Access Holdings Clarifies CBN Directive: Confirms Compliance, Capital Strength, and Dividend Commitment

Access Holdings Plc has responded to recent reports regarding a Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) directive. This directive involves Access Holdings dividend suspension, temporarily suspending dividend payments, bonuses, and investments in foreign subsidiaries by some financial institutions. In a formal disclosure, the company confirmed that its flagship subsidiary, Access Bank Plc, remains fully compliant with all regulatory requirements. It will continue to pay dividends even amidst the Access Holdings dividend suspension.

The statement comes in the wake of a CBN letter dated June 13, 2025 (Ref: BSD/DIR/COM/LAB/018/008). This letter outlined regulatory forbearance measures on credit facilities and enforcement of the single obligor limit, which led to the Access Holdings dividend suspension speculation.

Capital Strength and CBN Compliance

Access Holdings reported that as of December 31, 2024, Access Bank became the first Nigerian commercial bank with international authorization. It has met and surpassed the N500 billion minimum capital requirement recently set by the CBN. This milestone underpins the institution’s robust financial standing and readiness to align with evolving regulatory expectations.

In line with the CBN’s prudential guidelines, the bank has also affirmed its compliance with the single obligor limit rule. This rule restricts excessive credit exposure to any one borrower. Access Bank noted that it is on track to fully meet the apex bank’s timeline for credit facility forbearance adjustments by June 30, 2025, assuring no Access Holdings dividend suspension due to compliance issues.

Dividend Payments to Continue

Despite concerns that the CBN directive might lead to dividend suspension across the sector, Access Holdings reassured shareholders in regard to Access Holdings dividend suspension. They stated the bank remains committed to maintaining healthy capital buffers while continuing to deliver shareholder value through dividend payouts.

“We assure our esteemed shareholders and stakeholders of our commitment to delivering sustainable value in the immediate and long term,” said Sunday Ekwochi, Company Secretary at Access Holdings.

Investor Confidence Intact

The swift and transparent communication from Access Holdings is expected to calm investor nerves despite the rumors of Access Holdings dividend suspension. It should also reinforce confidence in one of Nigeria’s leading financial institutions. With a history of regulatory compliance, industry leadership, and consistent profitability, Access Bank’s position as a strong and well-capitalized lender remains unshaken.

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