me. It will help me grow my business and better support my family,” she said.With the successful rollout in Ikorodu, Fidelity Bank has reaffirmed its commitment to scaling the “Give Her Power” initiative nationwide, positioning it as a key driver of women’s economic empowerment and sustainable community development.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 a 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.

Banking and Finance

Providus Bank Expands Footprint with Ekiti Branch, Reaffirms Capital Strength

Published

4 days ago

April 25, 2026

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Providus Bank Plc has commissioned a new branch in Ado-Ekiti, marking another step in its steady expansion across key growth markets in Nigeria.Having met the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) recapitalisation requirement since January 2025, Providus Bank is now focused on expanding its footprint to support local enterprise, deepen financial inclusion, and bring banking services closer to individuals and businesses.Speaking at the commissioning, the Executive Director/Chief Financial Officer, Deoye Ojuroye, noted that the expansion is part of a broader plan to strengthen the Bank’s presence nationwide over the next 12 months.“Our approach is deliberate—we are growing in the right places, supporting real economic activity, and building a bank that is both resilient and responsive to the needs of our customers.”He added that Providus Bank remains on a strong footing, with a disciplined approach to capital and risk management underpinning its growth.“We are well capitalised within our regulatory category, and that gives us the confidence to continue expanding responsibly while supporting businesses and communities.”The Bank plans to open additional branches in strategic locations over the coming year, reinforcing its commitment to scale, accessibility, and long-term value creation.Providus Bank continues to position itself as a reliable partner to businesses and individuals, combining financial strength with a clear focus on sustainable growth.

Banking and Finance

Fidelity Bank Strengthens SME Support with High Impact Masterclasses on Pricing, Digital Growth and Global Expansion

Published

4 days ago

April 25, 2026

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In line with its commitment to accelerating the growth of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) across Nigeria, leading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc, has rolled out a series of high impact masterclasses designed to equip business owners with practical skills, improve operational efficiency and expand market access throughout the month of April 2026.

The first in the series, titled “Pricing That Works: How to Charge Right and Earn More,” held on Friday, April 10, 2026, at the Fidelity SME Hub in Gbagada, Lagos. The session focused on helping entrepreneurs set profitable, sustainable prices without losing customers, an essential factor for long-term business success.

About a hundred SMEs from different sectors attended the masterclass which saw participants receive guidance on key areas many small businesses struggle with including costing, value-based pricing, pricing psychology and customer perception.

Following the success of the pricing masterclass and testimonials from participants, the bank scheduled three additional masterclasses to run throughout April 2026. The second masterclass, held on Tuesday, 14 and Wednesday, 15 April 2026, was a practical, skill-building session titled, “Baking Masterclass: From Kitchen to Cashflow”. The session equipped bakers and food entrepreneurs with hands on techniques to refine their craft, improve product consistency and strengthen their earning potential.

Commenting on the initiative, Divisional Head, Small and Medium-scale Enterprises Banking, Fidelity Bank Plc, Ugochi Osinigwe said, “At Fidelity Bank, we believe that when SMEs succeed, the economy grows. That is why we have curated a suite of masterclasses that provide entrepreneurs with the practical skills they can apply immediately.

“Whether it is pricing correctly, improving product quality, mastering online sales, or preparing for international expansion, we are devoted to empowering SMEs with the tools they need to grow, thrive and prosper.”

She added that the SME Masterclass Series is part of Fidelity Bank’s broader mandate to support SMEs with business advisory, funding, market access and capacity-building initiatives delivered through the Fidelity SME Hub as well as dedicated SME support programmes nationwide. Osinigwe noted that the Bank recently received the Best Retail and SME Bank Award from Independent Newspapers, underscoring its industry leadership and unwavering commitment to growing Nigeria’s MSME sector.

A third masterclass, themed, “Grow Online Sales on a Budget”, is scheduled for April 24, 2026, and will equip entrepreneurs with practical strategies to boost visibility, engage customers, and increase sales using affordable online tools.

Similarly, the fourth and final masterclass, titled, “Take Your Business Global: One-on-One Trade Advisory”, will hold on April 29, 2026 and will serve as a personalized advisory clinic where SME owners will receive expert guidance on export readiness, cross-border payments, global market opportunities, and compliance requirements.

Ranked among the best banks in Nigeria, Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged Commercial Deposit Money Bank serving over 10 million customers through digital banking channels, its 255 business offices in Nigeria and United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.

The Bank is a 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.