Juliet Oladele, Reporting
THE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has granted Approval-in-Principle (AIP) to JPMorgan, one of the world’s leading financial institutions, to establish a merchant bank in the country.
The proposed entity, to be known as JPMorgan Merchant Bank Nigeria Limited, marks a significant development for Nigeria’s financial sector and signals growing international interest in the country’s financial markets and long-term economic prospects.
Announcing the approval, Michael Akuka, Director of the Corporate Communications and Investor Relations Department at the CBN, said the move comes amid sustained reforms aimed at strengthening financial stability, improving market confidence and deepening Nigeria’s integration with global capital markets.
The approval follows the successful implementation of the banking sector recapitalisation exercise, which has bolstered the resilience and capacity of the Nigerian banking system. It also comes against the backdrop of the CBN’s broader reform agenda under Governor Olayemi Cardoso, focused on strengthening financial stability, deepening financial markets and rebuilding international confidence in Nigeria’s financial system.
“Our objective is to build a financial system that is stable, competitive and internationally connected — one that commands confidence and can effectively support investment and economic growth,” Governor Cardoso was quoted as saying.
“We are encouraged by the growing interest of international financial institutions in Nigeria. Our focus remains on sustaining the reforms, strengthening the credibility of our markets and creating an environment in which both domestic and international institutions can participate and thrive.”
Akuka stressed that the AIP represents only the first stage of the regulatory approval process and does not constitute a final banking licence. JPMorgan Merchant Bank Nigeria Limited must fulfil all applicable regulatory requirements — including incorporation with the Corporate Affairs Commission and completion of the necessary operational and regulatory arrangements — before receiving authorisation to commence business.
The CBN also approved the nomination of Mr Adedapo Olagunju as Managing Director of the proposed bank. Latter Kevin George, Nzelu Chinedum Izunwanne and Syed Gabriel Murtaza were approved as non-executive directors, while Alade Sarah Omotunde, Ajayi Olukonyinsola and Adetu Seni were approved as independent non-executive directors.
The proposed bank may commence operations only upon the CBN issuing a final licence.
Additional reporting by Stonix News.
