E-Financial
CSCS Grows Revenue, Profit by 31.3% & 41.4%
Central Securities Clearing System Plc (CSCS) has announced its Audited 2020 Financial Results.
Amidst unprecedented economic and financial market conditions occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Group grew total income by 31.3% year-on-year (YoY) to N12.09 billion.
With profit after tax of N6.93 billion, an incredible 41.4% year-on-year growth, translating to N1.39 earnings per share, the Group delivered 20.3% return on average equity for the 2020 financial year, compared to 15.3% in 2019FY.
Highlights:
Income Statement
-Total Income: N12.09 billion, compared to N9.21 billion in 2019FY (31.3% YoY growth).
– Investment Income: N7.44 billion, an impressive 61.4% YoY growth, compared to N4.61 billion in 2019FY.
– Operating Expenses: N4.72 billion, compared to N3.23 billion in 2019FY (46.0% YoY growth), partly reflecting investments in technology and human capital.
– Profit Before Tax: N7.39 billion, a 22.3% YoY growth, compared to N6.04 billion in 2019FY.
– Profit After Tax: N6.93 billion, compared to N4.90 billion in 2019FY (41.4% YoY growth).
– Return on Average Equity (ROAE): 20.3%, compared to 15.3% in 2019FY.
– Earnings Per Share (EPS): 139 Kobo, compared to 98 Kobo in 2019FY (41.8% YoY growth).
Balance Sheet
-Total Assets: N41.42 billion, compared to N36.61 billion as at 2019FY (13.1% YoY growth).
– Property, Plant and Equipment (plus intangibles) grew 25.0% YoY to N1.35 billion, reflecting continued investments in infrastructure to enhance operational efficiency and resilience.
– Shareholders’ Funds: N35.49 billion, up 7.9% YoY; reflecting strong capacity for organic capital growth.
Commenting on the Group’s performance, Mr. Oscar N. Onyema OON, the Chairman, Board of Directors of CSCS, said;
“It is exciting to report these stellar results. Defying the unprecedented challenges that characterised 2020 financial year, CSCS emerged stronger, delivering outstanding growth in top and bottom-lines, and executing far-reaching initiatives that would sustainably strengthen the competitiveness and resilience of the business.
“Having grown profit by over 41% in such a challenging year to deliver 20.3% return on average equity, the Board of Directors and Management are upbeat about the value accretive prospects of CSCS, and we are enthusiastic that the progress made thus far in repositioning the business to efficiently play a more active and leading role in deepening the Nigerian capital market will be sustained.
“With continuous investments in new technologies, talent, and work environment, we are optimistic on the productivity of CSCS going forward. Subject to shareholders’ approval at the upcoming annual general meeting, the Board is recommending a dividend of N5.85 billion or dividend per share of N1.17, representing a growth of 36% over the N0.86 dividend per share paid from the 2019 financial year earnings.”
While commenting on the Group’s results, Mr Haruna Jalo-Waziri, the Chief Executive Officer, said;
“Amidst the COVID-19 twin threat to lives and livelihoods, and more importantly the attendant challenges in economic and business environment, we outperformed budget, reinforcing our commitment to delivering superior value to our shareholders, irrespective of the odds.
These impressive results reflect our enhanced collaboration with different stakeholders and their unflinching support and loyalty to CSCS, as the core infrastructure for the Nigerian capital market.
Hence, my colleagues and I are excited to dedicate this performance to our esteemed participants, regulator and the Board of Directors, whose support kept us stronger through the pandemic. We would continue to invest in our collective objective of deepening the capital market and broader financial system, even as we seek new and efficient ways of enhancing our partnerships for mutual prosperity.
Having laid a solid foundation over the past three years, we are more than ever optimistic on the prospect of our business, especially as we diversify the business for enhanced resilience against macro and market volatilities.
We will sustain our disciplined cost efficiency culture, in our commitment to delivering sustainable value to shareholders over the long term. We are excited at the 39.0% cost-to-income ratio, despite the impact of exchange rate volatilities and rising headline inflation on our cost base.
“The years ahead look challenging, albeit more promising than ever, as we reinforce our commitment to leveraging best-in-class technologies and our continuous investments in human capital in delivering value to all stakeholders.”
Also commenting on CSCS’ financial performance, the Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Peter O. Medunoye noted;
“We recorded impressive double-digit growth in revenue and profitability, and more importantly recorded continuous improvement across all key performance indicators. We recorded decent growth in income from our CSD and ancillary services whilst also leveraging our ingenuity in effectively positioning the proprietary investment portfolio for growth.
“Delivering 17.7% and 20.3% return on average assets and return on average equity respectively, we are excited at the capacity of the business in generating internal capital to fund the exciting growth ahead.”
Eight leading Nigerian banks collectively set aside N156 billion as impairment charges on their credit and financial assets, marking a significant financial impact amidst a challenging economic environment, in the opening quarter of 2025.
Known commonly as loan losses or credit impairments, these charges highlight the banks’ defensive measures against risks arising from inflation, naira depreciation, and tightened liquidity affecting consumers and businesses alike.
The level of impairment varied considerably across institutions, reflecting divergent risk appetites and credit management practices.
Zenith Bank led with the highest provision of N49.38 billion, an 11.8 percent reduction from the previous year’s N55.97 billion.
This decline may suggest enhanced asset quality or more rigorous loan recovery tactics.
