As the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) recapitalisation exercise concluded on March 31, 2026, most banks operating in the country met the new regulatory requirements ahead of schedule, with Fidelity Bank emerging as one of the standout performers.
The lender confirmed that it has now surpassed the N500 billion minimum capital threshold for commercial banks with international authorisation, following the successful completion of a N259 billion private placement of ordinary shares.
According to the bank’s Company Secretary, Ezinwa Unuigboje, the private placement—approved by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)—was opened and closed on December 31, 2025, in a single-day transaction that underscored strong investor demand.
The exercise lifted Fidelity Bank’s eligible capital from N305.5 billion to N564.5 billion, subject to final regulatory approvals, comfortably placing it above the CBN’s new benchmark.
Leading institutional investors, including African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and its subsidiaries, participated in the offer, reflecting strong confidence in the bank’s governance structure, growth strategy, and long-term fundamentals.
Market analysts said the successful capital raise highlights investor optimism despite tightening regulatory requirements and broader macroeconomic pressures, noting that the transaction reinforces Fidelity Bank’s position in Nigeria’s evolving banking landscape.
The private placement followed earlier capital-raising efforts, including a public offer and rights issue in June 2024, through which the bank raised N175.85 billion, bringing its capital base to N305.5 billion at the time.
That earlier round still left a funding gap of N194.5 billion relative to the new regulatory requirement, which has now been fully addressed through the latest transaction.
The bank noted that the capital injection will strengthen its balance sheet, support business expansion, and enhance its capacity to finance key sectors of the Nigerian economy in line with regulatory expectations.
Fidelity Bank also reaffirmed its commitment to shareholder value creation, prudent risk management, and sustained profitability as it transitions into the post-recapitalisation phase.
On the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), Fidelity Bank Plc closed trading on April 10, 2026, at N19.50 per share.
