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SanlamAllianz Nigerian Integration Sparks Industry Buzz

 

Two of the biggest names in global and African non-banking finance and insurance services, Sanlam and Allianz, have sparked speculation in Nigeria’s insurance industry following a wave of coordinated digital communication activities indicating an imminent completion of the expected merger of the operations in Africa’s largest economy.

The firms, which have already merged operations in 27 African countries, including Ghana and Rwanda, under the SanlamAllianz banner, are now widely believed to be ramping up their alliance in Nigeria as the next significant step in their partnership.
Recent posts on both companies’ digital platforms featuring their logos side-by-side and joint thematic messaging have drawn attention across financial and business circles. The coordinated activity mirrors pre-merger patterns observed in other African markets where their collaboration was subsequently formalised.

 

In 2022, Sanlam and Allianz announced the formation of a strategic joint venture covering 27 African markets. The move was intended to combine Sanlam’s local market depth with Allianz’s global scale and technical expertise, creating a formidable pan-African financial services entity with ambitions to lead in life and general insurance, asset management, and health insurance.

 

The partnership has taken concrete shape in countries like Ghana, where existing operations have been unified and rebranded under the SanlamAllianz name. The goal has been to offer more relevant, inclusive, and tech-forward financial solutions for individuals and businesses in these markets.
Nigeria is the continent’s most populous nation and its largest economy, yet despite recent progress, its insurance penetration remains under 1%. In 2023, the industry crossed the ₦1 trillion gross written premium mark for the first time, indicating untapped potential and growing consumer interest in financial protection.

 

Given these dynamics, analysts say Nigeria is a natural next step in the SanlamAllianz expansion journey. The presence of both logos in coordinated messaging has been read as a signal of intent. Both brands already operate in Nigeria, and a merger of local operations would represent a formidable alliance and substantial consolidation.

 

Market observers believe such a move could raise the bar in Nigeria’s insurance industry, fostering more robust competition, improved product design, and greater consumer trust in formal financial services. It would also align with both firms’ broader objective of promoting financial inclusion and building long-term resilience across African economies.

 

At a time when several global brands are reassessing their African strategies, Sanlam and Allianz’s continued commitment affirms their vote of confidence in Nigeria’s long-term prospects. This potential merger could not only reshape the insurance landscape but will also evidently become a significant catalyst and signal to the global investment community that Nigeria remains a viable and valuable market.

Online Poster by — May 30, 2025 in Capital Market 0
SEC Sounds Alarm On Ponzi Schemes, Calls For Vigilance To Safeguard Investors, Economy


 

 

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has sounded a renewed warning on the dangers of Ponzi schemes, highlighting their devastating impact on investor confidence, financial stability, and the Nigerian capital market.

This was the central theme of a paper titled “Ponzi Schemes: Avoiding the Pitfalls of Illegality” presented by Head of the Enforcement Department of the SEC, Dr. Sa’ad Abdulsalam at the Capital Market Enlightenment Programme organized by the Capital Market Correspondents Association of Nigeria (CAMCAN).

Abdulsalam noted that the proliferation of fraudulent investment schemes continues to erode public trust in formal investment platforms. By offering unrealistic returns and operating outside the regulatory framework, destabilized investor sentiment and undermined participation in legitimate capital market activities.

“The erosion of market confidence caused by Ponzi schemes leads to significant volatility and reduced investor engagement,” he said. “The fallout not only damages individual finances but also tarnishes the reputation of regulatory institutions tasked with protecting investor interests.”

Beyond the capital market, Abdulsalam emphasized that the social and economic consequences of Ponzi schemes are far-reaching. Household financial losses, often involving life savings or borrowed funds, intensify socio-economic stress and threaten community cohesion.

“These losses are not just figures on a balance sheet,” he explained. “They represent broken trust, devastated livelihoods, and increased poverty in affected communities.”

Nigeria has a long and troubling history with Ponzi operations. According to Abdulsalam, from the infamous Umanah Umanah scheme in the 1990s to Nospecto in the early 2000s and the widespread MMM craze of the 2010s, fraudulent fund managers have repeatedly exploited regulatory gaps and economic vulnerabilities.

Abdulsalam noted that over 400 unlicensed fund managers were uncovered in 2010 alone, underscoring the scale of the threat.

He attributed the rise of Ponzi schemes to several factors, including limited financial literacy, the lure of quick returns during periods of economic hardship, and the rapid spread of misinformation through social media.

