E-Financial
Union Bank Reports 461% Growth in PBT in Q3, 2023
Union Bank Plc has announced a significant financial performance for the third quarter ending September 30, 2023. The bank reported a profit before tax (PBT) of N102.3 billion, reflecting an impressive growth of 461.1 percent compared to the PBT of N18.2 billion in the corresponding period of 2022. This notable achievement is attributed to a surge in gross earnings, which reached N309.1 billion, marking a 120 percent increase from N140.6 billion in 2022.
The financial highlights further showed a substantial rise in non-interest income, soaring to N144 billion from N28.3 billion in the same period of 2022, denoting an exceptional growth of 409 percent. Net operating income after impairments also experienced a remarkable upswing by 121 percent, reaching ₦168.7 billion, compared to N76.3 billion in 2022.
Operating expenses increased by 14.2 percent to ₦66.4 billion, attributable to factors such as the inflationary environment, elevated power costs, and non-discretionary regulatory expenses. Despite this, the bank demonstrated a robust performance with gross loans escalating by 38.1 percent to ₦1.38 trillion, and deposits witnessing a substantial 30 percent increase, reaching ₦1.93 trillion, a testament to the unwavering confidence of customers in the brand.
Commenting on the results, Mudassir Amray, Managing Director and CEO, expressed satisfaction with the strong financial results, citing a record-breaking revenue increase and impressive profitability figures. He attributed these achievements to the bank’s strategic positioning of the balance sheet, effective liability generation, and the creation of responsible risk assets.
Amray emphasised that the growth in revenue and profitability exceeded expectations, underscoring the success of the wholesale banking strategy. Non-interest income saw a phenomenal surge of 409 percent, reaching ₦144 billion. The CEO highlighted the bank’s customer-centric approach, robust product portfolio, and innovative channels as key contributors to the 30 percent growth in customer deposits.
The bank remains well-capitalized with a capital adequacy ratio (CAR) of 15.4 percent, and non-performing loans remain below the regulatory limit at 3.7 percent. Amray expressed optimism about the future, citing strong business fundamentals, a customer-centric approach, and a dedicated team that positions the bank to seize opportunities in the evolving market.
In addressing the merger of Union Bank of Nigeria and Titan Trust Bank, Amray indicated that the process is nearing completion, with all regulatory requirements being fulfilled. He believes that the merger will further strengthen the bank’s position and financial performance.
He said: “We remain optimistic about the future and are confident in our ability to sustain momentum. Our strong business fundamentals, customer-centric approach, and dedicated team puts us in a solid position to seize the opportunities in this rapidly evolving market. On the merger of Union Bank of Nigeria and Titan Trust Bank, we are fast approaching the finalisation of the process and are fulfilling all the regulatory requirements. We believe that the merger will strengthen our position and financial performance.”
“Net operating income after impairments increased by 121 percent to ₦ 168.7 billion from ₦76.3 billion in September 2022 on the back of increased net revenue across our key business segments – corporate, retail and SME. Although our operating expenses increased by 14 percent to ₦66.4 billion compared to ₦58.1 billion in September 2023, we significantly improved our Cost to Income Ratio to 39.3 percent from 76.1 percent recorded in September 2022. This improvement was due to our effective management of costs, implementation of efficiency measures, optimisation opportunities, and strong revenue growth. The high inflationary environment, non-discretionary regulatory costs, and power costs mainly caused the increase in operating expenses.
“The Bank maintained a solid balance sheet position as Gross Loans grew strongly by 38.1 percent to ₦1.4 trillion compared to ₦.1.0 trillion in December 2022 and Customer deposits by 30 percent on the back of increased New-to-Bank customers, sales promotion, and product patronage. Given the unwavering confidence our customers have bestowed on us, we are confident of finishing the year strong. The Bank will continue to invest in technology to improve customer interactions across our channels and drive efficiency.”
PalmPay, a leading digital banking platform in Africa has announced the launch of strategic partnerships with top-tier insurance providers to offer accessible, affordable and simplified insurance products directly within the PalmPay app.
This initiative reflects the brand’s continued commitment to deepening financial inclusion and underscores its mission to improve the wellbeing of everyday Nigerians.
With only about 8.9% of Nigerians currently covered by any form of health insurance, the country remains one of the least insured populations in Africa. Barriers such as low awareness, affordability challenges, and trust issues continue to hinder broader adoption of insurance products.
PalmPay’s new insurance offering directly addresses these challenges by simplifying the purchase and management of insurance policies within the app. The PalmPay insurance feature is designed to make essential coverage, from health to device, and life insurance easily accessible at affordable prices, eliminating the traditional complexities often associated with insurance.
“Insurance is often perceived as complex or inaccessible, especially among underserved communities.” said Habib Kowontan, Head of Wealth Product at PalmPay. “Through these partnerships, we aim to break down those barriers by offering simple, reliable and affordable insurance options that are easily accessible within the PalmPay app.”
With over 35 million users across Nigeria, PalmPay continues to evolve as a smart, consumer-first digital banking platform. The integration of insurance services complements its growing suite of offerings, which includes transfers, bill payments, high-interest savings, and debit card services, making PalmPay one of the most comprehensive digital banking platforms in the African market.
