Optimus Bank Scales CBN Recapitalisation Hurdle Ahead of March 31 Deadline
- Optimus Bank has raised capital to N200 billion ahead of the CBN’s March 31 recapitalisation deadline
- The fresh capital injection allows the lender to retain its national banking licence
- Rights issues and private placements helped the bank strengthen its balance sheet
Legit.ng journalist Dave Ibemere has experience in business journalism, with in-depth knowledge of the Nigerian economy, stocks, and general market trends.
Optimus Bank has successfully met the Central Bank of Nigeria’s recapitalisation requirement after raising its paid-up capital to N200 billion, just weeks before the March 31 deadline.
In a statement shared on its social media accounts, the bank confirmed that it has complied with the revised minimum capital requirement for national commercial banks.
Source: Getty Images
The N200 billion capital mark has secured its status as a national bank under the new regulatory framework introduced by the CBN.
Optimus Bank: Stronger capital base for expansion
Optimus Bank is expected to deepen its market reach, expand its loan portfolio, and scale up digital banking innovations.
Industry analysts say the increased capital could also enable the bank to deepen collaborations with international financial institutions such as the International Finance Corporation, Afreximbank, and the Africa Finance Corporation to support larger financing opportunities, ThisDay reports.
"Optimus Bank has officially crossed the N200 Billion capital mark. This isn't just a number. It is a promise of greater stability, bolder innovation, and more room for your dreams to grow. Thank you for trusting us to be your financial partner. The future looks solid.
"We have successfully met the Central Bank of Nigeria’s minimum capital requirement for National Commercial Banks well ahead of the March 31, 2026 deadline.
"This milestone reflects the confidence of our shareholders, the strength of our strategy, and our commitment to building a more resilient, innovative, and globally competitive financial institution. With a reinforced capital base, we are positioned to support bigger ambitions, finance larger opportunities, deepen partnerships locally and internationally, and deliver even greater value to our customers. The future looks solid. And we’re just getting started."
For Optimus Bank, crossing the N200 billion capital mark places it among institutions that have successfully scaled the Central Bank’s recapitalisation hurdle ahead of the fast-approaching deadline.
Source: UGC
CBN recapitalisation exercise
The CBN introduced the recapitalisation programme on 28 March 2024 as part of a two-year reform aimed at strengthening the country’s banking system.
The exercise began on April 1, 2024, with the deadline for compliance set for March 31, 2026.
Under the revised framework, commercial banks with international licences are required to maintain a minimum capital base of N500 billion, while national and regional banks must hold N200 billion and N50 billion respectively.
Recapitalisation: mergers, acquisitions loom
Legit.ng earlier reported that, with CBN's recapitalisation deadline drawing closer, uncertainty hangs over 13 banks still working to meet the new minimum capital thresholds.
At the close of the latest Monetary Policy Committee meeting, CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso disclosed that 20 banks have fully satisfied the revised capital requirements.
With the March 31, 2026, recapitalisation deadline drawing closer, uncertainty hangs over 13 banks still working to meet the new minimum capital thresholds.
Proofreading by James Ojo, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
