Business
ZENITH BANK WINS BEST COMMERCIAL BANK IN NIGERIA AND BEST CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AWARDS AT WORLD FINANCE 2024 AWARDS
Zenith Bank Plc has emerged as the Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria in the World Finance Banking Awards 2024, retaining the award for a fourth consecutive year.
The bank was also named as Best Corporate Governance, Nigeria for the third year running in the World Finance Corporate Governance Awards 2024.
The awards, which were published in the Summer 2024 Issue of the World Finance Magazine, are in recognition of the bank’s robust financial performance, superior customer service, sustainability initiatives and corporate governance practices.
Commenting on the dual honours, the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive of Zenith Bank Plc, Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji, OON, remarked: “These awards highlight our steadfast dedication to excellence, adherence to global best practices, and our persistent effort to deliver superior value to all stakeholders through innovative products and services.
Receiving these awards consecutively for multiple years signifies the commitment of our staff, the loyalty of our customers, and the support of our shareholders. We remain devoted to setting industry benchmarks and driving excellence across all aspects of our operations.”
Dr. Umeoji expressed her delight at the recognition and dedicated the awards to the Founder and Chairman, Dr. Jim Ovia, CFR, for his impactful leadership in establishing a robust and flourishing institution.
She also expressed gratitude to the board for their vision and insight, the staff for their unwavering dedication, and the bank’s customers for choosing Zenith as their preferred bank.
World Finance is a leading international magazine providing comprehensive coverage and analysis of the financial industry, international business and the global economy.
The editorial combines award-winning reportage, covering a broad range of topics from banking and insurance to wealth management and infrastructure investment, with contributions from some of the world’s most well-respected economists and theorists as well as consultants in government think tanks and the World Economic Forum.
Zenith Bank’s track record of excellent performance has continued to earn the brand numerous awards, with these latest accolades coming on the heels of several recognitions including being recognised as the Number One Bank in Nigeria by Tier-1 Capital for the 14th consecutive year in the 2023 Top 1000 World Banks Ranking, published by The Banker Magazine.
We were also awarded the Bank of the Year (Nigeria) in The Banker’s Bank of the Year Awards for 2020 and 2022; and Most Sustainable Bank, Nigeria in the International Banker 2024 Banking Awards
Further recognitions include Best Bank in Nigeria for three consecutive years from 2020 to 2022 in the Global Finance World’s Best Banks Awards and Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria for three consecutive years from 2021 to 2023 in the World Finance Banking Awards. Additionally, Zenith Bank has been acknowledged as the Best Corporate Governance Bank, Nigeria, in the World Finance Corporate Governance Awards for 2022 and 2023, and ‘Best in Corporate Governance’ Financial Services’ Africa for four consecutive years from 2020 to 2023 by the Ethical Boardroom.
The bank’s commitment to excellence saw it being named the Most Valuable Banking Brand in Nigeria in the Banker Magazine Top 500 Banking Brands for 2020 and 2021 and Retail Bank of the Year for three consecutive years from 2020 to 2022 at the BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.
The bank also received the accolade of Most Sustainable Bank, Nigeria, in the International Banker 2023 Banking Awards and Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria and Best Innovation in Retail Banking, Nigeria, in the International Banker 2022 Banking Awards. Zenith Bank was named Bank of the Decade (People’s Choice) at the ThisDay Awards 2020, Bank of the Year 2021 by Champion Newspaper, Bank of the Year 2022 by New Telegraph Newspaper, and Most Responsible Organisation in Africa 2021 by SERAS Awards
Business
Polaris Bank Clinches “Best Mobile App” Award at Digital Jurist Awards 2024
Polaris Bank’s commitment to digital innovation and excellence has once again been recognized, as the Bank was awarded the prestigious “Best Mobile App” award for its renowned digital banking platform, VULTe, at the Digital Jurist Awards held October 31 at Eko Hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos.
This honor comes less than a week after Polaris Bank was named Nigeria’s Digital Bank of the Year for the fourth consecutive year, further solidifying its status as a leader in Nigeria’s digital banking landscape.
At the event, attended by representatives from all nominated companies, Polaris Bank’s VULTe app stood out among its peers, winning the hearts of users and the recognition of industry experts.
The Digital Jurist Awards Committee had nominated Polaris Bank in three categories: Best Website, Best Web Portal, and Best Mobile App.
The Bank’s innovative approach and customer-centric digital solutions have made it a formidable contender in each category, with VULTe’s win affirming the Bank’s continued drive to redefine digital banking in Nigeria.
Commenting on the the award, Polaris Bank’s Managing Director/CEO, Kayode Lawal expressed gratitude for the recognition and reiterated the Bank’s commitment to providing seamless, reliable, and secure digital solutions.
“This award continuously shows our dedication to delivering the best digital experiences to our customers. We will continue to push the boundaries of innovation to ensure that our platforms remain intuitive, accessible, and impactful,” he said.
Polaris Bank’s VULTe app has gained widespread acclaim for its user-friendly design, robust security features, and diverse functionalities, enabling customers to manage their banking needs from the comfort of their devices.
