The Central Bank of Nigeria has increased the capital requirements for microfinance banks in the country in a bid to tackle the challenge of inadequate capital base in the sub-sector. The CBN announced the upward review of the minimum capital requirement in a circular dated October 22, 2018 to all microfinance banks in the country. The minimum capital requirement for unit and state microfinance banks was raised by 900 per cent each to N200m and N1bn, respectively from N20m and N100m, while that of national microfinance banks increased by 150 per cent to N5bn from N2bn. ccording to the circular, the new minimum capital requirement takes immediate effect for new applications, while existing microfinance banks shall be required to fully comply with effect from April 1, 2020. The Director, Financial Policy and Regulation Department, CBN, Mr Kevin Amugo, said the apex bank reviewed the minimum capital requirement in exercise of the powers conferred on it by the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act and in furtherance of its mandate to promote a sound financial system in the country. Read More:
Category: Market News
