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Digital Channels Now Account for 70% Financial Inflow to Banks- UBA

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Digital channels are changing the face of banking with about 70% of deposits that come to the banks now done through such compared to 30% that comes through bank branches such as cheques and cash.

The outflow, which is actually payments by individuals, is now over 80% in terms of transaction counts, as bank customers no long lump their transactions any more, said Dr. Yinka Adedeji, head, Consumer and Digital Banking Division at the United Bank of Africa (UBA) Plc., while briefing ICT journalists on UBA’s preparedness in the face of changes in the digital banking on the Continent.

Dr. Adedeji said that there has been an unusual growth and adoption of mobile banking in the Nigeria, especially with convenient at top of the Bank’s innovations in the sector. 

He added that UBA has deployed State-of-the-art technology to drive the next phase of banking services, while the consumer and digital banking divisions have now closed rank to serve the customers better.

He said that the structural changes and reorganisation by UBA was in anticipation and alignment with changes in the financial industry in Nigeria and the Continent at large.

Dr. Adedeji said, “Since the last time we met, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has removed the penalty associated with digital payments and collections. Initially you would have thought the reason why people are using digital payment channels or cashless system is because of the penalty. Interestingly, the adoption continues and even growing faster. This implies that the adoption goes beyond penalty and hinges on convenience of banking and the security; so, it s right time for electronic or cashless payment in the society.

“We have seen rapid changes so much that about 70% of deposits that come to the banks are done through digital channels such instant transfers (either by mobile, internet), card transfers (using transfer kiosks, ATMs); compared to 30% that comes through bank branches (cheques and cash).

“The outflow, which is actually payments by individuals, is now over 80% in terms of transaction counts, because what you see is people do not lump their transactions any more. Even though the average you see of a transaction is becoming smaller because individuals are breaking up their transactions, knowing they can actually do it 24/7. These are new developments and are very positive. These also have to shape the way banking is done. You will see there will be less emphasis on building on bricks and mortars. It is not just in Nigeria, but across the globe. It also dictates how we do our business across Africa. What is also important to us is the back-end technology behind the transactions. We all have ‘one’ phone but if you imagine the infrastructure behind the scene to support the transaction on your phone it is massive. So the banks are really focusing on setting up a lot of IT infrastructure; the electronic payment infrastructure, security (monitoring and protection of customers). UBA has deployed state-of-the-art security apparatus at the headquarters too and a benchmark for the industry.

“Speaking on UBA’s approach to the market, he said, “We know there are a lot of electronic channels for payment and collections, but everything is now bounded that you have customers account with you. So, the structure and organisation in UBA has transformed in anticipation and changes we have seen in the industry. Before, consumer banking used to be separate unit likewise digital banking, but you will agree with me there is no digital channel/banking without consumer. People have to open accounts with you first; you know about them, before you can give them convenience.

“Therefore, the bank wants to change the strategy from ‘you open an account and we give you convenience’ to ‘people coming to the bank to open an account because there is a convenience that come with it. In other words, before now opening accounts takes the lead before convenience, but we want convenience to be the reason for banking with us. So, the consumer and digital banking units have teamed up to form a division. It is very strategic to us. Which means the account openings, account types, how accounts are opened settles with the division. Even the methods of remittances have changed as we have combined them under same umbrella.

“In addition, collections are now part of the same division. This is apt because collections are going beyond the manual ways. Collections here imply payment of taxes, utilities (such as DStv subscription, electricity bills, etc); it is now beyond paying cash at a particular branch. There is multi-bank when you enter a particular banking hall; that is becoming very digital too. The collections of fees like energy payment to Discos now happen through Point of Sales (PoS); airline tickets, data subscriptions, airtime purchases, these have made banking very interesting. We are making these payments possible in reliable, safe and simple means”.

The Head, Consumer and Digital Banking Division at the United Bank of Africa (UBA) Plc, added that the management are carefully studying all the directions that the CBN is trying to push. “We are aligning with all the regulators in all the countries we operate in, making account opening and financial services very simple through creation of capacities and partnerships with people that are deeper in grassroot banking viz-a-viz agency banking”.

 

 

 

 

 


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E-Financial

DLM Trust Unveils DLM Single Asset Trust

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DLM Trust, a subsidiary of DLM Capital Group is thrilled the announce the launch of DLM Single Asset Trust, a variant of the Living Trust construct that allows for a groundbreaking solution for individuals or Corporations seeking to establish single asset trusts for the benefit of themselves and their chosen beneficiaries.

The DLM Single Asset Trust guarantees that people’s assets are protected and managed in accordance with their intentions by operating under the tenets of trust, security, and careful management.

The DLM SAT offers a novel approach to trust services by fusing state-of-the-art technology with knowledgeable advice to enable people and families to effortlessly manage their assets.

DLM SAT enables individuals, often referred to as Settlors or Corporations, to create a single asset trust that will serve both their own and their designated beneficiaries’ purposes.

The Trust Fund may be started using the Settlor’s assets/funds and then expanded with future contributions in accordance with the Settlor’s goals. Only authorised individuals, including the settlor, can access the trust because of its strong independent and confidentiality level.

DLM Trust Company, acting as the designated Trustee, holds the Fund in trust and manages it for the benefit of the Settlor and designated Beneficiaries.

In a statement, MD of DLM Trust, Lola Razaaq commented on the introduction of the DLM Single Asset Trust, stating that it is a means of establishing a timeline for legacy preservation.

“As a game-changer in the trust services industry, the DLM SAT is our newest offering, and we are thrilled to announce this important milestone for DLM Trust.”

The aim of our organisation is to equip people and families with the necessary resources and assistance to safeguard and maintain their heritage for future generations. “Furthermore, we are transforming the concept of future planning with DLM Single Asset Trust.” she said.

