Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) Strengthens Capital Base with ₦10 Billion Private Placement to Support Growth and Compliance

Lagos & Abuja, Nigeria — Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) — one of Nigeria’s leading commercial banks and a subsidiary of Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO) — has taken a significant step to reinforce its financial resilience and strategic growth outlook by securing regulatory approval for a ₦10 billion private placement of ordinary shares.

GTCO Secures Approval to Raise ₦10 Billion via Private Placement

In late December 2025, GTCO announced that it had obtained all necessary approvals from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to undertake a ₦10 billion private placement of ordinary shares, subject to standard regulatory conditions. The initiative forms part of a broader capital-raising strategy approved by GTCO shareholders that could see the company raise up to US$750 million or equivalent through various capital instruments.

The placement will be executed under Section 7.1 of the guidelines for the licensing and regulation of financial holding companies in Nigeria, and represents another phase of GTCO’s ongoing efforts to enhance its capital base amid evolving regulatory and market dynamics.

Implications for GTBank and the Nigerian Banking Sector

• Strengthened Capital Position: The private placement builds on earlier recapitalisation efforts that saw GTBank’s share capital raised to ₦504 billion, ensuring compliance with the CBN’s new minimum capital requirements for banks with international authorisation.
• Growth Support: The fresh capital is expected to bolster GTBank’s capacity to finance business expansion, invest in technology platforms, and support lending activities to consumers and businesses across Nigeria and beyond.
• Investor Confidence: Approval from both the CBN and SEC signals regulatory confidence in the bank’s strategic direction and financial stability, potentially improving investor sentiment and market participation.

These moves come at a time when Nigeria’s financial sector is navigating fresh regulatory benchmarks and competitive pressures — and they underscore GTBank’s commitment to maintaining a resilient, future-ready financial institution capable of supporting economic activity across sectors.

Why This Matters for Nigeria’s Economy

1. Banking Sector Resilience: Raising capital through private placement enhances GTBank’s financial strength — a key component of systemic stability that supports lending and business growth.
2. Support for Real Economy: With stronger capital cushions, GTBank is better positioned to finance SMEs, infrastructure projects, and consumer credit, which are vital for job creation and economic diversification.
3. Alignment with Regulatory Goals: By proactively adhering to CBN and SEC guidelines, GTBank contributes to a safer, more robust banking environment that boosts confidence among depositors, investors, and international partners.