FCMB Group Showcases Strong Digital Growth and Diversified Investments to Attract New Investors
FCMB Group Plc has showcased its robust performance and innovation-driven strategy during its “Facts Behind the Offer” presentation at the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX), underscoring the strength of its diversified business model and digital transformation agenda. The Group’s leadership, led by Group Chief Executive Ladi Balogun, positioned FCMB as one of Nigeria’s most integrated and future-focused financial institutions, appealing to investors seeking sustainable and inclusive growth.
Balogun highlighted that investing in FCMB means investing in a dynamic ecosystem that spans traditional banking, investment management, investment banking, and consumer finance. “Our structure fosters synergy — our banking division benefits from our investment banking arm, while asset management and pensions support retail and high-net-worth clients,” he explained. This interconnected structure, he added, enhances the Group’s resilience and profitability, offering stability across multiple revenue streams.
The Group is also expanding internationally, with operations currently in Nigeria and the United Kingdom and plans to enter one new market annually over the next five years. Credit Direct, FCMB’s non-bank lending subsidiary, has emerged as Nigeria’s top performer with an 80% return on equity. The company is divesting 15–20% of the business at a strong valuation to boost capital, ensuring future earnings growth. Meanwhile, the Group’s new fintech brand, Rova, will focus on cross-border payments and banking-as-a-service (BaaS), marking a significant step in its digital evolution.
FCMB’s digital transformation is already driving results. The bank’s streamlined mobile onboarding process has attracted around 5,000 new digital accounts daily — roughly 1.5 million annually — even before major marketing campaigns. “Once we activate full-scale marketing, we expect these numbers to double,” Balogun said, noting that the expansion of digitally active customers will strengthen engagement in banking, payments, and borrowing activities.
The Group’s financials underscore its growth story: earnings rose 23% year-on-year in the first half of 2025, while return on equity climbed to 20.6%. SME and agricultural lending also grew by 20% and 66%, respectively, alongside an 18% rise in renewable energy loan revenue — aligning with FCMB’s sustainability goals. Balogun concluded, “Our in-house technology investments reduce vendor dependency and accelerate innovation. Building proprietary technology, not just buying it, is key to transforming customer experience and competitiveness.”
With strong financial momentum, a solid digital roadmap, and a commitment to sustainable finance, FCMB Group continues to reinforce its position as a leading force in Nigeria’s evolving financial landscape.
source: vanguard