Abdulsalam who admitted that curbing the menace has proved difficult for regulators, especially in the face of evolving digital platforms and increasing sophistication of fraudulent actors, explained that resource constraints remain a significant hurdle for the SEC and other enforcement agencies.

“Ponzi schemes are multiplying geometrically, and our response must evolve at a similar pace,” he said. “The lack of investor education and the impact of economic downturns are making more people susceptible to these traps.”

He noted that to address the threat, the SEC has intensified investor education efforts and strengthened its enforcement toolkit. Public warnings and notices have been issued regularly, while the names of registered capital market operators are published on the SEC’s official website to help investors verify legitimacy before committing funds.

“Educational initiatives have also been integrated into school curricula and segmented across various demographics through workshops, radio campaigns, television programming, and social media engagement. These efforts aim to equip Nigerians with the tools to identify and avoid fraudulent investment schemes.

“When illegal operations are detected, the Commission takes swift action.We do not hesitate to seal off premises involved in unlawful investment activities,” Abdulsalam said.

In addition to administrative measures, he said SEC has pursued both civil cases through the Investments and Securities Tribunal (IST) and criminal prosecutions in collaboration with the police and the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF).

According to him, the SEC has also prioritized interagency collaboration as a core strategy in tackling financial crimes. Through the Financial Services Regulation Coordinating Committee—which includes the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), and others—the Commission is working to establish a unified front in the fight against Ponzi operators.

“Ponzi schemes do not respect boundaries. Our enforcement must be equally coordinated across regulatory jurisdictions,” Abdulsalam emphasized.

The SEC’s message remains clear: investors must exercise caution, verify information, and avoid schemes that promise returns too good to be true. The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to creating a safer investment climate but stressed that the public also has a role to play in protecting themselves and others. “Capital markets can only thrive in an environment of trust and transparency,” Abdulsalam concluded. “Together, through vigilance, education, and collaboration, we can shield our economy from the destructive force of Ponzi schemes.”

Online Poster by — May 30, 2025 in Capital Market 0
Otedola Declared The Activist Investor And Market Maker Of The Year At Nairametrics Awards.

First HoldCo Group had a great outing at the Nairametrics Capital Market Choice Awards ceremony which was held last Friday at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos. The harvest of awards started with the Group Chairman of the Holding Company, Mr. Femi Otedola, CON, blazing the trail by being honoured with the prestigious award as the Activist investor and Market Maker of the Year. This indeed is the recognition of the role he has been playing in the Nigerian Capital market and his various strategic moves which has impacted the market positively in over two decades.
FirstHoldCo, FirstBank and First Asset Management also received important awards at the prestigious event organized by Nairametrics. During the evening, First HoldCo Plc received the award as the Tier-One Bank of the Year (FUGAZ Bank of the Year), while FirstBank predictably won the Agency Bank of the Year award which is a true reflection of the relevance, spread, strength and strategy of the bank in the agency banking and retail space in Nigeria.
First Asset Management won the Fund Manager of the Year award; this clearly reflects the dominance of the company in the investment related activities in the Nigerian financial sector.
These awards indeed signify a remarkable reality at the growing status of the First HoldCo Group as a major economic driver in the country’s financial landscape.
 Speaking on these unprecedented recognition and achievements, Femi Otedola, CON, the Group Chairman of First HoldCo Plc, said ‘I am delighted at this recognition bestowed on me and the awards won by the companies in the First HoldCo Group. This attests to a collective focus in shaping the future of the Nigerian Capital Market and the strategic synergy in executing effective goals and objectives in the various locations where we operate as a Group’’.
Adding further to these achievements, the Group Managing Director of First HoldCo Plc. Wale Oyedeji said “the awards won, shows the laudable progression the Group is making towards delivering excellent service across board, this indeed will continue unabated’’  Wale also used the occasion to congratulate the Group Chairman and commented on the recognition as ‘hugely deserved’.
Ugo Obi-Chukwu, the Founder/CEO of Nairametrics, reflected in his opening remarks at the occasion on the vision behind the inaugural award, he said ‘the Capital Market Choice Awards is our way of reinforcing the values that drives a robust capital ecosystem-trust, performance and progress’’ adding further ‘’ this awards will now be a tradition’’
Nairametrics is a media outfit that provides access to macroeconomic data, corporate finance data, consumer price data, and pricing analytics. The organization has a podcast, radio programme and also have a television show known as marketpulse. The awards is the first in the series.
Online Poster by — May 27, 2025 in Capital Market 0
United Capital Commemorates Children Day With Launch  Of  Children Investment Fund

