FCMB Group Plc has crossed the ₦200 billion capital requirement needed to retain its national banking licence, meeting a key condition under the Central Bank of Nigeria’s ongoing banking recapitalisation programme.
The milestone comes as the Central Bank of Nigeria recapitalisation policy, introduced in 2024, moves toward its March 31, 2026 compliance deadline. Under the framework, banks must hold a minimum of ₦200 billion in capital for a national licence and ₦500 billion for an international licence.
Regulatory filings show that FCMB met the national benchmark after completing a ₦147.5 billion public share offer in 2024. This clears the bank’s flagship subsidiary to continue operating nationwide without interruption.
A group spokesperson said the achievement secures FCMB’s domestic operations while allowing the bank to pursue the higher capital threshold required for an international licence. According to the group, the national licence compliance removes immediate regulatory pressure and provides stability for the next phase of expansion.
To reach the ₦500 billion international licence requirement, FCMB has launched a ₦160 billion share offer in late 2025 and obtained shareholder approval to raise up to ₦400 billion, subject to regulatory clearance. Analysts say the phased approach allows the bank to align capital raising with market conditions while maintaining operational continuity.
The recapitalisation exercise has produced mixed strategies across Nigeria’s banking sector. Tier-one lenders such as Access Bank, Zenith Bank, and Guaranty Trust Bank have already met the international licence threshold, while several mid-tier banks are adopting staggered compliance plans similar to FCMB’s.
Market observers note that FCMB’s strengthened capital base positions it to expand lending, support digital banking initiatives, and deepen its presence in Nigeria’s corporate and retail segments.
With national licence compliance secured and additional capital raising underway, FCMB’s progress reflects the broader restructuring of Nigeria’s banking industry as regulators push for stronger balance sheets, improved resilience, and increased capacity to support economic growth.
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