In a move that signals strong institutional confidence in the Nigerian market, Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria Limited has officially met the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) new ₦200 billion minimum capital requirement for national commercial banks.
By fulfilling this mandate in late 2025, the bank has positioned itself well ahead of the March 31, 2026 regulatory deadline. This achievement follows a directive issued by the CBN in March 2024, which sought to fortify the banking sector’s resilience and support Nigeria’s vision of a $1 trillion economy by 2031.
Commitment to Growth and Stability
The early recapitalization was achieved through a combination of strengthened capital investment from the global group and disciplined financial management.
Key Leadership Statements:
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Dalu Ajene (CEO): Described the milestone as a reflection of “unwavering confidence” in the Nigerian economy’s resilience and a reaffirment of the bank’s “enduring partnership” with the nation.
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Dayo Omolokun (CFO): Emphasized that this new capital base will enable the bank to scale its structured financial solutions and wealth management expertise, particularly in sectors critical to national productivity.
The 2026 Recapitalization Landscape
Standard Chartered joins an elite group of Nigerian banks that have successfully scaled the recapitalization hurdle ahead of the final countdown. As of January 2026, the industry landscape is rapidly consolidating:
| License Tier | Minimum Capital Requirement | Standard Chartered Status |
| International | ₦500 Billion | — |
| National | ₦200 Billion | COMPLIANT |
| Regional | ₦50 Billion | — |
| Merchant | ₦50 Billion | — |
Market Context: As of early January 2026, approximately 22 out of 34 licensed banks have confirmed full compliance. Tier-1 giants like Access Bank, Zenith, and GTCO have already crossed the ₦500 billion mark for international licenses, while several Tier-2 banks are currently exploring mergers and acquisitions to meet the final March deadline.
26 Years of Service in Nigeria
Since returning to Nigeria as a wholly-owned subsidiary in 1999, Standard Chartered has leveraged its 170-year African heritage to provide cross-border capabilities. The current capital injection is expected to drive:
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Enhanced Lending Power: Greater capacity for large-ticket transactions in infrastructure and energy.
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Digital Transformation: Accelerated investment in innovative banking solutions.
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Wealth Management: Expanding its footprint as a leader in high-net-worth financial services.
