E-Financial
Analyst Predict Fidelity to meet Recaptalization Threshold ahead of Regulatory Deadline
Fidelity Bank Plc is making impressive strides on its path to fulfilling the recapitalization targets set by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). With a successful first phase of its capital-raising initiative that recorded over 238% over subscription and share price growth of over 100% evidencing a huge surge in investor confidence for the bank.
Following the successful completion of phase 1 of its capital raise, the bank is exceptionally well-positioned to not only meet the regulatory threshold strengthen but also fuel its growth trajectory.
With the recent conclusion of its equity capital raise through a Public Offer and Rights Issue, collectively known as the Combined Offer. The response has been nothing short of extraordinary, with the Public Offer oversubscribed by an astounding 237.92%. This translates to 107,588 valid applications for a total of 23,768,724,000 ordinary shares, amounting to ₦231.7 billion. The Rights Issue also shone brightly, achieving a remarkable 137.73% subscription rate with 6,903 valid applications for 4,407,252,795 ordinary shares, totaling ₦40.7 billion.
Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, the Managing Director and CEO of Fidelity Bank, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the overwhelming support from investors, stating, “The positive results recorded in our Combined Offer are a testament to the strength of the Fidelity Bank franchise in the capital market.” Such a robust response not only underscores investor confidence but also reaffirms the bank’s unwavering commitment to delivering innovative financial solutions and sustainable returns to its stakeholders.
Following this remarkable success, Fidelity Bank has secured shareholder approval to launch the second phase of its capital-raising initiatives. This includes a significant increase in the bank’s issued share capital from ₦26.7 billion to ₦36.7 billion. Shareholders endorsed this expansion during an Extraordinary General Meeting on February 6, 2025, approving the creation of an additional 20 billion ordinary shares of ₦0.50 each.
This strategic capital boost positions Fidelity Bank to meet the CBN’s new minimum regulatory capital requirement of ₦500 billion for banks with international authorization by March 31, 2026. This ambitious goal aligns seamlessly with the bank’s vision for sustainable growth and exceptional service delivery, setting the stage for a dynamic future.
Fidelity Bank’s stock performance has further solidified its status as a top contender in the financial sector. From an initial offer price of ₦9.75 per share during the Public Offer, shares soared to a high of ₦21.15 on February 7, 2025, representing an impressive growth rate of over 116%. This positions Fidelity Bank as one of the best-performing financial institutions in the market, with analysts from Apel Asset Limited noting an impressive 80% return on investment for shareholders who have held shares since 2023.
Market analysts project a considerable upside potential of 28.88%, establishing a fair value of Fidelity Bank at ₦23.15 against a reference price of ₦19.50. Such promising indicators not only enhance investor confidence but also position Fidelity Bank as a compelling investment opportunity within the Nigerian banking landscape.
The funds raised from the initial phases of the capital-raising exercises are earmarked for several key initiatives. Fidelity Bank plans to utilize these resources for local and international business expansion, enhancing technology infrastructure, and improving customer service initiatives. This proactive approach showcases the bank’s commitment to innovation and operational excellence.
As the bank gears up for the next phase of its capital-raising initiative, the primary focus remains on achieving its recapitalization targets while consistently delivering value to stakeholders. The bank’s leadership is confident that, with sustained investor support and a robust financial strategy, it will adeptly navigate the evolving landscape of the Nigerian banking sector.
Fidelity Bank’s recent achievements in capital raising signal a pivotal moment in its journey toward strengthening its financial foundation. With robust investor backing, strategic capital allocation, and a clear vision for growth, Fidelity Bank is not just on track to meet its recapitalization target—it is poised to exceed it.
The road ahead promises to be one of sustained growth and innovation, reinforcing Fidelity Bank’s position as a leader in the Nigerian financial sector. As the bank looks toward the future, it remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering strong relationships with investors and delivering on its promise of financial excellence and exceptional customer satisfaction.
Fidelity Bank’s proactive measures and impressive market performance pave the way for a brighter, more prosperous future—one where it continues to lead with integrity and vision in the ever-evolving financial landscape.
Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has extended the enforcement date for the mandatory geo-fencing of Point-of-Sale (PoS) terminals to August 1, 2026, in a move aimed at giving financial institutions and payment service providers additional time to comply with the regulatory framework.
The directive was contained in a circular dated May 29, 2026, signed by Dr. Rakiya Yusuf, director of the Payments System Supervision Department, and obtained from the apex bank’s website on Friday.
The circular was addressed to Deposit Money Banks, Microfinance Banks, Mobile Money Operators, Switching and Processing Companies, Payment Terminal Service Providers, Payment Solution Service Providers, Super Agents and other licensed operators in the financial ecosystem.
According to the CBN, the extension followed stakeholder engagements and operational considerations arising from earlier directives issued in August 2025 on ISO 20022 migration and mandatory geo-tagging of payment terminals.
The apex bank also announced adjustments to the framework, increasing the permissible geo-fence radius for PoS terminals from 10 metres to 70 metres, in addition to shifting the enforcement deadline.
“Geo-fence radius is hereby increased from 10 metres to 70 metres,” the circular stated, adding that enforcement of the requirement has been moved to August 1, 2026.
Geo-fencing is designed to restrict PoS operations to approved merchant locations, strengthening transaction monitoring and reducing fraud within the electronic payment system.
The CBN directed all affected institutions to submit evidence of compliance on or before July 31, 2026, through the Payments System Supervision Department.
“Evidence of compliance to the above should be addressed… not later than July 31, 2026,” the circular added.
Financial institutions were also instructed to resolve all outstanding technical and operational issues with the National Central Switch to ensure seamless implementation.
The extension is expected to provide operators additional time to upgrade systems and align with regulatory requirements ahead of full enforcement.
