Fidelity Bank Plc has emerged as one of the leading institutions in Nigeria’s banking sector recapitalisation exercise, successfully exceeding the regulatory capital requirement set by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
The recapitalisation programme, which officially ended on March 31, 2026, required commercial banks with international authorisation to meet a minimum capital base of N500 billion.
Fidelity Bank not only met the requirement but surpassed it, reinforcing its position for growth and expansion.
The lender’s capital base rose above the N500 billion threshold following the successful completion of a N259 billion private placement of ordinary shares.
According to a disclosure signed by Company Secretary, Ezinwa Unuigboje, the exercise, approved by both the CBN and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), was opened and concluded on December 31, 2025.
The proceeds from the transaction increased the bank’s eligible capital from N305.5 billion to N564.5 billion, subject to final regulatory approvals.
The swift execution of the private placement, completed within a single day, underscored strong investor confidence in the bank’s strategy and leadership.
Key institutional investors, including African Export-Import Bank and its subsidiaries, participated in the capital raise, signaling support for the bank’s long-term growth prospects.
Market analysts noted that the successful fundraising reflects confidence in Fidelity Bank’s governance framework, growth strategy, and resilience amid tighter regulatory requirements and evolving macroeconomic conditions.
The latest capital raise builds on earlier efforts by the bank. In June 2024, Fidelity Bank raised N175.85 billion through a public offer and rights issue, which increased its capital base to N305.5 billion at the time. The recent private placement has now bridged the remaining gap to meet the new regulatory benchmark.
The capital-raising initiatives were backed by shareholders at an Extraordinary General Meeting held on February 6, 2025, where the board was authorised to issue up to 20 billion ordinary shares as part of efforts to strengthen the bank’s financial position.
Fidelity Bank stated that its enhanced capital base will improve balance sheet resilience, support business expansion, and enable increased financing of key sectors of the Nigerian economy.
The bank added that it remains focused on delivering shareholder value, maintaining prudent risk management, and sustaining profitability in the post-recapitalisation era.
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