Increasingly, companies are recognising that one of the strongest drivers of employee performance is financial well-being.

Employees who are financially secure tend to be more focused, productive, and committed to organisational goals.

They are also less likely to experience absenteeism or disengagement caused by financial stress. On the other hand, workers burdened by money-related concerns often struggle with morale, concentration, and overall workplace performance.

Recognising this direct connection between employee welfare and business success, Stanbic IBTC has introduced Employee Value Banking (EVB), a strategic solution designed to help organisations strengthen their workforce while driving long-term sustainability.

A New Approach to Corporate Banking

Stanbic IBTC’s EVB goes beyond traditional corporate banking models that focus mainly on business accounts and transactions. Instead, it places employees at the centre of financial services, creating a holistic system that supports both workforce well-being and organisational growth.

The solution combines banking, pensions, investments, insurance, mortgages, and financial education into a single ecosystem. By doing so, it enables organisations to offer employees meaningful financial support while improving engagement and productivity.

Tailored for Diverse Employee Needs

EVB is built on the understanding that employees at different levels and income brackets face varying financial realities. As such, the platform offers a wide range of customised financial solutions to meet these needs.

Digital Personal Loans with Flexible Repayment

Employees can access unsecured personal loans through a seamless digital process, helping them address urgent financial needs without unnecessary delays. Flexible repayment options also encourage responsible borrowing while reducing repayment pressure.

Savings and Investment Opportunities

Through structured savings plans, mutual funds, and other investment products, employees are empowered to build wealth over time. This helps promote long-term planning, discipline, and financial resilience.

Pension and Asset Management Support

Employees also benefit from expert retirement planning and wealth advisory services through Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers and Stanbic IBTC Asset Management. These services are designed to help workers build secure and predictable futures.

Insurance Protection

EVB includes comprehensive insurance cover for life, health, and assets. This ensures employees and their families are protected against major life risks, reducing anxiety and improving peace of mind.

Mortgage Support at Single-Digit Rate

One of the standout features of EVB is access to mortgage financing at a competitive single-digit rate of 9.75 percent. According to Stanbic IBTC, 774 families have become homeowners through the programme from 2024 to date, highlighting its real-life impact.

A Risk-Free Model for Employers

A key strength of the Employee Value Banking solution is its structured lending framework. Loan offers are aligned with employee grade levels, income bands, and corporate hierarchy, promoting sustainable borrowing practices.

More importantly, Stanbic IBTC says employers bear no financial risk under the arrangement. All loans provided under EVB are fully insured, leaving organisations with:

• Zero liability
• Zero indemnity exposure
• Zero financial risk

This allows HR and management teams to improve employee benefits without changing internal financial structures or taking on additional costs.

Beyond Products: Building Financially Resilient Employees

Stanbic IBTC notes that true financial empowerment goes beyond access to products. For this reason, EVB includes Financial Fitness Workshops and complimentary Financial Health Checks for employees.

These programmes cover practical topics such as:

• Personal budgeting and cash flow management
• Savings and investment strategies
• Smart debt management
• Retirement planning
• Wealth creation principles

By improving financial literacy, organisations can reduce stress within their workforce and build a more confident, resilient employee base.

Strategic Value for Organisations

Beyond individual employee benefits, EVB offers measurable advantages for employers. These include:

• Higher employee engagement
• Improved productivity and workplace performance
• Reduced financial stress across teams
• Better talent attraction and retention
• Stronger rewards and wellness packages
• A modern digital banking experience for staff

Redefining the Future of Corporate Banking

Stanbic IBTC’s Employee Value Banking represents a shift in how financial institutions support businesses. Rather than focusing solely on corporate transactions, EVB expands the concept of the customer to include the people who power the organisation.

By integrating employee welfare into corporate financial services, Stanbic IBTC is positioning financial well-being as a competitive advantage for modern businesses.