Winning the “Best Mobile App” award is yet another milestone in the Bank’s digital journey, reinforcing its position as a digital pioneer in Nigeria’s banking sector.
The Bank extends its gratitude to the Digital Jurist Awards Committee and its loyal customers for their continued trust and support. Polaris Bank is committed to advancing digital banking in Nigeria, creating convenient, modern, and secure solutions that cater to the evolving needs of its customers.
Polaris Bank was adjudged Nigeria’s Digital Bank of the Year in 2024,2023, 2022 and 2021 and MSME Bank of the Year 2022, 2023 and 2024 in Business Day’s Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.
Business
Black Market Dollar (USD) To Naira (NGN) Exchange Rate Today, 3rd November 2024
The black market dollar to Naira exchange rate on Sunday 3rd November 2024 can be accessed below.
JomogNews Nigeria has obtained the official naira black market exchange rate in Nigeria today including the Black Market rates, Bureau De Change (BDC), and CBN rates.
Please note that the exchange rate is subject to hourly fluctuations influenced by the supply and demand of dollars in the market. As of now, you can purchase 1 dollar at a certain rate now, however, it’s important to remember that the rate can shift (either upwards or downwards) within hours.
How much is a dollar to naira today in the black market?
Dollar to naira exchange rate today black market (Aboki dollar rate):
According to Bureau De Change (BDC) sources, the exchange rate for a dollar to naira at Lagos Parallel Market (Black Market) players bought a dollar for N1710 and sold it for N1720 on Sunday, November 3rd, 2024.
Please note that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) does not recognize the parallel market (black market), as it has directed individuals who want to engage in Forex to approach their respective banks.
Dollar to Naira Black Market Rate Today
Dollar to Naira (USD to NGN) Black Market Exchange Rate Today
Buying Rate N1730
Selling Rate N1740
Dollar to Naira CBN Rate Today
Dollar to Naira (USD to NGN) CBN Rate Today
Buying Rate N1730
Selling Rate N1740
Please note that the rates you buy or sell forex may be different from what is captured in this article because prices vary.
Business
BREAKING: GTCO Pre-Tax Profits Hit N1.2 Trillion In First 9 Months Of 2024
GTCO Plc released its third-quarter results, showing that pre-tax profits rose to N215.69 billion, compared to N105.8 billion recorded in the corresponding quarter of 2023.
These third-quarter profits helped boost the financial holding company’s nine-month pre-tax profits to N1.2 trillion — the highest on record in the financial services sector, following the N1 trillion milestone achieved in the first half of the year.
The nine-month performance also enabled the bank to reach N1 trillion in profit after tax for the first time, making it the first bank to achieve this milestone.
The bank reported total assets of N15.6 trillion for the first time in its history, while net assets also rose to N2.62 trillion — another all-time high for the company.
Key Highlights (third quarter)
- Net Interest Income: N362.4 billion, +143.9%, YoY
- Loan Impairments: N16.16 billion, +148.5%, YoY
- Net Fees and Commission: N57.4 billion, +85.8%, YoY
- Pre-tax Profits: N215.69 billion, +103.9%, YoY
- Loans and advances: N3 trillion, +36.1, YoY
- Total Deposits: N11.2 trillion, +77%, YoY
- Total Assets: N15.6 trillion, +81.3%, YoY
- Net Assets: N2.6 trillion, +106.8%, YoY
Commentary
A cursory review of the results reveals that GTCO reported a pre-tax profit of N215.6 billion in the quarter under review.
- While this figure more than doubled the profit reported a year earlier, it fell below the N509.3 billion and N494.4 billion recorded in the first and second quarters of the year, respectively.
- A deeper analysis of the company’s financial statement shows that the drop in pre-tax profits was due to a decline in its other operating income, which swung to a N52.8 billion loss from a N305.3 billion profit in the second quarter.
- This income line also contributed N324.9 billion in the first quarter of the year. Notably, the company reported an “unrealised gain on forward transactions” of N32.1 billion for the first nine months of this year, down from N130.2 billion in the first six months.
Despite this decline, the HoldCo crossed the N1 trillion profit after tax mark for the first time ever, becoming the first in the financial services sector to achieve this milestone.
- GTCO’s net interest income rose to N781.48 billion, marking a substantial 162.6% year-on-year increase.
- This growth was driven by an increase in interest-earning assets or higher rates, allowing GTCO to benefit from a favorable interest environment.
- This strong performance in net interest income highlights GTCO’s effective asset allocation strategy, which leaned towards fixed income securities amid rising interest rates.
Net fee and commission income almost doubled to N158.55 billion, reflecting a 92.2% year-on-year increase. - This rise in fee-based revenue underscores GTCO’s diversification strategy, with income generated from non-interest sources such as credit-related fees and commissions, e-business income, account maintenance charges, transaction fees, ancillary banking charges, and other services.
- In an industry where margins on traditional lending can be thin, this strong growth in fee income reflects GTCO’s adaptability and engagement with its customer base.