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Fidelity Bank Reports N124.3Bn Pre-Tax Profit for 2023

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Fidelity Bank Plc has recorded a profit before tax of N124.3 billion for the year ended December 31, 2023, indicating a 131.5 per cent increase from N53.7 billion posted in the 2022 financial year.

Fidelity Bank Reports N124.3Bn Pre-Tax Profit for 2023

The bank disclosed this in its 2023 full year audited financial statement issued to the Nigerian Exchange Ltd. (NGX) on Tuesday in Lagos.

Fidelity Bank said it would also pay investors a final dividend of 60k per share and a total dividend of 85 kobo per share for the reporting period.

This represents a 70 per cent increase compared to the 50 kobo per share paid to its shareholders in the previous year.

The financial institution stated that this led to an increase in return on average equity of 26.5 per cent in the year under review from 15.6 per cent in the corresponding year.

According to the financial statement, the bank’s gross earnings increased by 64.9 per cent year over year to N555.83 billion.

The bank stated that this was driven by 81.6 per cent growth in net interest income which increased from N152.7 billion in year 2022 to N277.37 billion in the 2023 financial year.

This led to a profit after tax of N99.45 billion, representing a 112.9 per cent annual growth.

Commenting on the performance, Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, managing director of Fidelity Bank, said the financial institution closed the financial year with strong double-digit growth across key income and balance-sheet lines.

Ms Onyeali-Ikpe stated that the bank’s performance in 2023 was an attestation of its capacity to deliver superior returns to shareholders despite the difficulties in our operating environment.

She said, “A review of the financial performance showed that the bank grew its net interest income by 81.6 per cent to N277.4 billion. This was driven by a 55.5 per cent increase in interest income, thus reflecting a steady rise in asset yield throughout the year.

“The average funding cost dropped by 20bps to 4.4 per cent due to increased low-cost funds that grew from 83.6 per ent in 2022 to 97.4 per cent in 2023.

“The combination of higher asset yield and lower funding cost led to an increase in net interest margin of 8.1 per cent from 6.3 per cent in 2022 financial year.”

According to her, the total customer deposits crossed the N4 trillion mark, as deposits grew by 55.6 per cent from N2.6 trillion in 2022.

She noted that the increase was driven by 81.1 per cent growth in low-cost funds.

Mrs Onyeali-Ikpe explained that despite the challenging operating environment, the bank reaffirmed its devotion to helping individuals grow and inspiring businesses to thrive.

She said the bank also committed to empowering economies to prosper by increasing net loans and advances to N3.1 trillion from N2.1 trillion in the 2022 financial year.

The managing director stated that despite the growth in its loan portfolio, regulatory ratios were maintained well above the required thresholds.

Mrs Onyeali-Ikpe noted that the bank liquidity ratio stood at 45.3 per cent in the year ended 2023, from 39.6 per cent in the year 2022, while the capital adequacy ratio rose to 16.2 per cent, compared to the minimum requirement of 15.0 per cent.

“We recognise the changing dynamics in the Nigerian banking space and the need to monitor and proactively manage evolving risks. The proposed final dividend of 60 kobo per share reflects our commitment to strong value creation and returns to our shareholders.

“Fidelity Bank has consistently paid dividends since 2006,” she said.

 

 

 

 

 

 


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E-Financial

MoneyMaster PSB Celebrates Customers at Owode Onirin Market

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In commemoration of the 2024 Customer Service Week, an annual celebration by businesses to appreciate customers’ loyalty and patronage, the MoneyMaster Payment Service Bank team on Friday visited the leaders of Owode Onirin iron and steel market in Lagos.

The team used the opportunity to educate traders and visitors on financial literacy and savings. Various banking channels and services were also introduced to them, while new account holders and transaction were rewarded with airtime and gifts.

Julius Arhebun, Head of Agency Business, MoneyMaster PSB, who spoke on Customer Service Week said: “As a customer-centric financial services brand, MoneyMaster is committed to delivering exceptional services, impactful lifestyle products and financial advisory services that help our customers to achieve their financial goals”.