Nigerian capital market will officially transition to a one-day (T+1) settlement cycle on Monday, June 1, 2026, cutting the time required to finalise securities and commodities transactions in half.
The mandate, formally announced by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) requires all eligible trades to settle exactly one business day after the trade date, replacing the previous two-day (T+2) standard.
The SEC noted that the journey from T+3 to T+2, and now to T+1, took less than seven months, highlighting an aggressive push toward market modernisation.
To ensure a seamless launch, the SEC has outlined a unique convergence window for the transition.
Friday, served as the final trading day under the old T+2 system, consequently, trades executed on both May 29 and Monday, June 1, will visually converge and settle on the exact same day: Tuesday, June 2, 2026.
From June 1 onward, all transactions will strictly operate under the 24-hour T+1 timeline.
The migration is being coordinated on the technical front by the Central Securities Clearing System Plc (CSCS), the market’s central depository, alongside major securities exchanges, trade associations, and brokerage firms.
According to financial regulators, the compressed timeline will immediately benefit retail investors by providing quicker access to cash proceeds from share sales.
For institutional players and custodians, the shift requires an immediate reconfiguration of back-office systems and reconciliation workflows to meet the faster execution demands.
Mr. Shehu Yahaya Shantali, managing director and chief executive officer of CSCS, stated that the infrastructure overhaul positions Nigeria alongside top-tier international frameworks.
“The transition to T+1 represents another important milestone in the evolution of Nigeria’s capital market infrastructure.
“It reflects the market’s readiness to embrace reforms that enhance efficiency, strengthen investor confidence, improve liquidity, and align Nigeria more closely with leading global markets,” Shantali said.
Shantali credited the market-wide readiness to months of intensive system upgrades and joint planning spearheaded by the SEC and the T+1 Implementation Plan Committee.
By compressing the settlement cycle, the SEC aims to reduce counterparty exposure, lower systemic settlement risks, and boost overall market liquidity.
The regulator emphasised that this reform bridges the infrastructure gap with developed economies, following the United States, Canada, and Mexico, which migrated to T+1 in May 2024, as well as India’s recent strides toward instantaneous settlement.
The SEC stated it will continue to monitor operational workflows and engage market participants through its automated division ([email protected]) to ensure an orderly transition.
To formalise the launch, CSCS and the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) will host a joint Special Closing Gong ceremony on June 1 at the NGX House in Lagos, drawing together institutional heavyweights and regulatory bodies to mark the start of the live environment.
Leading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc’s international subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited, has announced a commitment to support Nigerians – both individuals and corporations – in acquiring properties in the United Kingdom.
L – R: The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Honourable Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Abayomi Oluyomi; Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, FidBank UK Ltd, Mr. Johnson Ememandu; Chairman, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mrs. Amaka Onwughalu; British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, Mr. Jonny Baxter; and Chairman, FidBank UK Ltd and Chief Executive Officer, Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe; at the FidBank UK Ltd exclusive product showcase held at the British Deputy High Commissioner’s residence in Lagos recently.
Fidbank UK which provides a comprehensive suite of financial services, including trade finance, personal and business banking, treasury services, commercial lending, and private banking, is set to deliver tailored financial solutions for high-net-worth individuals (HNIs) seeking to invest in the UK real estate market through its FidBank Buy-to-Let product.
This announcement was made at an exclusive product showcase hosted by the British Deputy High Commissioner, Mr. Jonny Baxter at his Residence in Lagos on Tuesday, 26 May 2026. The event was attended by a select audience comprising captains of industry and corporate leaders.
Highlighting the significance of the event, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of FidBank UK Ltd, Mr. Johnson Enemadu, said: “This event is about showcasing to the market and our customers that there is something exciting in the market and we are able to take them along in this journey, supporting their businesses by bringing capital both in the financial institutions and corporate space and also for our high networth inidividuals. It is a total experience.
“Today’s event is also taking place against the backdrop of strengthened bilateral relations between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, highlighted by the recent state visit of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to the UK. This renewed engagement between both countries continues to unlock new pathways for trade, investment, and financial collaboration; and FidBank UK is pleased to play a leading role in driving this.”
In his welcome remarks, the British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, Mr. Jonny Baxter said: “The United Kingdom remains firmly committed to deepening its economic partnership with Nigeria, with a clear focus on driving inclusive, sustainable investment, trade and economic growth. London’s position as a leading global financial centre is central to this, supported by robust financial infrastructure that enables efficient trade flows and seamless cross-border transactions between our markets.
It is therefore encouraging to see institutions such as FidBank UK advancing financial service offerings that not only expand investment opportunities in the UK, but also strengthen the financial systems supporting growing commercial ties. We welcome and support efforts that continue to enhance liquidity, facilitate trade, and drive sustainable UK-Nigeria economic connections.”
The well-attended event also featured art exhibitions by two of Nigeria’s leading visual art talents -Femi Morakinyo and Oswald Chukwunyeremugo – who displayed their latest works to the admiration of the guests.
Also speaking at the event, the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Honourable Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Abayomi Oluyomi, lauded the initiative as it aligned with the administration’s T.H.E.M.E.S. Agenda, saying:
“FidBank UK offers a private banking relationship grounded in regulatory rigour and institutional trust. This is not a catalogue of products, it is a comprehensive financial architecture built for people who live, work and invest across the Nigerian-UK corridor”.
Operating from the heart of the City of London since 1983, FidBank UK provides a comprehensive range of banking services to customers doing business from and into Nigeria and other West African countries, including trade finance, personal banking, business banking, treasury services, commercial lending and private banking.
The bank is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and Prudential Regulation Authority and subscribe to the Financial Services Compensation Scheme.
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