In a significant boost to Nigeria’s banking sector, Optimus Bank has successfully raised its paid-up capital to N200 billion, ensuring compliance with the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) new recapitalisation requirements and retaining its national banking licence.
Industry sources confirmed to BrandIconImage that the apex bank has verified the fresh capital injection, placing Optimus Bank among the institutions that have met the revised minimum capital threshold for national banks. A senior bank official, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that the bank had fully met the regulatory requirement within the stipulated timeline, in line with prudential guidelines and CBN approval.
The recapitalisation initiative, announced by CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso on March 28, 2024, and implemented from April 1, 2024, is part of a two-year exercise aimed at reinforcing the resilience of the Nigerian banking sector. Banks have until March 31, 2026, to meet the new thresholds: N500 billion for international banks, N200 billion for national banks, and N50 billion for regional banks.
Optimus Bank undertook several strategic measures to meet the requirement, including multiple rounds of rights issues to existing shareholders and a private placement programme to attract new investors. These initiatives significantly boosted the bank’s capital, strengthening its balance sheet and enhancing its capacity for expanded operations.
Analysts note that the recapitalisation is intended to ensure that banks can absorb greater risks, support large-ticket transactions, and withstand both domestic and external economic shocks. With the strengthened capital base, Optimus Bank is better positioned to deepen market penetration, expand its loan portfolio, and accelerate digital innovation in a competitive financial landscape.
A technology-driven institution, Optimus Bank has built an extensive digital ecosystem, enabling customers to open accounts and conduct transactions seamlessly through multiple channels, including its *930# USSD service, the Optiverse mobile app, internet banking, and its website. The bank’s model is tailored to meet the evolving financial needs of personal, corporate, and business clients across Nigeria.
Industry observers have also highlighted that the strengthened capital position will enable Optimus Bank to engage more effectively with international development financiers, such as the International Finance Corporation, Afreximbank, and Africa Finance Corporation. This collaboration is expected to enhance the bank’s lending capacity, expand intermediation, and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s economic growth.
With its reinforced financial standing, Optimus Bank aims to unlock new opportunities for stakeholders and communities through sustainable and scalable financial solutions, while maintaining its commitment to delivering cutting-edge digital banking services to a growing customer base.