United Capital Asset Management (UCAML), a leading asset management
company and subsidiary of United Capital Group, has announced the official
launch of its latest mutual fund – The Children Investment Fund (CIF) at an
event held at the Wheatbaker Hotel, Lagos.
The Children Investment Fund is a naira-denominated, open-ended mutual
fund designed to provide Nigerian families with access to long-term investment
opportunities tailored to key milestones in a child’s life such as education, healthcare, and future capital needs. By offering a disciplined, professionally managed investment vehicle, the fund empowers parents and guardians to build lasting financial security for their children.
Dr. Odiri Oginni, Managing Director/CEO of United Capital Asset Management, highlighted the importance of starting early when it comes to building wealth for the next generation.
“The Children Investment Fund was created to help parents/guardians
prepare financially for the future of their children/wards. We believe that every
child deserves a good financial head start, and this fund is our contribution to
building that foundation for the next generation. Whether it’s for education, or
healthcare, or special needs, this fund provides a structured and disciplined
way to start early and grow steadily.”
With the launch of the Children Investment Fund, UCAML now manages a
portfolio of 10 open-ended mutual funds, making it the second-largest mutual
fund provider in Nigeria. The company offers a broad spectrum of investment
options tailored to meet varying financial goals and risk appetites including
low-risk income funds, equity-focused funds, dollar-denominated funds, and
funds dedicated to ethical and impact-driven investing.
Peter Ashade, Group CEO of United Capital Plc, reinforced the strategic alignment of the new fund with the Group’s broader objectives around financial inclusion, intergenerational wealth creation and long-term impact.
“This is more than the launch of a new product, it is a reaffirmation of our
commitment to creating inclusive financial solutions that enable wealth creation for all. As a group, our mission is to shape a more financially inclusive and economically resilient Nigeria, and we believe that empowering the next generation through early financial planning is a critical part of that journey. When we invest in children today, we are investing in the economic strength of tomorrow.”
With over ₦1 trillion in assets under management and over N500 billion in
mutual funds AUM, United Capital Asset Management is undoubtedly an
industry leader. This leadership is underpinned by strategic product innovation, expert fund management, and a clear focus on delivering superior value to its clients.
The Children Investment Fund is built on the same foundation and is well-positioned to follow the performance trajectory of UCAML’s existing funds,
which have consistently outperformed market benchmarks.
About United Capital Group
United Capital Group is a leading pan-African financial services institution
offering a comprehensive suite of solutions, including Investment Banking,
Asset Management, Trusteeship, Securities Trading, Wealth Management,
Consumer Finance, and Microfinance Banking. With operations across Nigeria,
Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire, the Group is committed to transforming Africa’s
financial landscape through innovation, technology, and client-focused
solutions.
United Capital Group has received numerous local and international awards
for its commitment to excellence, including its recognition by the Financial
Times as one of Africa’s fastest growing companies for four consecutive years.
United Capital is regulated by the Securities and exchange Commission (SEC)
and is listed on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX).
Online Poster by — May 27, 2025 in Capital Market 0
NGX Confirms No Insider Trading was Done By MD/CEO Of Fidelity Bank PLC

The Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) has affirmed that the recent purchase of 18 million units of Fidelity Bank shares by its Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, was conducted in full compliance with applicable regulations.

In a letter dated May 22, 2025, the regulator dismissed allegations of insider trading and the misuse of bank funds for the transaction stating “….Following the filing of the Bank’s 2025 Q1 UFS on 30 April 2025, the Directors and other insiders of the Bank became eligible to trade on the securities of the Bank after twenty-four (24) hours.

Therefore, the share purchase transaction referenced by Sahara Reporters which occurred on 19 May 2025 was transacted during an open trading window and NGX RegCo is not aware of any other price sensitive information that the Bank is required to disclose which should hinder trades on the securities of the Bank by insiders.”

 

Fidelity Bank has subsequently issued a statement addressing the accusations, categorizing them as false, misleading, and maliciously intended to tarnish the reputation of both the bank and its MD/CEO, as well as to mislead the investment community and the general public.

Signed by the bank’s Divisional Head of Brand and Communications, Dr Meksley Nwagboh, the statement clarified that Fidelity Bank was compelled to respond to the erroneous article published on May 21, 2025.

“As a publicly quoted company regulated by the NGX and subject to the Listing Rules of the NGX and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regulations, we unequivocally confirm that neither the Bank nor its MD/CEO has ever engaged in insider trading.”

