Just In: CBN Revokes Heritage Bank Operating License

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), has revoked the banking licence of Heritage Bank Plc with immediate effect.

This decision, it said, was to maintain a stable and healthy financial system as authorised under Section 12 of the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA) 2020.

A statement by the Ag. Director, Corporate Communications of the Appex bank, Hakama Ali, on Monday, said the move was under its mandate to promote a sound financial system in Nigeria, and in exercise of its powers under Section 12 of the Banks and Other Financial Act (BOFIA) 2020.

According to Ali, the bank had breached Section 12 (1) of BOFIA, 2020, adding that the Board and Management of the bank have not been able to improve the bank’s financial performance, a situation which constitutes a threat to financial stability.

“The bank’s Board and Management failed to improve its financial performance, posing a risk to the financial stability of the country. Despite various supervisory measures taken by the CBN to help the bank recover, Heritage Bank continued to struggle without any reasonable prospects of recovery,” the apex bank stated.

To ensure public confidence and integrity of the financial system, the CBN appointed the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) as the Liquidator of Heritage Bank as stipulated in Section 12 (2) of BOFIA 2020.

“We wish to assure the public that the Nigerian financial system remains on a solid footing. The action we are taking today reflects our continued commitment to take all necessary steps to ensure the safety and soundness of our financial system,” the statement added.

The CBN reassured the public that Nigeria’s financial system remains robust and secure.

Details Shortly…