“Our goal at PalmPay is to remove barriers and make essential services easily accessible to everyone,” said Mr Chika Nwosu, Managing Director of PalmPay. “Through these strategic partnerships, we’re expanding our services to be more inclusive and empowering our users with products that will positively impact their lives and finances.”
This rollout marks a significant milestone in PalmPay’s broader strategy to empower users with tools that enhance their daily lives. Building not just a payments app, but a smart and trusted financial partner for millions of Nigerians.
In a timely gesture aimed at improving the plight of internally displaced persons (IDP) in Benue State, leading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc, has distributed mattresses and essential food items to over 2,000 victims of the Yelwata attacks currently taking refuge at the Ultra-Modern International Market IDP Camp in Makurdi.
Team Lead, CSR, Fidelity Bank Plc, Victoria Abuka (Left); CEO, The Abbasid Charity Foundation, Hauwa Abbas (Centre); and Branch Leader, Fidelity Bank Plc, Makurdi, Terwase (Right), representing the Regional Bank Head, North Central, Sadi Zawiya, with some beneficiaries during the Fidelity Food Bank distribution event in Makurdi, Benue State recently.
The donation, which was carried out in collaboration with the Abbasid Charity Foundation, is part of Fidelity Bank’s ongoing commitment to supporting vulnerable communities through its flagship Fidelity Food Bank program. Since its launch in April 2023, the Food Bank has distributed over 200,000 food packs to beneficiaries across Nigeria’s six geo-political zones.
Speaking about the donation event, the bank’s Divisional Head, Brand and Communications, Dr. Meksley Nwagboh reaffirmed Fidelity Bank’s dedication to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and its mission to uplift communities.
His words, “Since its launch, the Fidelity Food Bank initiative has helped to alleviate the effect of poverty and malnutrition across the country. We are honored to be back in Benue State to continue this impactful initiative, and we hope that today’s donation brings much-needed relief and comfort to the beneficiaries during this difficult time”.
In her remarks, the Executive Officer, the Abbasid Charity Foundation, Mrs. Hawa Abbas, emphasized the importance of restoring dignity to the displaced, stating that the donation of mattresses was to ensure the IDPs no longer sleep on bare floors.
“This gesture is our way of letting the displaced persons know that they are not forgotten. We care deeply for them, and we hope this donation offers some comfort and hope, even in these difficult circumstances,” Abbas noted.
The Executive Secretary of the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Dr. James Iorpuu, who was represented by Camp Manager, Mr. Robert Nyom, expressed deep appreciation to Fidelity Bank and the Abbasid Charity Foundation for their timely support.
“Your intervention has brought much-needed relief to the camp and we thank you for your compassion and generosity towards improving the welfare of the displaced persons,” he said.
The bank’s outreach to the International Market IDP Camp in Makurdi represents the most recent of its ongoing critical and timely interventions. Previously, through its Food Bank Initiative, the bank provided essential food items to more than 1,500 residents impacted by the recent flood disaster in Mokwa, Niger State.
Ranked among the best banks in Nigeria, Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged Commercial Deposit Money Bank serving over 9.1 million customers through digital banking channels, its 255 business offices in Nigeria and United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.
The Bank is the recipient of multiple local and international Awards, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award by BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards; the 2024 Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application award for its Fidelity Mobile App by Global Business Outlook, and the 2024 Most Innovative Investment Banking Service Provider award by Global Brands Magazine. Additionally, the Bank was recognized as the Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence and as the Export Financing Bank of the Year by the BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.
US Secret Service has quietly seized nearly $400 million in digital assets over the past decade, amassing one of the world’s largest crypto cold wallets, Bloomberg reported at the weekend, citing people familiar with the matter.
The agency’s Global Investigative Operations Center (GIOC) has tracked funds through open-source tools, blockchain analysis, and patience, Jamie Lam, an investigative analyst with the US Secret Service, reportedly told law enforcement officials in Bermuda last month.
The agency’s crypto trove, much of which sits in a single cold-storage wallet, results from a string of investigations into scams. Scammers lure targets into seemingly legitimate crypto investment platforms in one typical scheme.
Victims often see initial profits before the sites vanish with their deposits.
“That’s how they do it,” Lam said. “They’ll send you a photo of a really good-looking guy or girl. But it’s probably some old guy in Russia.”
Lam’s team uses domain records, blockchain transactions, and VPN slip-ups to identify fraudsters. In one case, a cryptocurrency payment led investigators to another wallet. In another one, a brief VPN failure exposed an IP address, helping agents piece together the scam’s digital trail.
At the helm of the Secret Service’s crypto strategy is Kali Smith, who directs a team that has trained officials in over 60 countries to unmask online financial crimes.
The agency has focused on jurisdictions with weak oversight or programs selling residency to foreign nationals. “Sometimes after just a week-long training, they can be like, ‘Wow, we didn’t even realize that this is occurring in our country,’” Smith said.
The Secret Service’s work has uncovered scams ranging from romance-investment schemes to sextortion cases. One investigation involved an Idaho teenager who sent a nude photo to an online stranger. The scammer extorted $300 twice before the teen went to the police.
Analysts traced the payments through another coerced teenager acting as a money mule, leading to an account tied to nearly $4.1 million in transactions under a Nigerian passport.
British police arrested the suspected extortionist when he arrived in Guildford, England, where he remains in custody pending extradition.
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