As companies continue to seek smarter ways to attract talent and improve productivity, solutions like EVB may become a defining feature of the future workplace.

With over 1,800 stakeholders gathered under the theme “Unlocking land and infrastructure for inclusive housing,” the event served as a high-level sync between policymakers and the big banks.

Leading the charge was Stanbic IBTC, positioning itself as the financial layer for Nigeria’s next urban upgrade.

The Strategy: From Congestion to Corridors

The keynote from Bashir Oladunni, CEO of Wemabod, set the tone: Nigeria needs a system restart on urban planning.

The goal is to move the population from overcrowded urban centers to meticulously planned regional corridors.

But you can’t build a corridor without a massive CapEx injection. This is where Stanbic IBTC comes in.

The CEO’s Take: Housing as an Asset Class

Wole Adeniyi, chief executive of Stanbic IBTC Bank, didn’t just talk about mortgages; he talked about dignity and value.

“Sustainable growth is impossible without inclusive assets,” Adeniyi noted during a fireside chat. “Inclusive housing cannot be achieved without purposefully unlocking land and aligning infrastructure from the outset.”

In Techeconomy terms: Land is the hardware, infrastructure is the operating system, and capital is the power source.

Stanbic is betting that by aligning these three, they can deliver housing solutions that offer long-term ROI for both the bank and the citizen.

Collaboration as a Multi-Player Game

Tola Akinhanmi, head of Real Estate Finance at Stanbic IBTC Capital, highlighted that the housing deficit is a boss level too large for any single player to beat.

The bank’s thesis for 2026 is built on Intentional Cooperation, a multi-stakeholder API involving government, private developers, and regional financiers.

The focus is on creating scalable projects that aren’t just one-off luxury apartments but inclusive developments that align with regional economic priorities.

As Nigeria’s population continues to surge, the demand for housing is the ultimate addressable market.

Stanbic IBTC’s heavy presence at the Wemabod summit suggests the bank is looking beyond traditional corporate banking to become the primary architect of Nigeria’s real estate financing.

If they can successfully bridge the gap between policy, capital, and execution, they won’t just be financing buildings; they’ll be financing the physical infrastructure of the $1 trillion economy.

For a bank that prides itself on IT-driven solutions, this is the ultimate real-world application.

The closed period will remain in effect until the release of the company’s Full-Year 2025 Audited Financial Statements.

This development is in line with the provisions of the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) Rulebook. During this period, insider trading by company executives and related parties is prohibited.

According to the Company Secretary, Chidi Okezie, the Board of Directors is scheduled to meet on Friday, January 30, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.

The agenda includes reviewing the Consolidated and Separate Audited Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2025, as well as considering a proposed dividend.

Stanbic Bank is listed on the Main Board of the NGX, with a market capitalisation of N1.67 trillion and 15.90 billion outstanding shares.

The group’s shares closed flat at N105 on Friday, November 28, 2025. The stock has recorded a 52-week high of N126.25 and a 52-week low of N56.50.

The lender began the year with a share price of N57.60. With an 82.3% gain year-to-date, it is currently the 52nd best-performing stock on the NGX.

This latest iteration is targeted at equipping young graduates with essential digital skills that have become indispensable in today’s tech-centric job market.

DiSEP 5.0 is designed as a comprehensive initiative to train eligible candidates with innovative digital skills, significantly broadening their digital scope and providing them with a competitive edge in the employment market.

The programme’s primary objective is to empower youths with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in their roles and achieve their career goals.

Since its inception in 2021, the Digital Skills Empowerment Programme has made a profound impact on the lives of over eight hundred (800) young Nigerians across all thirty-six states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). It serves as a powerful platform for youth to cultivate essential competencies that prepare them to become future leaders and innovators in diverse industries.

Kunle Adedeji, acting chief executive, Stanbic IBTC Holdings, stated,

“We are calling upon tech-curious young Nigerians to step forward and embrace this transformative opportunity. Learning is the only thing the mind never exhausts, never fears, and never regrets. For those ready to enhance their skills and knowledge to stay relevant in our rapidly changing world of work, DiSEP 5.0 represents their gateway to digital excellence.”

