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The Digest:

Three bank mergers are expected early this year as lenders race to meet the Central Bank’s March 31, 2026, recapitalisation deadline. DataPro warns of integration risks and fintech disruption, a financial storm reshaping Nigeria’s banking landscape.

Key Point :
  • Three bank mergers are projected by early 2026 ahead of the CBN’s recapitalisation deadline.
  • Most tier-1 banks have already met the new capital requirements.
  • Tier-2 banks face pressure to merge or raise capital before March 31.
  • Post-merger risks include IT harmonisation, cultural clashes, and bad loan migration.
  • Banks also face threats from high Cash Reserve Ratios and fintech competition.
  • Fintechs like Moniepoint and Opay are driving banks toward “super-app” models.
  • PwC forecasts growth driven by tech adoption, capital market expansion, and new listings.
In the race to survive, consolidation becomes a strategy and a risk. As banks merge to meet capital rules, they must also navigate technological shifts and integration hurdles, proving that in finance, strength is not just about balance sheets, but adaptability.

Sources: The Punch / DataPro Report