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IFC Finds Banks Cut Services in Emerging Markets

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International banks are cutting back on the networks they maintain in developing countries, an unintended consequence of global regulatory reforms that could make it harder for businesses to grow and create jobs in emerging markets, according to a global survey of banks released today by IFC, the private sector arm of the World Bank Group.

Globally, 27 percent of banks surveyed noted declines in their correspondent banking relationships (CBRs) – financial institutions that provide services on behalf of other institutions – forcing them to reduce vital services. The challenge is most critical In Sub-Saharan Africa where 35 percent of banks reported a decline in these essential relationships—a major risk for countries’ economies heavily reliant on imports.

“We are concerned,” said IFC CEO Philippe Le Houérou. “In emerging markets, the business environment has often been challenging for banks and their customers, but a decline in correspondent banking disrupts the financial connections that countries and businesses need.”

Restricting the availability of trade finance, wire transfers, deposits and other services could have a severe impact in developing countries, where they are a lifeline to the wider world.  The WTO estimates the existing global trade gap to be $1.4 trillion, and it exceeds $100 billion in Africa alone, a gap the decline in CBRs will exacerbate further.  An IMF study in April 2017 said the decline in these relationships could undermine affected countries’ long term growth and financial inclusion prospects.

The survey  the first extensive survey of banks in emerging markets on the issue, polled 300 banks active in 92 countries. The institutions surveyed have a total of $5 trillion in assets—roughly 10 percent of all emerging-market banking assets.

Emerging markets banks are having to address multiple sets of new, sometimes conflicting, compliance requirements and are spending large amounts to upgrade their processes, hire staff, and upgrade software. Some 78 percent expected the costs of regulatory compliance to continue to rise, further pressuring their ability to serve their customers with essential services.

Over the past decade, policymakers have taken much-needed steps to bolster the global financial system with new rules against unnecessary risk-taking, money laundering, and terror funding. These reforms will help safeguard the system from future crises. But increased capital standards, rising compliance costs, and the threat of large fines are also leading financial institutions to rethink their cross-border networks, the survey confirmed.

Survey participants identified three solutions that could help address the issue, including greater harmonization of regulatory requirements, a centralized registry for due diligence data, and assistance with understanding and adaption to the new standards as measures. A solution will require multiple stakeholders across the international community to formulate a comprehensive response.

“Trade, economic growth, and the remittances that families depend on are at risk when banking relationships deteriorate,” said Marcos Brujis, Director of IFC’s Financial Institutions Group.

“By working together, multilateral institutions, regulators, and banks can help ensure that necessary reforms don’t create unintended costs for the most vulnerable people.”


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E-Financial

Lagos State Appoints MoneyMaster as Payment Partner for “Ounje Eko” Programme

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“Ounje Eko”, the food price discount initiative of the Lagos State Government, has appointed leading payment service bank, MoneyMaster Payment Service Bank Limited (MMPSB), as its collaborator in the bid to ensure ease of payments at the market.

MoneyMaster is one of the Central Bank of Nigeria-licensed Payment Service Banks (PSBs) to promote financial inclusion across Nigeria.

Under the partnership, MMPSB will apply its cutting-edge payment solution to engender easy payment and reconciliation in order to make   the experiences of Lagosians who will be getting their food supplies from the markets pleasurable. Its payment solution is also all-encompassing and ensures real time value to payment destinations.

The mobile bank was appointed as the collection and payment partner for “Ounje Eko” Food Markets programme which is a government initiative serving the five divisions of Lagos State. Consequent on this, MoneyMaster Payment Service Bank will collect payments in 57 LCDAs in the state.

The partnership gives credence to the quality of payment solutions that MoneyMaster is reputed for in its services to its growing business clientele in private and public sectors.

 


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CBN, EFCC Probe Banks, Firms over Alleged Forex Racketeering

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Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), is investigating irregular foreign exchange transactions and forward contracts valued at approximately $2.4 billion.

CBN, EFCC Probe Banks, Firms over Alleged Forex Racketeering

The  inquiry follows an extensive audit by Deloitte, which scrutinized $7 billion in dollar debts accumulated under the bank’s previous leadership.

In the aftermath of the 294th Monetary Policy Committee meeting in Abuja, Yemi Cardoso, governor of CBN,  disclosed to journalists that the investigation, supported by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, among other security bodies, aims to clarify the legitimacy of these FX allocations identified as problematic by the audit.

“It was determined that a number of these transactions did not qualify…they were outright illegal. The law enforcement agencies are now looking into those transactions that as far as we are concerned, are not valid to be paid,” Cardoso detailed, emphasizing the unlawful nature of these forex deals.

The crux of the investigation lies in the audit findings that a significant portion of the scrutinized transactions lacked proper documentation and, in many instances, were deemed outright illegal.

However, the unfolding investigation has raised concerns within the organized private sector, with some entities contemplating legal action against commercial banks for unresolved forex bids.

Despite these tensions, Governor Cardoso reassures that the foreign exchange market remains open and transparent, inviting stakeholders to address their forex needs through the official channels.

Furthermore, Cardoso clarified the distribution of fertilizers to farmers as a one-off measure and not indicative of a shift back to direct interventions by the CBN, underscoring a commitment to strategic, regulatory governance rather than direct market involvement.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


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CBN Urges Banks to Expedite Action on Recapitalisation

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Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has directed deposit money banks in the country to expedite action to increase their capital base from the current ₦25bn.

CBN Urges Banks to Expedite Action on Recapitalisation

Olayemi Cardoso, governor of CBN

Olayemi Cardoso, governor of CBN, stated this during the apex bank’s 294th meeting of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) on Tuesday in Abuja, when the MPC hiked the interest rate by 22.75% to 24.75%.

The apex bank chief said the MPC examined developments in the banking sector and expressed satisfaction that the industry remained stable. The committee, however, said to guard against risk, commercial banks in the country should accelerate their recapitalisation efforts.

Cardoso said, “The MPC also reviewed developments in the banking system and noted that the industry remains safe, sound, and stable. The committee thus called on the bank to sustain its surveillance and ensure compliance of banks with existing regulatory and macro-potential guidelines.

“The MPC also enjoined the banks to expedite actions on the recapitalisation of banks to strengthen the system against potential risks in an increasingly globalised world.”

 

 

 

 


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