Broken down, loans and advances contributed N35.95 billion to impairments, while investment securities and treasury bills added N7.1 billion and N2.16 billion respectively.
Despite heavy provisioning, Zenith recorded a notable 20.7 percent increase in post-tax profit, soaring from N258.34 billion to N311.83 billion.
Similar trends emerged at First HoldCo, which posted N37.25 billion in impairment (down 11.2 percent), driven mainly by loans and advances provisions of N41.23 billion.
Offsetting this were write-offs and reversals that mitigated losses.
First HoldCo’s profit, however, fell to N171.10 billion from N208.11 billion.
Access Holdings and Guaranty Trust Holding Company also demonstrated reduced impairment charges, indicating stronger credit monitoring.
Access’s net provision dropped 4.5 percent to N21.77 billion, while Guaranty Trust’s impairment stabilized near last year’s N13.42 billion figure.
Yet, Guaranty Trust’s profit plunged 43.6 percent to N258.03 billion, a striking contrast to other banks’ profit growth.
On the other hand, United Bank for Africa (UBA) faced a staggering 332.2 percent surge in impairment, from N3.28 billion to N14.18 billion—pointing to amplified credit risks possibly driven by external economic pressures.
Nonetheless, UBA recorded a 33.1 percent profit uptick to N189.84 billion.
FCMB’s impairment charge fell notably by nearly 60 percent to N9.52 billion, aided by significant recoveries of previously written-off loans, boosting its profit to N32.23 billion.
Meanwhile, Fidelity Bank and Wema Bank posted sharp rises in impairment—285.8 percent and 64.7 percent increases respectively—reflecting heightened write-downs that underscore growing risk exposure amidst portfolio expansions.
Overall, while the cumulative impairment charge diminished by 5.2 percent compared to Q1 2024, individual bank results were mixed, embodying the varied strategies and external pressures in Nigeria’s banking sector.
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has revealed plans to commence investigation into the activities of an entity operating under FF Tiffany, allegedly running a fraudulent investment scheme that has defrauded citizens.
A statement by SEC on Tuesday in Abuja said preliminary information revealed that the scheme, which promised investors unusually high and unrealistic returns, had resulted in the loss of several billions of naira.
The SEC said it viewed the activity as a threat to investor confidence and the overall integrity of the financial system.
The commission assured the public that it was working closely with law enforcement agencies and other relevant bodies to bring everyone involved in the unlawful operation to justice.
According to SEC, those found culpable will be prosecuted in accordance with Investment and Securities Act (ISA) and regulatory provisions.
SEC reiterated its earlier warnings to the general public to desist from engaging in Ponzi or unregistered investment schemes that promised guaranteed or exaggerated returns.
”These schemes are not registered with the SEC and do not offer investor protection under the law.
“The commission is currently investigating 79 schemes and will make a statement on its findings at the conclusion of the investigation,” the SEC said.
The commission encouraged investors to conduct due diligence and verify the registration status of any investment firm or product by visiting the SEC website or contacting the commission directly through official channels.
SEC said it remained committed to its mandate of protecting investors, ensuring fair practices, and maintaining confidence in Nigeria’s capital market.
Accion Microfinance Bank has unveiled AccionMonie, a next-generation digital financial services platform aimed at empowering individuals, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), as well as low-income households across Nigeria.
Speaking at the official launch in Abuja, Chief Executive Officer of Accion MfB, Taiwo Joda, described the introduction of AccionMonie as a significant milestone and a testament to the bank’s culture of innovation, designed to meet the evolving needs of its customers.
“At Accion Microfinance Bank, we believe in the potential of every MSME to drive inclusive economic growth. That is why we are committed to empowering them with the financial support they need to grow, innovate, and make a lasting impact in their communities and beyond,” Joda said.
He added that the app provides instant access to essential services including loans, savings, and other forms of financial support.
According to Joda, AccionMonie is a strategic component of the bank’s “Always There to Lend You a Hand” campaign, which underscores its commitment to small business development and the economic upliftment of underserved households. The campaign positions Accion MfB as not only a financial institution but also a trusted partner in its customers’ journey to prosperity.
Highlighting the economic role of MSMEs in Nigeria, he noted that with an estimated 37 million MSMEs, the sector accounts for 86% of employment and contributes 48% to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). However, these enterprises continue to face major challenges such as limited access to finance, inadequate infrastructure, and an unfavourable business environment.
Also speaking at the launch, the bank’s Chief Commercial Officer, Stephen Olalere, said the combination of AccionMonie and the bank’s expansive network of over 74 branches across 12 states will help bridge the gap in financial service delivery to small businesses.
“The platform’s user-friendly features are designed to simplify payments and offer vital support to businesses and individuals alike,” he said.
Paul Ehiagbonare, Chief Digital Officer of the bank, described the launch as a bold step toward digital leadership and financial empowerment.
“For us, AccionMonie reflects customer empowerment through digital tools and technologies. It offers a range of customer-focused features designed to promote financial inclusion,” he said.
One of its standout features is Save2Loan, which allows users to save between ₦50,000 and ₦250,000 over a 90-day period and become eligible for a loan worth twice their saved amount. This, Ehiagbonare explained, will help promote a savings culture while enhancing credit access.
In addition, customers can conveniently fund their AccionMonie accounts using any debit card, eliminating the need for physical visits or long queues in banking halls.
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