DLM Trust Company Limited is registered with Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and incorporated under the Companies and Allied Matters Act to provide trust services to individuals, corporations, sub-sovereign entities.

As always, strategic thinking and innovation will be combined by DLM Trust Company to offer its clients best-in-class services. Since its founding, DLM Trust has worked on a variety of creative and unique transactions, including securitizations, private and public bonds.


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UBA Champions Youth Empowerment through Graduate Programme, Employs 398 Across Africa

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United Bank for Africa (UBA), Africa’s Global Bank held the second edition of its expanded Graduate Management Acceleration Programme (GMAP) class of 2024, where 398 young Africans were inducted into the UBA Tribe after a rigorous six-month hands-on-work and learning experience.

The event, which was held in a grand ceremony in Eko Hotel, Lagos on Thursday, was graced by esteemed guests, the UBA management, faculty members, mentors, and the graduating class.

The granduads are from six African countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroun, Kenya, Tanzania and Zambia.

Addressing the gathering, UBA’s Group Chairman, Tony Elumelu, who congratulated all the graduates, expressed profound pride and admiration for their success having completed the intense capacity-building programme, combining learning with on-the-job training experience, garnered while rotating across several departments and units in the bank.

Elumelu took time to highlight the bank’s passion for youth empowerment in Africa, while bridging the unemployment gap, which according to him, remains one of the greatest challenges of the continent.

“For me these young UBA Graduates are a testament to who we are: a truly pan-African Group, that invests in African talent.This milestone is more than just numbers. It signifies UBA’s commitment to youth empowerment. Unemployment is the greatest challenge we face – a tragic and cruel betrayal of a generation. We know governments alone cannot create all the jobs we need – so it is up to us, the African private sector, to partner our government in improving lives and livelihoods. This is Africapitalism, and it is gratifying to see UBA play its part. UBA is dedicated to creating a positive impact, through the GMAP programme UBA is creating employment, boosting economic growth, and transforming lives across Africa,” Group Chairman said.

Continuing, he said, “At UBA, identifying these young ones, bringing them to the centre, training them, equipping them for the future and the task ahead, not just for a career in UBA, but wherever they end up remains our passion, because this is how we play our role as a Pan-African bank, in helping to empower the next generation, which is the African youth. We are helping to create employment and this for us is our driving force.”

Earlier in his speech, UBA’s Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Oliver Alawuba, commended the graduating class for their unwavering commitment and emphasized the program’s role in cultivating the next generation of UBA leaders.

“Your dedication, resilience, and unwavering commitment have been nothing short of inspiring. Each of you has demonstrated the qualities of a true UBA ambassador, and today, we celebrate not just your achievements but also the collective strength of our UBA family.

While recognizing the invaluable support extended by families and friends, the GMD said, “Let us take a moment to express our deepest appreciation for their steadfast support as the invaluable support of your families and friends throughout this journey. Their love, encouragement, and understanding have undoubtedly played a pivotal role in your success.”

UBA’s Group Head, Human Resources, Modupe Akindele, said the bank remains committed to nurturing talent and leadership within the organisation. She noted that the GMAP programme, which marked its second graduation will be a continuous initiative, as it culminates an intensive journey towards leadership excellence.

“Already, the programme has graduated over 1,100 graduates, that is about 700 in 2023 and now we have 398 graduates. The fact remains that at UBA, we believe in equal opportunity for all, regardless of age, tribe, gender, or background; and so, we will continue to pursue our dream to nurture these young ones to their full potential,” she added.

United Bank for Africa Plc is a leading Pan-African financial institution, offering banking services to more than twenty-five million customers, across over 1,000 business offices and customer touch points, in 20 African countries and across 4 continents.

With presence in the United States of America, the United Kingdom and France and more recently the United Arab Emirates, UBA is connecting people and businesses across Africa through retail; commercial and corporate banking; innovative cross-border payments and remittances; trade finance and ancillary banking services.


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Banks to Charge 0.375 Percent Stamp Duty on Loans

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Nigerian banks on Thursday announced that they will kick-start the implementation of the stamp duty charge of 0.375 per cent on loans backed by legal mortgages, shares, debentures or bonds.

Banks to Charge 0.375 Percent Stamp Duty on Loans

This is coming after the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) had directed banks to implement stamp duty on certain transactions that requires duty payments such as contracts and legal mortgages.

According to the FIRS, as the manner of business transactions continue to evolve and change pattern, the law on stamp duties will also change. It noted that the stamp duties has therefore undergone several amendments over the years up to the Finance Act 2019.

Stamp duty is essentially a duty chargeable on both physical and electronic instruments. The stamp duties Act defines duty to mean “any stamp duty for the time being chargeable under any act and also includes any fee chargeable hereunder”.

In several email notifications sent to its customers, banks revealed that they will start implementing the FIRS directive while adding that the charge will be applied to the value of the assets and remitted back to the revenue office.

Access Bank in an email notification titled to its customers, “Stamp Duty Automation Update”, said, “We will like to inform you that the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has directed all Nigerian banks to implement stamp duty on certain transactions that require duty payments such as contracts and legal mortgages”.

The bank noted that in compliance to this directive, it have taken measures to streamline the process to make transactions more convenient for its customers.

“To this end, a stamp duty charge of 0.375 per cent will be applied to loans backed by legal mortgages, shares, debentures or bonds. The charge will be applied on the value of legal mortgages, shares, debentures or bonds and remitted to the FIRS”, the bank said.

Access Bank added that all previously approved loans will remain unchanged and should be repaid in full as per the agreed terms and conditions.

“We are committed to providing you with exceptional service”, it said.

It will be recalled that the Federal Government stated it is looking to expand net on transactions covered by the stamp duty charges from regular bank transfers.

 

 


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