E-Financial
IFC, CIBN Partner On Sustainable Banking Certification Programme

The International Finance Corporation (IFC), has collaborated with the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) on capacity building and certification on sustainable banking in Nigeria
Mr. Ibrahim Salau, Environmental and Social Risk Management (ERSM) Nigeria Programme Coordinator, International Finance Corporation (IFC), disclosed at an Advocacy Dialogue Webinar, organized by the Centre for Financial Studies (CFS) of The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) in Lagos, with the theme “Enhanced Sustainable Banking (ESB) Model in the Event of Major Economic and Business Disruptions’.
Salau said the objective of the program is to increase the uptake of E&S standards by FIs in the Sub-Saharan Africa region leading to a reduction in risk exposure for FIs and an improvement in the E&S performance of their clients in the long term.
He emphasized that, the program partner’s with financial services regulators and industry associations to raise awareness on the business case for E&S risk management in the financial sector, provide technical support on the development of mandatory E&S risk management standards for the financial sector and build capacity to supervise the implementation of the standards.
He stated that the curriculum for the certification programme has been approved by the CIBN Governing Council and the course will be launched later this year, he added that, a Training of Trainers (TOT) on Sustainable Banking will kick off next week with over 100 participants.
Mrs. Aisha Ahmad, deputy Governor, Financial Systems Stability Directorate, CBN and Chairman of the event, in her address stated, that banking has been undergoing disruptions before the pandemic, as technological disruptions and competition has made banks change their business model.
‘’Banks can only manage these challenges if at this destructive event that is happening, they can fortify their big models and become more agile to respond to what’s happening in the market. And over 80 per cent of banks have incorporated sustainable banking principles in their model.” she said.
Mrs. Mosun Belo-Olusoga, former chairman, Access Bank Plc and Guest speaker, in her presentation stated that, the implications of the pandemic on the Nigerian economy include a rise in inflation, decline in investment such as FPI and FDI, a shrink in forex income, drop in oil revenue and a contraction in GDP which would all in turn lead to a fall in the value of the currency.
She also expressed that some of the implications for the banking sector include restrain on financial performance, movement of businesses to digital space, likely changes to board procedures and effectiveness, likely fall in Capital Adequacy Ratio below regulatory limit, decline in cash flow from loan repayment, increased fraud and cyber threats as a result of relaxed internal control etc.
She averred that, when life will get back to normal, no one knows as there is more pressure than ever for organizations to innovate and think outside the box, while the good news is that financial institutions that step up to meet these challenges will benefit from a brand and shareholder perspective.
E-Financial
Sofri Rejigs Digital Platforms for Better Customer Experience

Sofri, Powered by Links Microfinance Bank plans a massive rollout of Point of Sale, PoS terminals for merchants and agency banking in the third quarter of this year.
This is coming against the backdrop of the banks revamp of its digital platforms to support better customer experience.
Paul Adebayo, managing director, Sofri, said the bank is technology and purpose-driven, with focus on financial inclusion and sustainability. As well with the determination of making banking simpler, inclusive, and impactful.
He said that the revamped mobile app features, faster onboarding, cleaner interface, real-time alerts, enhanced security and seamless loan applications.
“Our corporate internet banking Launched for SMEs and institutional clients features, secure payments, transfers, account management and enhances business banking experience.
“Laying the groundwork for greater reliability, product innovation and operational efficiency is our new core banking infrastructure. This change enables us to scale faster and serve customers better.
“Our Terminal Management System (TMS) improves the performance, uptime, and remote monitoring of our POS terminals. This ensures merchants and field agents enjoy better stability, quicker settlements, and stronger support,” he added.
On sustainability impact, Adebayo, added that Sofri is embedding ESG principles into its lending and operational models — from offering green financing options, to supporting waste-to-wealth entrepreneurs, and making inclusive finance part of Nigeria’s circular economy.
Sofri is a trademark of Links Microfinance Limited (Links Mfb). Links Mfb is licensed and regulated by Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and deposits insured by the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC). Links Mfb is a member of DLM Capital Group, owners of DLM Asset Management as regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
E-Financial
DLM Group Unveils Innovative Sovereign Bond Backed Composite Notes