Dr Nwagboh further emphasized that the MD/CEO personally funded the share purchase and did not utilize bank funds or take a loan for the transaction.

The statement reaffirmed that the transaction was conducted in strict adherence to the Listing Rules and insider trading regulations governing publicly traded companies.

Winifred Bosa by — May 24, 2025 in Capital Market 0
Fidelity Bank Increases Staff Salaries

Tier-one lender, Fidelity Bank Plc, has recently announced salary increments for its staff following a remarkable full year 2024 financial performance.
The salary increase announced in May follows a prior increment from November 2024 and aims to recognize staff contributions in customer service and achieving corporate goals.
It will be recalled that the Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe-led institution recorded the highest growth in year-on-year profitability in the Nigerian banking industry in 2024 with a 210% growth in Profit Before Tax to N385.2 billion.
Similarly, the bank recently announced that it was on the verge of closing out on the Central Bank of Nigeria-mandated recapitalization directive with a private placement exercise scheduled to conclude in June 2025.
Online Poster by — May 23, 2025 in Capital Market 0

Fidelity Bank Nigeria has emerged as the fastest-growing Nigerian brand as the lender’s value more than tripled, displacing Stanbic IBTC, a new report by Brand Finance, a London-based brand valuation consultancy revealed.

 

 

 

The bank’s emergence highlights the lender’s expanding market influence and strong investor confidence as the financial institution continues to deliver value for its customers amid tough economic conditions.

 

 

 

“Fidelity Bank’s brand value growth is underpinned by strong financial performance in 2024, during which the bank reported a 210% increase in Profit Before Tax (PBT), soaring to N385.2 billion,” Brand Finance said in its annual valuation report.

 

 

 

“Gross earnings also rose significantly, reflecting both higher interest income and a growing customer base,” it added.

 

 

 

The bank’s public offer which it announced in February was oversubscribed by 237.9 percent, and its rights issue saw a 137.7 percent oversubscription, reflecting strong investor confidence in the bank’s strategic direction.

 

 

“The bank’s operational excellence and strategic direction have been widely recognised, most notably being named “Nigeria’s Best Private Bank” at the Euromoney Awards 2025,” the report indicated.

 

 

 

“This recognition reinforces Fidelity Bank’s strong reputation for delivering tailored wealth management solutions and outstanding client service, across Nigeria and beyond.”

 

 

 

The bank is gaining investors’ attention, a situation that has made it rejoin the group of Nigerian companies with a market capitalisation of N1 trillion.

 

 

 

This was followed by a 5.3 percent rise in its share price from N19.95 to N21.00 at the close of trading on May 13, 2025, on the Nigerian Exchange Limited.

 

 

 

Last year, Fidelity Bank’s stock gained 141 percent, rising from N8.70 in May 2024. The rally is partly attributed to the bank’s robust 2024 financial performance, where it posted a 189 percent increase in profit after tax, the highest among Nigeria’s top 10 banks.

 

 

 

That growth has extended into 2025, as the bank recorded a 190 percent surge in after-tax profit to N91 billion in the first quarter, supported by increased interest income, foreign exchange gains, and improved cost efficiency.

 

 

 

Fidelity Bank is however on course to meet the Central Bank of Nigeria’s N500 billion minimum capital requirement through equity.

 

 

 

The report stated that United Bank for Africa (UBA) and First Bank of Nigeria are now the strongest brands in Nigeria, defying volatile economic conditions to deliver value and build customer loyalty.

 

 

 

Brand Finance also revealed that Access Bank retained its position as the most valuable Nigerian brand for the fourth consecutive year, as Nigeria’s biggest lender by assets more than doubled its brand value to N893.3 billion.

 

 

 

For the 2025 ranking, banks shine as the lenders accounted for 59 percent of total brand value, indicating robust growth and strong performance of the banking sector amid tough economic times.

 

 

 

Brand value is understood as the net economic benefit that a brand owner would achieve by licensing the brand in the open market. Brand strength is the efficacy of a brand’s performance on intangible measures relative to its competitors.

 

 

 

Brand Finance analysed banking brands’ internationality to better understand their positioning and performance in an increasingly globalised market. It adopted the royalty relief approach in measuring organisation brand value. The method involv

es a combination of the market and income valuation approaches.