He added that “As a digital bank, service is a competitive pivot for us and we pride ourselves as a beacon of excellence in customer experience. The bank will continue to introduce initiatives to reward and celebrate the millions of account holders who continue to trust us with their heard earned money”.

Alhaji Gafaru Waheed, Owode Onirin Market leader, praised MoneyMaster’s performance and support: “I’m delighted to associate with MoneyMaster. They’ve been supportive, and I enjoy our banking relationship.”

A leading digital financial services provider, MoneyMaster PSB is committed to deepening financial inclusion, bridging gaps between banked, underbanked and unbanked populations and transforming lives through innovative products and services.

 


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PalmPay MD Urges Fintech Leaders to Boost Investor Confidence for Increased Investment Across Africa

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PalmPay, an African-focused fintech company, has underscored the need for founders within the fintech ecosystem to boost investors’ confidence to drive more investment across the continent, saying that working closely with investors is vital to creating value.

Speaking at the recently concluded 2024 Nigeria Fintech Week in Lagos, Nigeria, held on October 8th and 10th, 2024, Managing Director, PalmPay Nigeria, Chika Nwosu stated that “The fintech ecosystem is not saturated but founders need to be mindful of building investor’s confidence amid currency devaluation and rising interest rates.

“We have seen that most of the currencies of sub-Saharan Africa have plummeted against the US dollar, including the Egyptian pound, Naira, Rand, Cedi, Congolese franc, and Kenyan shilling. This devaluation is impacting the value of investments, which in turn, lowers investor confidence and makes it difficult for fintech startups to secure funding.

Nwosu, who participated in a high-profile panel discussion themed “Safeguarding the Funding Pipeline for Fintech in Africa”, stated that founders can mitigate these challenges by diversifying their revenue streams and expanding into multiple geographical regions.

He noted that relying solely on one market can expose companies to regional economic volatility.

“By entering diverse markets, fintechs can spread their risk and minimize the impact of instability in any single region,” he said.

He gave the example of Palmpay being operational not only in Nigeria but also in Tanzania, Ghana, and other markets.

The 2024 Nigeria Fintech Week held under the overarching theme “Positioning Africa’s Fintech Ecosystem to Accelerate Growth,”  with a key focus on seeking more investors who see the long-term value of investing in Africa. The conference brought together industry leaders, policymakers, investors, and innovators to chart the future of Africa’s financial technology landscape.

According to the President of FintechNGR, Ade Bajomo, “Investments in the fintech sector in Africa declined significantly, dropping 77% to US$186 million from US$826 million in H1 2023. The number of deals decreased 30% year-on-year and average deal size fell to US$4 million in H1 2024 from US$10.5 million in H1 2023. However, we still have many growth opportunities in the continent.”

The panel session also weighed in on the need for founders to continuously engage with policy makers and regulators to stay informed.


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9 Payment Service Bank Celebrates 2024 Customer Service Week with Impressive Activities

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9 Payment Service Bank (9PSB), Nigeria’s leading digital payment service bank dedicated to advancing financial inclusion, celebrated the 2024 Customer Service Week, themed: “Above and Beyond.”

The celebration featured recognition of top performing Service Location Partners, an informative webinar for staff and partners, alongside cultural activities that underscored the bank’s dedication to exceptional customer service.

The week-long celebration, which took place from October 7th to 11th, united organizations worldwide to recognize the essential role of customers and partners in driving business success.

At the closing ceremony held at the bank’s headquarters in Lagos, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Branka Mracajac highlighted the significance of this year’s theme, which aligns with 9PSB’s mission to provide outstanding banking services.

“We are proud to join organizations around the world in expressing our heartfelt gratitude to our customers and Service Location Partners for their steadfast support and loyalty,” Mracajac stated.

“Our commitment to going ‘above and beyond’ is reflected in our innovative and tailored banking solutions. Our customer experience team is dedicated to ensuring that every interaction is positive and fulfilling.

Mracajac further remarked, “Today, we honour our customers and recognize our exceptional partners whose contributions have been integral to our success. Your efforts are invaluable, and we remain committed to delivering quality and outstanding service as we collectively strive to bridge the financial inclusion gap through our mission to Bank9ja.’”


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