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.

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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.

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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.