Online Poster by — May 22, 2025 in Capital Market 0
Fidelity Bank’s N10.5tr Assets Base Reinforces Stakeholders’ Confidence

-Insiders Bid For More Equity Stakes
Fidelity Bank Plc added N1.63 trillion to its assets base within three months to strengthen its position as one of the seven largest banks in Nigeria, in terms of assets base.
Regulatory filings approved by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) showed Fidelity Bank as one of the fastest growing and strongest banks in Nigeria across key parameters with the bank’s total assets rising by N1.63 trillion within the first three months of the year.
The reports showed that Fidelity Bank’s total assets rose from N8.82 trillion by December 31, 2024 to close March 31, 2025 at N10.45 trillion. The total balance sheet underlined the bank’s reputation as one of the most preferred banking brands, with double-digit growth in customers’ deposits.
Fidelity Bank’s customers deposit rose to N6.6 trillion by first quarter 2025 as against N5.94 trillion by December 2024. The growth in customers’ deposit base was driven by double-digit growth in low-cost deposits to N6.1 trillion, representing 92.2 per cent of total customer deposits.
Shareholders’ funds jumped from N897.87 billion in December 2024 to N933.14 billion by March 2025. The increase was mainly driven by the significant improvement in the profitability of the bank.
Investment experts attributed notable positive investors’ sentiment around the bank to its strong assets base and profitability, pointing out that a two-way test of assets and profitability is key measure of sustainability for a financial institution.
In a study on ‘Balance Sheet Strength and Bank Lending During the Global Financial Crisis’, researchers at International Monetary Fund (IMF) examined the role of bank balance sheet strength in the transmission of financial sector shocks to the real economy.
The study found that “banks with strong balance sheets were better able to maintain lending during the crisis.”
According to the study, banks that were more dependent on market funding and had lower structural liquidity reduced the supply of credit more than other banks.
“However, higher and better-quality capital mitigated this effect. Our results suggest that strong bank balance sheets are key for the recovery of credit following crises, and provide support for regulatory proposals under the Basel III framework,” IMF report stated.
Fidelity Bank has remained one of the most attractive stocks at the stock market, outperforming both the average return for the entire market and particularly the banking sector.
Fidelity Bank’s share price opened this week with a year-to-date return of 18.86 per cent, more than a double of the average capital gain in the banking sector and nearly a triple of the market’s overall average capital gain so far this year.
The NGX Banking Index, which tracks the banking stocks, opened this week with average year-to-date return of 8.24 per cent while the All Share Index (ASI)- which tracks all share prices at the NGX, opened with a gain of 6.59 per cent.
Market analysts said Fidelity Bank, which has remained one of the most active stocks at thee stock market, was enjoying strong positive sentiment, from existing shareholders and other investors seeking to take positions in the bank.
A report at the NGX showed that a top director of the bank had earlier this week purchased shares worth more than N366 million, in a strategic positioning that increase the top director’s equity stake in the bank. Fidelity Bank was also the most active stock at the stock market yesterday.
Extant regulations at the Nigerian stock market do not preclude insiders-directors, staff and other people with possible access to sensitive information, from trading in the shares of a company, but such trading must be disclosed to the market and must not be within a regulated period, otherwise known as “closed period” because of its closeness to release of sensitive information.
Fidelity Bank had grown its pre-tax profit by 167.8 per cent to N106 billion in the first three months of this year, setting the bank on a strong growth trajectory for the year.
Interim report and accounts of Fidelity Bank for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025 showed that profit before tax rose from N39.5 billion in first quarter 2024 to N105.8 billion in first quarter 2025. Gross earnings rose by 64.2 per cent to N315.4 billion in first quarter 2025 as against N192.1 billion in corresponding period of 2024.
Growth in interest income was primarily led by 38.6 per cent expansion in earning assets base, while the increase in non -interest revenue came from foreign exchange (forex)-related income, trade and commission on banking services among others.
Online Poster by — May 22, 2025 in Capital Market 0
Fidelity Bank CEO’s Share Acquisition Signals Strong Confidence in Tier-One Lender

 

In a decisive move underscoring unwavering confidence in Fidelity Bank Plc’s resilience, Managing Director and CEO, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe has acquired an additional 18 million shares of the bank, valued at approximately ₦366 million.

According to a regulatory filing posted on the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) Disclosures portal, this strategic investment was executed at ₦20.35 per share on May 19, 2025, the same day an online platform published an unsubstantiated report on a Supreme Court ruling in a decades-long case that the bank inherited from the defunct FSB International Bank that it absorbed in 2005.

Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe’s latest acquisition is not an isolated gesture. Between November 21 and 22, 2024, she purchased 15 million shares worth ₦239.4 million, and subsequently added another 10 million shares valued at ₦157.9 million on November 26 and 27, 2024. These cumulative investments reflect a consistent pattern of personal commitment to the bank’s long-term success.

