CEM REPORT, FINANCE |Â The Nigerian banking sector is poised for a period of potential transformation as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) contemplates raising the minimum capital adequacy ratio (CAR) for licensed institutions. This recapitalization, outlined by CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso, aims to bolster the financial resilience of Nigerian banks and equip them to effectively support the nation’s ambitious $1 trillion economic target by 2026.
Currently, the minimum CAR varies based on the type of banking license held. Regional banks require a minimum of ₦10 billion, national banks ₦25 billion, and international banks N50 billion. The proposed increase, if enacted, would mark the first significant revision since the 2004 banking reforms, which saw a substantial rise in the minimum CAR from ₦2 billion to ₦25 billion. This prior reform significantly reshaped the landscape, fostering a wave of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) that ultimately reduced the number of banks operating in Nigeria from 89 to 25.
Recapitalization potential impact
A recent report by Ernst and Young (EY), a leading global professional services firm, sheds light on the potential impact of the proposed recapitalization. Entitled “Navigating the Horizon: Charting the Course for Banks amid Plans for Recapitalization,” the report suggests that a substantial portion of Nigerian banks may face challenges meeting the stricter capital requirements. In a “worst-case scenario” modeled by EY, assuming a 15x increase in the capital adequacy ratio, as many as 17 of the existing 24 banks could fall short of the new threshold.
Industry Experts Analyze Potential Impact and Strategic Options
Financial analysts posit that the proposed increase likely stems from the recent devaluation of the Nigerian naira. The EY report highlights the significant disparity in exchange rates between the 2005 recapitalization (₦132.9/USD) and the current market (over d1400/USD). This necessitates a higher capital base to maintain financial stability in the face of a weaker currency.
[READ ALSO] Naira/Dollar: Official and Parallel Market Rates Converge at ₦1,615
The EY report outlines a range of potential recapitalization strategies for banks that may struggle to meet the revised requirements. These options include:
Mergers and Acquisitions: Smaller banks could leverage M&A activity to consolidate resources and create more robust entities.
Initial Public Offerings (IPOs): Banks could raise fresh capital by issuing shares to the public for the first time.
Placements and/or Rights Issues: Existing shareholders could be offered the opportunity to acquire new shares at a discounted price.
Undistributed Profits (Retained Earnings): Banks may utilize their retained earnings to bolster their capital base and meet the new requirements.
While the report anticipates an uptick in M&A activity, it suggests the scale may be less extensive compared to the 2004 reforms. This is attributed to the “relatively strong financial positions” of many banks today and the consolidation that has already occurred within the sector over the past decade.
Banks Proactively Respond: Capital Raising and M&A Discussions
The prospect of increased capital requirements has already prompted proactive measures from some banks. Fidelity Bank, for instance, recently announced plans to raise additional capital through a public offering and rights issue. Additionally, reports suggest that preliminary discussions regarding potential mergers and acquisitions are underway within the banking sector.
The CBN’s final decision on capital adequacy requirements will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the trajectory of the Nigerian banking sector. The coming months will be critical as banks navigate these potential changes and determine the optimal strategies to ensure their continued success and contribution to the nation’s economic aspirations.
