Sterling HoldCo secures $50m capital injection on CBN’s recapitalisation directive

Joy Agwunobi

Sterling Financial Holdings Company PLC recently secured a $50 million, approximately N75 billion capital injection from its investors, a move aimed at meeting the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) recapitalisation requirements.

The funds, raised through a private placement involving a consortium of domestic investors and ultra-high net worth groups based in Lagos, are now in the final stages of regulatory approval.

During the signing ceremony,  Yemi Odubiyi,  the Group chief executive officer of Sterling Financial Holdings, expressed that the capital raise reflects the market’s strong confidence in the company’s vision and potential. He emphasised that the investors’ decision to back Sterling HoldCo goes beyond profit margins and dividends.

According to Odubiyi, the company’s consistent ability to innovate and seize opportunities in and beyond the financial services sector has played a major role in gaining investor trust.

“The confidence our investors have in us is built on the solid foundation of our track record. We have evolved from a modest merchant bank into a dynamic financial enterprise, continuously pushing the boundaries of conventional banking. Now, equipped with an advanced technology stack that is adaptable to the market’s specific demands, we are ready to capture significant growth opportunities both in Nigeria and on a broader scale,”he said.

Odubiyi  further explained that the $50 million injection is not just about increasing capital but serves as an endorsement of Sterling HoldCo’s strategic direction. “This infusion of funds symbolises the trust placed in us and also reinforces our commitment to driving growth beyond banking,” he noted.

“By investing in new subsidiaries and prioritising sustainable value creation, we aim to contribute to the nation’s economic growth while delivering consistent returns for our investors,”he added.

Odubiyi reiterated that the company’s vision extends beyond the typical banking model. Sterling HoldCo intends to use this capital to incubate and grow new subsidiaries that will stimulate growth in various sectors of the economy.

He stated, “Our goal is to ensure that our investments not only provide financial returns but also create long-term social and economic value that benefits society at large.”

Prior to the development, Sterling Financial Holdings Company underwent a transformation last year, transitioning from a commercial bank into a full-fledged financial holding company. It now operates two key subsidiaries: The Alternative Bank, which focuses on specialised financing, and Sterling Bank, its traditional commercial banking arm.