Access Holdings Raises N40bn via Private Placement
- Access Holdings Plc,the parent company of Access Bank,is proactively bolstering its financial position in response to new regulations from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
- Specifically, banks with international authorization are required to hold a minimum capital of N500 billion, while those with regional and national licenses face lower thresholds.
- Access Holdings announced its intention to raise approximately N40 billion through a private placement in a corporate filing to the Nigerian Exchange Limited on November 21, 2025.
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Access Holdings Plc Announces N40 Billion Capital raise via Private Placement
Table of Contents
updated November 28, 2025, 11:28:11 AM PST
Background: Recapitalization of Nigerian Banks
Access Holdings Plc,the parent company of Access Bank,is proactively bolstering its financial position in response to new regulations from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). the CBN announced increased minimum capital requirements for Nigerian banks in 2024,aiming to enhance the stability and resilience of the financial system (“CBN Issues New Minimum Capital Requirements for banks in Nigeria,” Central Bank of Nigeria, October 27, 2024). These requirements mandate different capital levels based on the type of banking license held.
Specifically, banks with international authorization are required to hold a minimum capital of N500 billion, while those with regional and national licenses face lower thresholds. The CBN set a deadline of March 2026 for banks to meet these new requirements.
Details of the Private Placement
Access Holdings announced its intention to raise approximately N40 billion through a private placement in a corporate filing to the Nigerian Exchange Limited on November 21, 2025. The company will seek shareholder approval for this capital injection at an upcoming Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM). The filing states the funds will be raised in compliance with the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 2020, the Investments and Securities Act, 2025, and the Rulebook of the Nigerian Exchange Limited.
The company also emphasized adherence to relevant CBN regulations, given its status as a licensed financial holding company.
Progress Towards CBN Compliance
Access holdings has been a frontrunner in meeting the CBN’s new capital requirements. In December 2024, the group reported raising approximately N351.01 billion (“Access Holdings Plc Successfully Raises N351.01 Billion in Capital,” Access Bank Plc, December 15, 2024). This achievement enabled Access Bank Plc to become the first nigerian bank to surpass the N500 billion minimum capital requirement for banks with international authorization,well ahead of the march 2026 deadline.
This latest N40 billion raise is intended to further strengthen the group’s financial position and provide additional flexibility for future growth opportunities.
Impact and Implications
The triumphant completion of this capital raise will solidify Access Holdings’ position as a leading financial institution in Nigeria. A stronger balance sheet allows the bank to absorb potential economic shocks, expand its lending capacity, and invest in new technologies and services.
The move also signals confidence in the Nigerian banking sector and its ability to adapt to evolving regulatory requirements. Other Nigerian banks are also actively pursuing various capital-raising strategies, including rights issues and private placements