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Eight banks sanctioned by NSE amounting to N102m

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The Nigerian Stock Exchange has sanctioned eight banks with fines totalling N102.7m for failing to file their financial statements at the regulatory date.

The Exchange launched its new sanction regime for the delay in submission of companies’ results on January 1, 2018, saying companies might pay fines ranging from N100, 000 to more than N100m as penalties for delay in the submission of their corporate earnings reports.

The NSE requires quoted companies to file their unaudited quarterly accounts not later than 30 calendar days after the relevant quarter.

The account should also be published within five business days after the date of filing in at least two national daily newspapers, and post it on the company’s website, with the web address disclosed in the newspaper publication.

Under the new rules, late submission attracts N9m in the first 90 days, N18m in the next 90 days and N400, 000 per day until the date of submission.

Data obtained from the NSE revealed that the total amount of fines due this year was N341.6m, while the carried forward amount of last year was N424.9m, bringing the total amount due from fines to N766.5m.

The Exchange said it applied sanctions in accordance with the Rules for Filing of Accounts and Treatment of Default Filing, Rulebook of The Exchange (Issuers’ Rules).

The data showed that of the eight banks sanctioned, Unity Bank Plc owed the highest amount of N80.2m.

At different times this year, the bank was fined N200,000; N9.8m, N29m, and N40.7m.

It, however, had an outstanding fine of N500,000 from 2017, which it was sanctioned for filing its audited 2016 financial statement late.

Trading in the shares of the bank was suspended on November 1 but was lifted on November 2, 2018, after the bank submitted its financial statements.

The bank explained that the delay in filing its financial statements was occasioned by certain corporate actions, some of which were the ongoing discussions with prospective investors.

It said these led to the extensive reviews by its primary regulator.

A review of the bank’s financial statements showed that its total assets dropped by 68.23 per cent from N492.681bn in 2016 to N156.506bn in 2017.

Customer deposits dropped to N252.31bn from N264.196bn in 2016, indicating a decline in patronage.

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Unity Bank, Mrs Tomi Somefun, argued that the bank had recorded recognition, public acceptance and diverse patronage that had not been enjoyed in the last three years.

She said a reflection of that could not be seen in the revenues because of the challenges of huge non-performing loans the bank had to contend with.

Diamond Bank Plc followed as the second highly sanctioned bank with a N7.3m fine.

The bank had an outstanding fine of N2.4m from 2017, added to the N3.8m and N1.1m fines it received at different times this year.

Fidelity Bank Plc followed, with a N6.2m fine, the breakdown of which showed a carried forward amount of N700,000 from 2017.

Union Bank was fined N4.7m for late filing of its audited 2017 and first quarter 2018 financial statements, while FBN Holdings Plc was fined N2.1m for failing to file its audited 2017 financial statements as and when due.

Sterling Bank Plc, Wema Bank Plc, and First City Monument Bank Plc were efined N1.3m, N800,000, and N100,000 respectively for late filing of their audited 2017 financial statements.

Source: Punch

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Flutterwave Powers Local Businesses in Ghana Through Pay With Bank Transfer

Reporter: Ikenna Ugwu

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Flutterwave Ghana
Flutterwave Ghana

Flutterwave, a leading payments technology company in Africa, has broadened its reach in Ghana through the integration of Pay With Bank Transfer, done in partnership with Affinity Bank.

With over 115 million bank transfer payments recorded in Ghana in 2023, this move will ensure that Flutterwave businesses in Ghana can now receive payments seamlessly and securely through a rapidly growing payment method. While Mobile Money leads as the preferred payment type for everyday transactions in Ghana, the recent growth in transactions for Pay With Bank Transfer symbolizes the expanding payment options available for Ghanaian businesses.  

Flutterwave has a track record of driving innovation in the African finance ecosystem, and this new development promises versatility, thereby expanding the pool of customers available to businesses. As a preferred payment method, it also promises faster payments while providing access to a more secure process of transacting which benefits both the sender and the receiver (business).

We are excited to extend our services to the Ghanaian market” says Olugbenga Agboola, Flutterwave Founder & CEOAt Flutterwave, we are driven by the vision of building Africa’s economy. By making payment options like Pay With Bank Transfer available for everyday use, we are expanding access to payments and enabling local businesses to thrive in the economy”

By establishing this strategic partnership,  Flutterwave aims to drive the adoption of the Pay With Bank Transfer option in Ghana, using virtual accounts to allow for secure and transparent payments. This will provide enterprises and small businesses with a simpler way to receive payments and give their customers a seamless process of making payments.

Geoffrey Fiador, Manager, Country Operations and Partnerships, at Flutterwave stated: “By delivering essential payment options like Pay With Bank Transfer for businesses in Ghana, we’re providing an easy way for them to increase their revenue opportunities to grow their businesses. ”

This announcement comes at the heels of Flutterwave’s recent approval by the Bank of Ghana to provide inward remittance services. With a track record of success across Africa, Flutterwave continues to be a trusted partner for businesses in over 34 countries, providing the tools and expertise necessary for success in the dynamic African market.