Demonstrating Leadership Through Personal Investment

The CEO’s substantial personal investments serve as a powerful testament to her confidence in Fidelity Bank’s strategic direction and financial health. By increasing her stake during a period of legal scrutiny, Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe sends a clear message of stability and trust in the institution’s governance and operational integrity.

Robust Financial Performance Reinforces Investor Confidence

Fidelity Bank’s financial results further validate this confidence. In the first quarter of 2025, the bank reported a Profit Before Tax of ₦105.8 billion, marking a 167.8% increase compared to the same period in 2024. Gross earnings rose by 64.2% year-on-year to ₦315.4 billion, driven by significant growth in interest income and non-interest revenue.

The bank’s balance sheet remains solid, with total deposits increasing by 11.1% year-to-date to ₦6.6 trillion, and net loans and advances growing by 5.0% to ₦4.6 trillion. These figures highlight Fidelity Bank’s strong liquidity position and its capacity to support large-scale projects and absorb financial shocks.

Despite the rash of malicious publications on the bank that has been debunked by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Fidelity Bank’s share price has demonstrated resilience. After reaching ₦21.00 on May 13, 2025, the stock experienced a modest decline, closing at ₦20.00, a 3.8% decrease. This stability suggests that investors remain confident in the bank’s fundamentals and leadership.

Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe’s continued investment in Fidelity Bank during a period of legal scrutiny exemplifies strategic leadership and personal commitment. Her actions not only reinforce investor confidence but also underscore the bank’s robust financial standing and resilience. As the institution looks to closing out the legal process as mandated by the court, stakeholders can take solace in the demonstrated strength and stability at the helm of Fidelity Bank.

Online Poster by — May 21, 2025 in Capital Market 0
Fidelity Bank CEO’s Share Acquisition Signals Strong Confidence In Tier-One Lender

In a decisive move underscoring unwavering confidence in Fidelity Bank Plc’s resilience, Managing Director and CEO, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe has acquired an additional 18 million shares of the bank, valued at approximately ₦366 million.

 

According to a regulatory filing posted on the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) Disclosures portal, this strategic investment was executed at ₦20.35 per share on May 19, 2025, the same day an online platform published an unsubstantiated report on a Supreme Court ruling in a decades-long case that the bank inherited from the defunct FSB International Bank that it absorbed in 2005.

 

Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe’s latest acquisition is not an isolated gesture. Between November 21 and 22, 2024, she purchased 15 million shares worth ₦239.4 million, and subsequently added another 10 million shares valued at ₦157.9 million on November 26 and 27, 2024. These cumulative investments reflect a consistent pattern of personal commitment to the bank’s long-term success.

 

Demonstrating Leadership Through Personal Investment

 

The CEO’s substantial personal investments serve as a powerful testament to her confidence in Fidelity Bank’s strategic direction and financial health. By increasing her stake during a period of legal scrutiny, Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe sends a clear message of stability and trust in the institution’s governance and operational integrity.

 

Robust Financial Performance Reinforces Investor Confidence

 

Fidelity Bank’s financial results further validate this confidence. In the first quarter of 2025, the bank reported a Profit Before Tax of ₦105.8 billion, marking a 167.8% increase compared to the same period in 2024. Gross earnings rose by 64.2% year-on-year to ₦315.4 billion, driven by significant growth in interest income and non-interest revenue.

 

The bank’s balance sheet remains solid, with total deposits increasing by 11.1% year-to-date to ₦6.6 trillion, and net loans and advances growing by 5.0% to ₦4.6 trillion. These figures highlight Fidelity Bank’s strong liquidity position and its capacity to support large-scale projects and absorb financial shocks.

 

Despite the rash of malicious publications on the bank that has been debunked by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Fidelity Bank’s share price has demonstrated resilience. After reaching ₦21.00 on May 13, 2025, the stock experienced a modest decline, closing at ₦20.00, a 3.8% decrease. This stability suggests that investors remain confident in the bank’s fundamentals and leadership.

 

Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe’s continued investment in Fidelity Bank during a period of legal scrutiny exemplifies strategic leadership and personal commitment. Her actions not only reinforce investor confidence but also underscore the bank’s robust financial standing and resilience. As the institution looks to closing out the legal process as mandated by the court, stakeholders can take solace in the demonstrated strength and stability at the helm of Fidelity Bank.

Winifred Bosa by — May 21, 2025 in Capital Market 0