The programme is set to begin in October 2025. It will offer participants in-depth training in Kubernetes and DevOps, ⁠Java, C#, NetCore, Software Testing, and Automation, along with opportunities for professional certification and firsthand experience.

DiSEP 5.0 specifically targets young IT graduates to advance their quests for digital innovation. It is designed to address the critical skills gap that exists between traditional academic training and the practical demands of today’s digital workplace.

The initiative aligns with Stanbic IBTC’s broader commitment to youth development and economic empowerment across Nigeria.

The launch of DiSEP 5.0 represents Stanbic IBTC’s continued investment in Nigeria’s human capital development and digital transformation journey.

This refreshed campaign builds on the established success of its maiden edition where high-net-worth individuals were rewarded with exclusive benefits such as open business class tickets to a word-class destination, priority passes, and other consolation prizes.

The Save and Enjoy Promo underscores Stanbic IBTC Bank’s commitment to celebrating trust and loyalty while encouraging a culture of saving and financial discipline among its esteemed Private Banking clientele.

Season 2 promises to be bigger, more rewarding and memorable. Customers stand a chance to win luxury business class tickets to the United States of America, United Kingdom or Canada; airport priority passes valid for one year; luxury vintage travel boxes and more exciting consolation prizes.

Layo Ilori-Olaogun, Head, Private Banking, Stanbic IBTC Bank, expressed her enthusiasm ahead of the launch. In her statement, she re-emphasised the importance of building strong connections with the bank’s Private Banking clients.

According to Layo,

“Our Private Banking clients deserve experiences that match their ambitions. Our Save and Enjoy Promo Season 2 is a celebration of success, luxury and lifestyle and we are thrilled to create a more rewarding journey for our clients this season’”.

By participating in the campaign, clients can experience firsthand the personalised services and financial solutions tailored specifically for their needs.

The focus is on delivering exceptional value and ensuring that each client’s banking experience aligns with their unique financial goals and aspirations.

To qualify, clients are invited to make a minimum deposit of N10million in their current accounts and maintain the balance for the promotional period – between 01 September and 30 November 2025.

Stanbic IBTC Bank is a leading financial institution dedicated to providing exceptional banking services to individuals and businesses. With a strong heritage of excellence, innovation and customer focus, the bank continues to deliver unique financial solutions that empower clients to achieve more.

For additional details regarding the Save and Enjoy campaign and qualification criteria, customers are encouraged to visit the website. 

At the prestigious ceremony, Stanbic IBTC Bank was named Nigeria’s Best Bank for Securities Services and Best Bank for SMEs, marking a resounding affirmation of its client-focused innovation and operational excellence.

Speaking on the milestone, Wole Adeniyi, chief executive, Stanbic IBTC Bank, said:

“We are truly honoured to receive these recognitions. The Best Bank for SMEs award reflects our commitment to nurturing Nigerian entrepreneurs through customised solutions—both financial and non-financial. Likewise, our win in Securities Services is a testament to the trust our institutional clients place in our custodial expertise, world-class infrastructure, and reliability.”

Strengthening Nigeria’s Growth Engines

These accolades underscore the Bank’s strategic focus on two vital pillars of Nigeria’s economy: the investment ecosystem and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

The Securities Services award recognises Stanbic IBTC’s excellence in safekeeping, settlement, and asset administration, critical services for institutional investors navigating complex financial markets.

On the other hand, the SME award celebrates the Bank’s tailored approach to empowering small businesses, from innovative loan products to capacity-building programs and digital solutions.

A Continent-Wide Legacy of Excellence

The celebration doesn’t end in Nigeria. Standard Bank Group, Stanbic IBTC’s parent company, clinched a total of 26 awards across 14 markets at the Euromoney Awards 2025.

