Wema Bank has strengthened a capital base with N50 billion private placement listing on NGX.
NaijaOnPoint Nigeria reports that Wema Bank Plc has bolstered its capital position following the successful listing of 4.55 billion ordinary shares on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), part of a N50 billion private placement.
According to a notice from NGX, the 4,545,454,542 shares, each valued at 50 Kobo, were listed on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at N11.00 per share. This brings the bank’s issued and fully paid-up share capital to 40.12 billion shares, up from 35.57 billion, strengthening its capital adequacy ratio and capacity for future growth.
The listing positions Wema Bank among the top 25 most capitalized companies on the NGX, with a market capitalization of N756 billion, representing roughly 0.8% of the total NGX equity market capitalization. The fresh capital is expected to boost liquidity, accelerate digital banking initiatives, and support the bank’s retail expansion strategy.
Strong Year-to-Date Growth Amid Market Volatility
Wema Bank’s shares have reflected strong investor interest throughout 2025. The stock closed trading on Friday, November 7, 2025, at N18.85 per share, marking a 107% year-to-date gain from an opening price of N9.10 in January.
Despite this impressive rally, the stock experienced a mild pullback, dropping about 6% over the past four weeks, including a 2.1% dip from N19.25 to N18.85 on November 7. Analysts attribute the correction to short-term profit-taking following sustained price appreciation.
Over the past three months (August 11 – November 7, 2025), Wema Bank ranked as the 22nd most actively traded stock on the NGX, with 659 million shares exchanged across 24,904 deals, valued at N12.6 billion. Trading highs and lows ranged from 152 million shares on October 2 to 572,900 shares on September 11, reflecting consistent market activity.
Q3 2025 Results Highlight Strong Fundamentals
The bank reported a 42% year-on-year growth in gross earnings, driven by higher interest income, improved non-interest revenue, and the success of its digital banking platforms, including ALAT.
Pre-tax profit rose to N35.7 billion, up from N25.1 billion in Q3 2024. Total assets increased by 26% year-on-year, surpassing N2.1 trillion, while customer deposits grew steadily, supported by an expanding retail base and innovative digital offerings.
Market analysts say the private placement provides Wema Bank with a timely capital buffer, supporting its growth trajectory, enhancing risk-weighted asset coverage, and positioning it competitively ahead of any anticipated recapitalization in the Nigerian banking sector.
Market Outlook
With its strengthened capital base, digital leadership, and rising profitability, Wema Bank is emerging as one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing mid-tier banks. The additional N50 billion will provide financial flexibility to fund new lending opportunities, deepen technology infrastructure, and expand into new customer segments.
While short-term share price volatility may continue, market observers remain confident about the bank’s medium- to long-term prospects, citing strong fundamentals, operational efficiency, and a clear growth strategy.