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Optimus Bank Hits N200bn Capital, Meets CBN Recapitalisation Requirement

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Optimus Bank

Optimus Bank raises capital to N200 billion, meeting the CBN recapitalisation requirement and retaining its national banking licence ahead of March 31 deadline

Optimus Bank has successfully raised its paid-up capital to N200 billion, meeting the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) recapitalisation requirement ahead of the March 31 deadline.

Also read: Obasa Hails Tinubu’s Leadership at Mushin Ramadan Lecture

The move ensures the lender retains its national banking licence under the revised regulatory framework.

Rights issues and private placements helped strengthen the bank’s balance sheet, providing a more solid foundation for expansion.

“Optimus Bank has officially crossed the N200 billion capital mark. This isn’t just a number. It is a promise of greater stability, bolder innovation, and more room for your dreams to grow,” the bank said in a statement.

The strengthened capital base positions the bank to expand its loan portfolio, deepen market reach, and scale digital banking services.

Analysts note that the bank may also increase collaborations with international financial institutions such as the International Finance Corporation, Afreximbank, and the Africa Finance Corporation to support larger financing opportunities.

The CBN introduced the recapitalisation exercise on March 28, 2024, as part of a two-year reform to strengthen Nigeria’s banking system.

Under the revised framework, commercial banks with international licences must maintain a minimum capital base of N500 billion, while national and regional banks are required to hold N200 billion and N50 billion respectively.

Also read: Beyond Protocol: The Tuggar Effect on Nigeria’s Global Standing

With Optimus Bank’s achievement, it joins the 20 Nigerian banks that have fully satisfied the new capital thresholds, leaving 13 banks still working to meet the March 31, 2026, deadline.

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Wema Bank Releases Full Year 2025 Audited Financial Results …Declares ₦221.85bn Profit Before Tax, ₦1.25 Dividend, Total Assets hit ₦5 trillion mark.

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Wema Bank, Nigeria’s oldest indigenous bank, most innovative and pioneer of Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT, has released its FY 2025 Audited Financial Results, achieving record-breaking growth and unparalleled performance across several key metrics.

Key figures include the doubling of the Bank’s Profit Before Tax (PBT) from ₦102.5bn in FY 2024 to ₦221.9bn, an impressive 116.4% increase. Profit After Tax (PAT) also surged by 125.4% from FY 2024’s ₦86.2bn to ₦194.5bn. Total assets also reached the 5 trillion mark, with the attainment of ₦5.07tn, a 41.5% increase from FY 2024’s ₦3.59tn, reflecting a growingly resilient balance sheet. Gross earnings increased by 52.8% to ₦660.6 billion from ₦432.3 billion in FY 2024, a feat driven largely by a 62.7% growth in interest income, reflecting improved yields on earning assets and growth in the loan book.

Customer deposits grew by 30.3% to ₦3.29 trillion from ₦2.52 trillion in FY 2024, demonstrating sustained customer confidence. This growth in deposits provided stable funding for asset growth while supporting liquidity and balance sheet resilience. Net interest income more than doubled, rising by 103.9% to ₦361.0 billion, supported by improved asset pricing and balance sheet expansion. Non-interest income also grew modestly by 8.3% to ₦85.3 billion. Net loans and advances increased by 44.7% to ₦1.74 trillion, up from ₦1.20 trillion in FY 2024, thus reflecting Wema Bank’s continued support for key sectors of the economy while maintaining a disciplined risk management approach. Overall, Wema Bank is set to pay dividend per share of N1.25.

Commenting on the remarkable performance, Wema Bank’s Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Moruf Oseni, reiterated the Bank’s unwavering commitment to sustaining its impressive growth momentum and delivering superior value to all stakeholders. According to him, “Wema Bank has delivered one of the strongest growth trajectories in its history. From a Profit Before Tax of ₦14.75 billion three years ago, we grew to ₦43.59 billion in 2023 and reached ₦102 billion in 2024. In 2025, we have taken an even bolder step forward, recording a Profit Before Tax of ₦221 billion. Our Total Assets, which hit the ₦1tn mark in 2021, surpassed ₦3tn in 2024, standing at a staggering ₦5tn as of FY2025. This overall performance not only speaks strongly of Wema Bank’s exceptional financial strength and capacity for sustained growth, but also reflects disciplined execution, a resilient business model, and the unwavering commitment of our people”.

“As of September 2025, Wema Bank successfully surpassed the ₦200bn recapitalisation minimum threshold for commercial banks with national authorisation. Our FY2025 Financial Results only corroborate what has become abundantly clear—Wema Bank is here not just to stay, but to lead the future of banking in Africa. Our 80th anniversary celebration in 2025 marked a fitting commemoration of our 80 years of impact in the finance industry and beyond. With the launch of ‘ALAT: The Evolution’, the upgraded version of our pioneering fully digital bank, ALAT, we not just redefining the digital banking experience with enhanced intelligence, personalisation and flexibility; we ushering Africa into a future filled with profound possibilities”, Oseni concluded.

Wema Bank is a leading financial services entity with banking operations across Nigeria and the globe, through its trailblazing innovative solution, Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT. From surpassing the recapitalisation benchmark set by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to maintaining an unparalleled growth trajectory over the past 5 years, Wema Bank has proven itself stronger than ever—numbers perpetually skyrocketing.

The Bank’s position as leading innovative bank further proves that it is not only able to meet the prevalent needs of its customers but also equipped to anticipate and meet evolving needs as digital banking continues to reshape the finance industry.

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CBN Exposes Alarming Financial Misconduct at Union Bank

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Union Bank

Union Bank misconduct allegations surface as CBN intervenes to stabilise the bank amid claims of hidden losses and financial irregularities

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Banking

Wema Bank Unveils New Jingle for ALAT: The Evolution

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Wema Bank has introduced a new jingle to mark the next phase of its digital banking journey, tagged the ALAT: The Evolution jingle. Designed to capture the energy of a smarter and more seamless banking experience, the jingle is bright, catchy, and full of life. It reflects a platform built to simply work, pairing sound with innovation as ALAT: The Evolution steps forward with enhanced features and a refreshed user experience.
Everyday banking can often feel routine or even stressful, with multiple steps and delays slowing things down. The ALAT: The Evolution jingle reimagines that experience with a lively and confident tone that mirrors the app’s capabilities. From voice banking with SAW to Tap and Pay and bank uptime prediction, each feature is echoed in the rhythm and flow of the sound. It brings to life the speed, convenience, and reliability that define this new phase of ALAT: The Evolution.
More than just music, the ALAT: The Evolution jingle represents a clear statement of intent. It signals a shift towards banking that feels natural, responsive, and in tune with the user. As customers update their app and explore ALAT: The Evolution, the jingle serves as a reminder that a better, smoother way to bank is already here. Wema Bank is not just evolving its technology; it is shaping how banking feels.

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