This continental performance highlights the Group’s financial strength and leadership across Africa.

The Group’s brand value experienced a remarkable increase of 206%, marking one of the most substantial year-on-year growth in the Nigerian financial services industry.

The recognition from Brand Finance—the world’s leading independent brand valuation consultancy, regulated by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales—reflects Stanbic IBTC’s consistent delivery of value to clients and stakeholders.

Brand Finance evaluates thousands of brands annually across more than 40 countries, making this accolade a confirmation of Stanbic IBTC’s market strength.

Stanbic IBTC also improved its position in the national brand rankings, moving from 13th in 2024 to 8th in 2025.

This progress highlights the organisation’s strategic investments in digital transformation, enhanced customer experience, and product innovation.

Commenting on the achievement, Adekunle Adedeji, acting chief executive, Stanbic IBTC Holdings, stated,

“It is a great honour to be recognised as one of Nigeria’s top 10 brands, which underscores the trust and loyalty our customers have in us. We are dedicated to maintaining this momentum by offering innovative, customer-focused solutions that cater to the changing needs of our clients.

“Our progress reflects a clear strategy aligned with Nigeria’s dynamic economy. Beyond numbers, it empowers businesses and individuals with the tools and support to thrive. This milestone energises us to accelerate initiatives that foster inclusive growth and digital advancement across the country,” Adekunle added.

The Brand Finance Nigeria 25 2025 report analyses the strength and value of Nigeria’s leading brands using globally recognised standards. It is a key benchmark for understanding how brand equity drives business performance and investor confidence.

Bridget Oyefeso-Odusami, head of Brand and Marketing, Stanbic IBTC Holdings, added,

“This ranking is a testament to the strength of our brand, our staff’s dedication, and our customers’ confidence. We remain focused on long-term value creation, grounded innovation and strong governance. As we grow, we also deepen our engagement with communities to ensure our brand resonates meaningfully across the sectors we serve.”

As Stanbic IBTC celebrates this recognition, the Group prepares to roll out impactful initiatives, including financial growth programmes for women like the Bloom Weekend, SME and business-focused activations like Market Storm, and capacity-building training for small and medium-sized enterprises.

The Group is also advancing youth and tech-focused initiatives alongside sector-specific events designed to equip Nigerians with tools for financial growth and empowerment.

Stanbic IBTC remains dedicated to driving Africa’s growth, with this latest milestone reinforcing its position as a trusted and forward-looking financial partner.

According to the group 2025 first quarter financial statement filed with the Nigerian Exchange, the group witnessed significant improvement across key success metrics with Profit before tax reaching N116.4 billion from N62.7 billion.

The group recorded a 91% surge in interest paid on loans and other investment activities, with the net interest income reaching N149.9 billion in Q1 2025.

However, Non-Interest revenue declined to N53.1, compared to the N61.3 billion achieved in the same period the previous year, highlighting the group’s decrease in income generated from service charges, fees, commissions, and other miscellaneous revenue.

Operating expenses increased to N90 billion from N68.4 billion. The assets and liabilities also increased, with the total assets reaching N7.4 trillion, while total liabilities also reached N7.4 trillion.

The bank experienced significant growth in its financial activities, with a moderate increase in deposits from customers, which jumped to N3.4 trillion from N3.3 trillion. While loans and advances to customers reached N1.3 billion.

The group Q1 financial statement highlights a solid performance driven by growth in key income streams and a growing customer base.

Additionally, the rise in net interest income reflects the bank’s ability to optimize its interest-earning assets while managing costs effectively.

Anchored by a compelling open letter to Nigeria’s CEOs, the initiative challenges business leaders and innovators to transcend current horizons, fostering a mindset of amplified possibility, sustained growth, and transformative partnerships, with Stanbic IBTC Bank positioned as a pivotal enabler.

