Zenith Bank has raised ₦350.46 billion via a hybrid offer, surpassing the Central Bank of Nigeria's ₦500 billion capital requirement. The funds will support expansion, technology investments, and growth initiatives, solidifying the bank's leadership in Nigeria's financial sector and meeting regulatory compliance ahead of the 2026 deadline.
Zenith Bank has successfully raised ₦350.46 billion through a hybrid offer comprising a rights issue and a public offer, exceeding the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) minimum capital requirement of ₦500 billion for banks with international licenses. This milestone highlights Zenith Bank’s leadership in Nigeria’s financial sector and its commitment to growth.
The hybrid offer included over 5.2 billion shares at ₦36 per share through a rights issue and nearly 2.8 billion shares at ₦36.5 per share via a public offer. The public offer saw a subscription rate of 160.47%, while the rights issue was 100.18% subscribed. The bank’s share capital has now risen to ₦614.65 billion, surpassing regulatory requirements well ahead of the March 2026 deadline.
Zenith Bank plans to channel the raised funds toward market expansion in Africa and Europe, technology investments, and other growth initiatives. This development also marks a significant step in leveraging technology, as the process was executed largely through digital platforms, enhancing accessibility for investors.
The move follows CBN’s 2024 directive to increase capital requirements, prompting Zenith Bank to initiate fund-raising efforts to secure its position among Nigeria’s leading financial institutions. The achievement underscores the bank's resilience and strategy in navigating regulatory landscapes while fostering investor confidence domestically and internationally.