WATCH THE VIDEO HERE The N148.7 billion rights issue of Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc has continued to attract the interest of shareholders of the company because of the track record of the financial services provider. The rights issue commenced on January 15, 2025, and is expected to close of February 21, 2025. The exercise offers existing shareholders the opportunity to increase their stake in the company from the available 2,944,772,083 ordinary shares of 50 Kobo each at N50.50 per share. Business Post reports that the rights issue is structured on a ratio of five new ordinary shares for every 22 ordinary shares held as of October 29, 2024. Stanbic IBTC created the rights issue to strengthen its capital base, enhance its funding capacity and position it for sustainable growth as it will enable the company’s banking subsidiary meet the new minimum capital requirement set by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), thereby ensuring regulatory compliance and potentially strengthening its Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR). “The pricing of our rights issue acknowledges the confidence of our shareholders have in the company’s vision and strategy. “We are committed to delivering value to our shareholders and stakeholders, and this rights issue is a critical step in achieving our goals,” the acting chief executive of the firm, Mr Kunle Adedeji, said when Stanbic IBTC Holdings held its Facts Behind the Rights Issue at the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Limited in Lagos last month, “At Stanbic IBTC Holdings, we believe that strong shareholder support is the cornerstone of our growth. “The rights issue reflects our stakeholders’ trust in our company and reinforces our commitment to delivering sustainable returns. “Together, we will navigate the path to success and continue to achieve our strategic objectives,” he added. On his part, the chief executive of Stanbic IBTC Bank, Mr Wole Adeniyi, said, “This is a significant milestone in our journey to becoming Nigeria’s leading financial services organisation and a critical step in our efforts to meet the evolving needs of our customers and stakeholders. “We are committed to maintaining our leadership position in the industry, and this capital raise will enable us to invest in our business, drive innovation, and deliver sustainable returns to our shareholders.” Speaking further, he expressed the gratitude of the company to its shareholders for demonstrating their “confidence in our ability to deliver long-term value.” “This rights issue will enable us to build on our strengths, capitalise on new opportunities, and drive growth and profitability in the coming years. “This is an exciting time for Stanbic IBTC Holdings and Stanbic IBTC Bank, and we are pleased to have commenced this important capital raise. “We are well-positioned to drive growth, innovation, and customer satisfaction, and we look forward to continuing to deliver value to our stakeholders,” Mr Adeniyi said.