The campaign officially debuted with a striking teaser, with “An Open Letter to All CEOs” on key digital platforms, digital out-of-home screens, and social media feeds. For days, the public speculated. This week, the letter was finally revealed—and with it, a most human and resonant message.

The Open Letter to CEOs is more than just an advertising creative campaign; it is a genuine call to action. In it, Stanbic IBTC Bank acknowledges the resilience and achievements of Nigerian business owners even in the face of adversity. But it also dares to ask: What more could be achieved with the right support, partnership, and financial foresight?

Speaking on the campaign, Remy Osuagwu, executive director, Business and Commercial Banking, Stanbic IBTC Bank said,

“As a bank, our mission is to not only meet the financing needs of Nigerian CEOs, but to inspire them to reach for more. We understand the challenges they face and the aspirations they hold, and we are equipped to support their ambitions, and extend them even further thereby, helping them to achieve exponential growth.”

Remy emphasised the importance of building lasting partnerships:

“This campaign is evidence of our commitment to being more than just a bank; we want to be the partner that propels our customers beyond their goals. We empower our clients with the tools and resources necessary for success by fostering collaboration and mutual growth and this proactive approach underscores our commitment to supporting business leaders and inspiring them to dream bigger and achieve greater heights in their respective industries.”

Overall, Stanbic IBTC Bank’s vision reflects a deep understanding of the crucial role that financial institutions play in the broader economic ecosystem—one where banks serve as catalysts for growth and achievement.

From trade financing to investment advice, capacity development to transactional banking, Stanbic IBTC Bank offers a suite of solutions designed specifically to meet the evolving needs of today’s CEOs — from start-ups and SMEs to established corporations and multinationals.

With this campaign, Stanbic IBTC Bank is once again positioning itself as a trusted ally for Nigerian CEOs who want to do more, become more, and achieve more.

Visit www.stanbicibtc.com to learn more about the campaign and discover how your business can grow with the right partner. Follow the conversation on social media @stanbicibtc.

The project encompasses the development of a new container terminal, construction of a quay wall, dredging of the harbour, and the procurement of essential port equipment towards contributing to solving critical capacity needs in Nigeria’s maritime industry.

Through the development of the Ijora terminal, SIFAX Group intends to add value to the maritime transport & logistics industry by providing additional cargo clearing capability which is expected to result in reduced congestion at the Apapa and Tincan Ports, thereby improving efficiency and reducing delays for importers and exporters.

The terminal, which is now under construction and partly operational, is expected to complement the broader port services rendered by the existing ports along the same water channel in Apapa, Lagos – The Apapa Port and Tincan Island Port.

This transaction is aligned with Stanbic IBTC’s commitment to supporting impactful infrastructure projects and contributing to the sustainable development of Nigeria.

As a leading investor in infrastructure in Nigeria, Stanbic IBTC is committed to playing a pivotal role in ensuring that the institution can support projects that will enhance the country’s infrastructure and provide more reliable solutions for people and communities across the country.

The project’s strong financial prospects, supported by a positive market outlook, credible project sponsor and experienced project parties, make it an attractive investment.

According to Mr. Dolu Olugbenjo, the chief investment officer of Stanbic IBTC Infrastructure Fund,

“This project offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the development of the maritime sector in Nigeria, which is crucial for the country’s economic prosperity. By modernizing the Ijora terminal and expanding its capacity, the project aims to generate significant economic and social benefits, including improving trade flows, creation of jobs, and addressing the challenges of congestion and limited capacity at the country’s existing ports.’’

“We are immensely proud to have achieved financial close and construction commencement on the project, in partnership with our very supportive lenders, shareholders, contractors, and all our regulators. In addition to improving ports and terminal capacity for Nigeria, this project will also create jobs and support the country’s development. The terminal will deliver impact on SDGs 1 (no poverty), 8 (decent work and economic growth), 9 (industry, innovation, and infrastructure) and 11 (sustainable cities and communities),” concludes Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, the founder and group chairman of SIFAX Group.