Access Holdings, Nigeria’s largest lender by assets, is evaluating the sale of at least one of its overseas subsidiaries to align with recent Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) capital rules. The move comes as the CBN has intensified its regulatory oversight on financial institutions, requiring them to maintain higher capital reserves.
The CBN’s latest regulations, issued in 2025, impose stricter capital adequacy requirements, affecting how banks manage their assets and liabilities. Access Holdings, which operates in multiple countries, is now facing pressure to restructure its international operations to meet these new standards.
Industry experts note that the CBN’s rules are part of a broader effort to strengthen financial stability and reduce risks in the banking sector. The regulations also apply to non-security virtual assets, including stablecoins, which must now comply with enhanced licensing and consumer protection measures.
This regulatory shift has prompted several financial institutions to reassess their global portfolios. Access Holdings’ potential divestment reflects a growing trend among Nigerian banks to streamline operations and ensure compliance with increasingly stringent capital requirements.
The CBN’s actions follow a series of reforms aimed at improving transparency and reducing systemic risks. As the financial landscape evolves, companies must adapt to new rules or face potential penalties. The outcome of Access Holdings’ decision could signal further changes in the sector.
