SEC berths with framework on banks recapitalisation 

Nigeria’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has released a framework for the banking sector recapitalisation programme.

SEC said the framework which was released Friday on the Commission’s website serves as a comprehensive guide for Banks/Holding Companies and market participants to navigate the recapitalisation programme effectively.

The framework outlines the guidelines and procedures banks are required to follow to raise capital through rights issuance, private placements, or other approved methods during the 2024-2026 recapitalisation period. It also revealed penalties for deficiencies in communication of the capital raising process.

This development from the SEC is in a bid to support the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) recapitalisation programme towards achieving the targeted objectives.

It is also expected to serve as a guide to the Banks/Holding Companies issuers and Capital Market Operators in filing applications for capital raise and/or mergers and acquisition

In the new CBN capital requirement, international banks are expected to raise their capital base to N500 billion, national banks, N200 billion, and regional banks N50 billion. This is driven by the Central Bank of Nigeria’s quest for banks to serve the $1 trillion economy by 2030.

The SEC said the framework would help to ensure the capital raising process is conducted efficiently, transparently, and in a manner that protects the interests of all stakeholders.

Other objectives of the framework are to guide in ensuring full disclosure of material facts in compliance with the Investments and Securities Act 2007, Rules and Regulations of the Commission, and other relevant laws, to ensure proper and timely review of the transaction.

“Following prevailing macroeconomic challenges and headwinds occasioned by external and domestic shocks, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has mandated a recapitalisation programme for banks to strengthen their asset base and support economic growth in line with the Federal Government’s target of achieving a $1 trillion economy by 2030.

“Capital market has a significant role to play in facilitating the recapitalisation programme as the Banks are expected to leverage the market to raise the needed funds and /or engage in various forms of business combinations,” SEC said.

“As the regulatory institution mandated to regulate and develop the Nigerian capital market, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), has the responsibility to ensure a smooth, transparent, and efficient capital raise process by the banks,” it further noted.

SEC said where an application is returned for being incomplete – a penalty of N1 million and a re-filing fee of N100,000 shall apply.

“This fee is payable by the Issuing House without recourse to the Issuer or the Issue proceeds.

“The Commission disclosed that the framework is an excerpt of the existing Rules and Regulations of the Commission and should be read in conjunction with the relevant provisions of the Investment and Securities Act, 2007, and the Commission’s Rules and Regulations,” SEC said.

“The Commission may require other documents or information as may be necessary. Where an issuer had already filed necessary documents with SEC (e.g. Memorandum and Articles of Association (Memart) or certificate of incorporation or certificate of increase in share capital, etc.) the issuer need not file the documents in subsequent transactions, provided the issuer enters into an undertaking that since the previous filing, there has been no change in the documents already filed with the Commission.

“Affected banks/Holding Companies are required to regularise/update their corporate information with the CAC prior to filing an application with the Commission” it added.