July 16, 2024/Coronation Research

Nigeria’s economic growth story is built on a solid foundation – well-capitalised banks. These banks act like well-stocked irrigation systems, channelling essential funds towards critical sectors and ensuring the economy flourishes. 

Firm capital reserves empower banks to lend confidently, directing those funds like life-giving water to propel growth. 

This becomes especially clear when considering the staggering growth of electronic transactions in Nigeria, which reached a massive ₦600 trillion in 2023 (a 55% increase year over year, according to NIBSS data). 

Banks act as intermediaries, bridging the gap between savers and borrowers, providing liquidity, facilitating payments, and supporting investment and growth. This is evident in the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) records, which show that banks extended a total credit of N44.54 trillion in 2023.

Why Bank Capital Matters For Financial Stability

Banks are like a bridge, connecting lenders (depositors) with borrowers. Strong, well-maintained pillars are crucial for a safe passage. In the world of banking, these pillars are bank capital.

Bank Capital refers to the financial resources a bank sets aside to act as a buffer against potential losses and to support its day-to-day operations.   Imagine it as a safety net. It is  comprised of several key components:

Common Equity: The money shareholders have invested directly in the bank. It represents the ownership stake in the bank and is the first line of defence if losses occur. Think of it as the foundation of the bank’s financial strength.

Retained Earnings: This is the profit a bank has earned and decided to keep rather than paying out as dividends to shareholders. These retained earnings are like accumulated savings, growing the bank’s financial reserves over time.

Certain Types of Loans: While most loans are considered liabilities for a bank (money owed to depositors), some specific types of loans, particularly those that can be converted into equity if necessary, can contribute to a bank’s capital. These act as a secondary line of defence if the primary capital is depleted.

Higher capital levels make banks more resistant to financial challenges, enabling them to lend more confidently and potentially offer better loan terms. 

How is Bank Capital Categorised? 

The Basel III framework categorises bank capital into tiers based on their loss-absorbing capacity: 

Tier 1 Capital – a bank’s core capital, which consists of shareholders’ equity and retained earnings; it is of the highest quality and can be liquidated quickly.

Tier 2 Capital – supplementary capital, i.e., less reliable than tier 1 capital. A bank’s total capital is calculated as a sum of its tier 1 and tier 2 capital.

Leading banks go beyond minimum regulatory requirements, assessing their capital needs based on risk profiles. 

This proactive approach ensures they have enough resources to navigate market fluctuations and challenges, contributing to a more stable financial system.

Why is Bank Capital Important?

Substantial bank capital is crucial for several reasons:

Absorbs Losses: If a borrower defaults on a loan or the bank experiences unexpected losses due to economic downturns or market fluctuations, the bank can use its capital to absorb these losses without impacting depositors’ funds.

Maintains Confidence: Adequate capital reserves project stability and inspire confidence in depositors and investors. This allows the bank to operate smoothly and continue attracting new business.

Supports Lending Activity: Banks with solid capital can lend more confidently. They have the resources to back new loans, which fuels economic growth by providing businesses and individuals with the capital they need to invest and grow.

Bank Capitalisation And its Effect

Recognising the importance of well-capitalised banks for Nigeria’s economic growth, the CBN launched the Banking Sector Recapitalisation Programme 2024. 

This initiative requires banks to increase their minimum paid-in joint equity capital according to their licence category:

– Commercial Banks with international authorisation: ₦500 billion.

– Commercial Banks with national and regional authorisation: ₦200 billion and ₦50 billion, respectively.

– Merchant and Non-Interest Banks: ₦50 billion and ₦10 billion, respectively.

These requirements were set after reviewing banks’ risk profiles, global and domestic challenges, and stress test results. The program aims to create stronger, more resilient banks to support Nigeria’s goal of a US$1 trillion economy by 2030.

Historically, the 2005 consolidation of the Nigerian banking sector, which required banks to raise their capital base to ₦25 billion, led to significant restructuring, including mergers and acquisitions. 

Notably, domestic sector lending to the private sector increased as a percentage of gross domestic product (GDP) from 8.1% in 2006 to 19.6% in 2009 (World Bank data).

In 2005, banks’ new issues were worth ₦517.6 billion, representing about 75% of the total new issues value of ₦692.86 billion in the capital market (Al Faki M, 2006; NSE data). There was increased availability of funds for SMEs, with banks getting the opportunity to explore expansion to other regional and international markets. The recapitalisation efforts also attracted $652 million in foreign direct investment in 2005.

Global Comparisons: Learning From Peers

Nigeria’s focus on bank recapitalisation is well-founded, drawing insights from India’s public sector bank recapitalisation. 

A 2022 study highlighted the positive impacts of the Indian government’s recapitalisation efforts in 2016 and 2017, which injected INR 2,33,915 crore into public sector banks. The results included:

– Reduced Non-Performing Assets (NPAs), indicating better management of bad loans.

– Improved Return on Assets (ROA), reflecting more efficient use of resources.

– Enhanced investor confidence and a more robust economic environment.

India’s experience underscores the potential benefits of bank recapitalisation, which can lead to a more robust banking system and contribute to economic growth.

In a 2022 article, Science Direct writes: “We find strong evidence favouring both the financial stability and bank lending channels. When banks hold more capital, financial stability improves, and this is followed by higher levels of economic growth. Lending increases when banks expand their capital base, raising real GDP growth.”

How Are Banks Likely to Raise Capital?

Banks Can Raise Capital Through Various Methods:

Issuance Of New Shares: Public offers, rights issues, or private placements. The 2005 consolidation saw Nigerian banks raise capital through new share issuances.

Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A): Combining resources to improve efficiency and expand market reach.

Divestitures: Selling non-core assets and focusing on core banking activities to raise capital.

Sources of Capital Include:

Domestic Investors: Local institutional investors, like pension funds, can provide significant capital.

Foreign Investors: Foreign portfolio investors play a significant role.

Eurobond Issuances: Increasingly used by Nigerian issuers to raise capital.

Digital Issuances: Leveraging digital platforms to attract retail investors, including Millennials and Gen Z.

Coronation Securities’ Perspective

Coronation Securities views the recapitalisation initiative as a timely boost for economic growth. Adequately capitalised banks can undertake more significant transactions, enhancing the resilience of the banking sector and the broader economy. 

With Coronation Wealth, investors access diverse investment options, including purchasing shares in companies undertaking rights issues or public offerings. This platform allows retail investors to engage in the capital market, providing them with the tools, resources, and support needed to make informed investment decisions.

Download the Coronation Wealth App to Start Investing Today

Advice for Successful Investors

To benefit from the bank recapitalisation policy, HNI (and Ultra HNI) investors should consider:

Diversification: Include shares of well-capitalised banks and related sectors like real estate and infrastructure.

Long-term Investment: View investments in the banking sector as long-term opportunities.

Monitor Regulatory Developments: Stay informed about regulatory changes and economic policies.

By following these strategies, investors can leverage potential benefits of the recapitalization policy and contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth.

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