Current market research has confirmed that buyside investors are increasingly focused on high-growth sectors such as small businesses and consumer lending— sectors that fuel both the demand and supply sides of the economy.
However, capital allocation to these areas requires robust risk mitigation frameworks to preserve principal and ensure returns that are not just economically viable but outpace inflation.
Against the backdrop that DLM Capital Group has developed an innovative solution – the Sovereign Bond Backed Composite Notes (SBCNs) to meet this critical economy needs.
According to Sonnie Babatunde Ayere, the Group CEO of DLM Capital Group, “We believe that the consistent issuance of SBCNs by qualified entities will play a key role in de-risking corporate bond portfolios.
“By blending sovereign-backed security with enhanced yield exposure, portfolio managers gain a rare opportunity to simultaneously increase portfolio safety and performance”.
The first of its kind fixed income product combines the security of direct sovereign bond-backed principal protection, such as FGN Bonds, with the enhanced yield potential of corporate and consumer lending cash flows. This hybrid structure, the first of its kind in the local market, merges public-sector credit safety with private-sector income generation.
The instrument is designed as such that the private sector credit tranche will be secured by the FGN-bonds, which will be the senior tranche.
The N30 billion Sovereign Bond Backed Composite Notes issued by DLM Funding SPV Plc is being packaged as a AAA-rated note. With a held-to-maturity yield of 49.9 percent, the notes are designed to be attractive to institutional investors seeking a balance between capital preservation and superior returns.
Sonnie Babatunde Ayere, noted about the SBCN, “For asset managers, it enhances portfolio quality, improves credit profiles, supports diversification, and delivers competitive returns.
In a media parley describing the instrument, Ayere highlighted the role of the instrument in driving credit expansion to the underserved private sector. He highlighted how the note could help drive institutional capital into sectors that were previously considered too risky.
“By channeling domestic capital into these critical but underserved sectors without exposing investors to excessive risk, it becomes possible to mobilize funding for parts of the economy that have long been neglected.” He added.
E-Financial
Fidelity MD,Onyeali-Ikpe Champions Lifelong Learning and Sisterhood for Women’s Career Growth

Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank Plc, has encouraged women professionals to embrace continuous learning, courage, and collaboration as key habits for achieving long-term career success and breaking through professional barriers.

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, OON, (Middle) flanked by participants of a Women’s Roundtable themed, “Mentorship with Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe” hosted by the bank over the weekend at the Fidelity SME Hub, Gbagada, Lagos recently.
She gave the charge during a Women’s Roundtable hosted by the bank over the weekend at the Fidelity SME Hub in Gbagada, Lagos. Themed “Mentorship with Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe”, the event drew female professionals from various sectors and was held under the Recognition and Networking arm of the bank’s HerFidelity Proposition—a flagship initiative designed to empower women entrepreneurs and professionals across Nigeria.
Explaining the vision behind HerFidelity, Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe noted that the initiative was born out of a strong need to provide women with holistic support beyond access to finance.
“In my engagements with women across different industries, I’ve seen first-hand that while talent and ambition abound, many still lack access to capital, skills development, health support, and networks,” she said.
“HerFidelity was created to bridge that gap by focusing on four key pillars: access to capital, capacity building, wellness for work-life balance, and entrepreneurship support. It’s one of the initiatives I’m most proud of, because when women thrive, communities prosper and economies flourish.”
The interactive mentorship session, held in a Q&A format, offered participants an opportunity to learn directly from the trailblazing CEO, who shared personal experiences and career insights.
Advising young women aspiring to leadership, she said: “Believe in yourself, be ready to work hard, and never shy away from taking smart risks. Seek out mentors, invest in meaningful relationships, and above all, collaborate—because no one truly succeeds alone.”
The event also featured fun competitions and giveaways, with attendees winning exciting gifts courtesy of Fidelity Bank.
Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe’s session left participants inspired, reinforcing Fidelity Bank’s position as a champion for gender empowerment and a leading supporter of women’s advancement in business and leadership.
- General News2 days ago
NASRDA, Galaxy Space Firm Sign MoU on Satellite Connectivity
- Telecom2 days ago
Over 1m Nigerians Reached through MTN Staff’s Digital and Community Outreach
- Telecom2 days ago
Mafab Gets 0724 Number Series, Launches Mcom 5G Brand
- News2 days ago
DBN Awards N13m in Grants to Tech Startups
- Telecom2 days ago
NCC to Name, Shame Telecom Infrastructure Vandals
- News2 days ago
FCCPC Shuts France, Belgium, and Italy Visa Centres in Abuja Over Alleged Consumer Rights Violations
- Telecom2 days ago
WSIS Review: Nigerian ICT Leaders Urged to Shape Global Digital Future
- E-Financial2 days ago
Bank Customers Petition CBN over Illegal Deductions, Demand Action