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Stanbic IBTC Capital leads Presco PLC’s ₦82.9 Billion Bond Issuance to drive West African market growth

Reporter: SANDRA ANI

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Presco and Stanbic Capital
L-r: Oladele Sotubo, Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Capital; Kenneth Ugo, Investor Relations Manager, Presco PLC; Olaronke Arigbede, Group Treasurer, SIAT Group; Reji George, Managing Director/CEO, Presco PLC; Felix Nwabuko, Group CEO, SIAT Group and Bayo Ajayi, Chief Executive Officer, Rand Merchant Bank Nigeria Limited, during the signing ceremony of Presco PLC’s ₦82.9 billion 7-year 23.75% Series I Bond held recently in Lagos.

Presco PLC (Presco or the “Company”), has achieved a significant milestone with the successful issuance of its ₦82,896,000,000 7-year 23.75% senior unsecured fixed rate Series I Bonds under its ₦150 billion bond issuance programme (the “Transaction”) with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Stanbic IBTC Capital Limited (“Stanbic IBTC Capital”) acted as the Lead Issuing House on the Programme.

The proceeds from the Transaction will enable the Company fund its acquisition of a 100% equity stake in Ghana Oil Palm Development Company (GOPDC), further supporting its strategic expansion objectives.

Speaking on the transaction registration, Mr Reji George, Managing Director / CEO, Presco PLC commented:

“The successful completion of our Series 1 Bond issuance solidifies Presco’s foundation for continued growth and expansion. Aligned with our strategic objectives of increasing our planted area of palm oil and, to lead Africa in the fully integrated edible oil and fats business in the nearest future, the proceeds from this issuance will be primarily directed towards the acquisition of a majority equity stake in the Ghana Oil Palm Development Company (GOPDC).

This not only enhances our operational efficiencies, It also solidifies our market presence and competitive advantage in the palm oil sector beyond Nigeria. Most importantly, this will enable us to better serve our valued customers and deliver sustainable value to our shareholders. We extend our sincere gratitude to Stanbic IBTC Capital and all our advisors for their support throughout this process.”

Also speaking on the transaction registration, Oladele Sotubo, Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Capital, said:

“Stanbic IBTC Capital is proud to have advised Presco PLC on the successful issuance of its ₦82.9 billion Series 1 bond. As the largest local currency corporate bond issuance in the Nigerian market in recent years, this milestone underscores our deep expertise in capital markets and our commitment to delivering innovative, high-impact financial solutions.

Beyond reinforcing Presco’s strategic growth, this transaction enhances funding diversification within the agricultural sector, driving sustainable industry expansion. We appreciate Presco PLC’s trust in Stanbic IBTC Capital and the consortium of advisors who contributed to the successful execution of this landmark deal.

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Flutterwave Activates American Express Payments for its Merchants in Nigeria

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Olugbenga GB Agboola, CEO Flutterwave
Olugbenga GB Agboola, CEO Flutterwave

Flutterwave, Africa’s leading payments technology company, has announced today that its online merchants in Nigeria can now accept American Express payments.

American Express Card Members – with consumer, business, or corporate cards – will be able to make payments directly to e-commerce businesses using Flutterwave in Nigeria.

This service will also be available to Flutterwave merchants in other countries including Tanzania, Rwanda, Ghana and Uganda in the near future.

This collaboration facilitates online transactions and offers a range of benefits for both merchants and online shoppers:

  • Flutterwave merchants can attract business from a new customer base of American Express Card Members in Africa and around the world. This includes consumers with personal cards and spenders with business or corporate products. Terms and conditions apply.
  • For shoppers, there is more choice when it comes to being able to select their preferred method of payment when transacting with Flutterwave merchants. This collaboration strengthens the American Express global network and increases the number of locations across Africa that can be used by American Express Card Members to purchase a range of different goods and services.

Speaking on the development, Olugbenga ‘GB’ Agboola, Founder and CEO, Flutterwave, said:“At Flutterwave, we’re always looking for ways to connect the world to Africa through payments. This is one of our initiatives to ensure that more people across the world can pay using Flutterwave in Africa. We understand the value of providing shoppers with payment methods that work for them, as well as helping businesses to expand their customer bases. This collaboration also provides more options of where to shop and what to buy to American Express card holders across the globe. By offering American Express as a method of payment, Flutterwave will make the payment process faster and simpler for American Express card holders, and improve the experience for e-commerce businesses using Flutterwave, helping them to start locally and sell globally.”

On his part, Briana Wilsey, Vice President and General Manager of Global Network Services EMEA at American Express, said: “American Express continues to expand in Africa to enable greater payment choice for businesses and consumers. Through the agreement with Flutterwave, a trusted payment provider, we are giving e-commerce merchants in Nigeria the opportunity to reach American Express Card Members around the world. The collaboration is a win-win because it also increases the number of places where our Card Members can use their Cards in Nigeria.”

Flutterwave and American Express share similar visions; to enable businesses across the world to expand their operations in Africa and other emerging markets through a platform that enables local and cross-border transactions via one Application Programming Interface (API).

Flutterwave has processed over 630M transactions in excess of USD $31B, serves global and African customers like Uber, Air Peace, Bamboo, PiggyVest, and across various industries. On the other hand, American Express is a globally integrated payments company, providing customers with access to products, insights and experiences that enrich lives and build business success.

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