FSDH Merchant Bank

Nigeria's banking sector enters a new chapter. What does this new era mean for Nigerian banking? Yesterday, April 1, 2026, the Central Bank of Nigeria commenced a comprehensive stress test on bank credit portfolios, a landmark move following the successful recapitalization of 32 out of 36 Nigerian banks. Our MD/CEO, Bukola Smith, along with industry colleague, Muyiwa Oni, Regional Head, Equity Research, West Africa, at @SBGroup, joined @CNBCAfrica's Akinkunmi Obakeye, to unpack what this means for the industry. From risk-based capital adequacy and infrastructure lending, to digital transformation and Nigeria's $1 trillion economy ambition, the conversation covered it all. Watch the full interview and share your thoughts: youtu.be/O8Ghuqmbffs?si…

Most businesses that struggle to grow aren't short on ideas. They're short on capital, or they chose the wrong kind. Debt and equity financing are the two most fundamental ways to raise capital, and the decision between them is more consequential than most business leaders realise. Debt means borrowing with a repayment obligation. But you keep full ownership and control, and your interest payments are tax-deductible. Equity means selling a stake in your business. No repayment pressure, but you give up a share of future profits and, in many cases, a degree of governance control. Neither is universally better. A stable, cash-generating business raising funds to acquire an asset or expand operations is often better served by well-structured debt. A high-growth business that cannot yet comfortably service debt may find that the right equity investor, who brings networks and strategic value alongside capital, is worth the dilution. And many sophisticated businesses use a deliberate blend of both to optimise their capital structure and reduce overall financing cost. What matters most is that the decision is made intentionally. Businesses that understand their financing options don't wait for perfect conditions. They structure the right instrument and move. Our latest article captures this- covering how each option works, business scenarios, a side-by-side comparison, and a guide you can apply to your own situation. Read the full article here: tinyurl.com/FSDHMerchantBa…

What happens when key players in the finance industry come together? We have the answer. Watch this space. #FSDHInvestorsConference2026

Your business may be growing… but your bank account might not be keeping up. At some point, it stops being just about sending and receiving money. It becomes about managing cash flow, funding growth, and structuring your finances properly. That’s where the difference shows. The right banking relationship doesn’t just support your operations. It supports your growth. At FSDH Merchant Bank, we work with businesses and individuals to structure finances for where they are now… and where they’re going next. Let us partner with you. Visit: fsdhmerchantbank.com

The hardest part is starting, but once you take that first step, momentum builds. Whether it’s launching a new business, growing your wealth, or chasing a long-held dream, take a bold step by starting today. What will you be starting today?

From early suhoor moments that prepared you for the day, to iftar at sunset that brought rest, gratitude and togetherness, this past month has been about discipline, reflection and purpose. As we mark the end of the fasting season and celebrate Eid, we wish you a time of renewed energy, clarity and progress. Happy Eid al-Fitr from all of us at FSDH Merchant Bank.

Motherhood is more than a title. It’s in the advice that stays with us, the sacrifices we often don’t see, and the steady support that helps others grow. These everyday moments are what shape generations. Today, we celebrate mothers and mother figures everywhere.

This International Women's Day, we highlight the gaps that still hold women back. From leadership representation and fair pay to safety, flexible work, and access to funding. #InternationalWomensDay2026 #GiveToGain

Stability is improving, growth is picking up, and policy consistency is key. From FX markets to fiscal reforms, our analysts break down what’s shaping Nigeria’s economy and financial markets in 2026. Read our recent macroeconomic report here: tinyurl.com/FSDHNGEconomic…

Pre-MPC update! Ahead of Nigeria's 304th Monetary Policy Committee meeting, our Research Team breaks down what to expect from CBN. Expect MPR to hold at 27%? Find out why inflation & FX stability are key, plus insights on reserves. Click here for more tinyurl.com/FSDHPREMPCNOTE…

@ProfAkinAbayomi Thank you for delivering an insightful keynote, sir. Together, we achieve more.

I was honoured to keynote the @FSDHBank Senior Level Forum, themed "Care Meets Capital: Co-Creating Solutions that Translate Healthcare Impact into Financial Value" , where i discussed healthcare financing and investment realities in Nigeria.

At FSDH Merchant Bank, we remain committed to partnering with healthcare businesses to close financing gaps and support long-term growth across the sector. Let us journey with you. To get started, visit: tinyurl.com/FSDHHealthBusi…

Our Health Sector Roundtable convened founders, operators, policymakers and institutions for conversations on building resilient and investment-ready healthcare enterprises.

Join @ProfAkinAbayomi, and other industry voices at our healthcare breakfast session. This session is a closed-door conversation for healthcare founders, operators and business leaders. Register now to join the conversation: tinyurl.com/fsdhhealthbusi…

Are you a healthcare founder or operator trying to scale your services? Join Fola Laoye and Tosin Runsewe, alongside other industry voices, at the FSDH Merchant Bank Healthcare Breakfast Series. Register now to join the conversation: tinyurl.com/fsdhhealthbusi…

Join Tosin Runsewe and other key voices in the healthcare industry, as they share practical ideas and real-life experiences on building stronger, more sustainable healthcare businesses. Register now to join the conversation on Visit: tinyurl.com/fsdhhealthbusi…

Join Fola Laoye at our healthcare breakfast series, where she’ll share practical insights on turning health impact into business value. Register now to join us virtually on Thursday, 19th February. Click here to register: tinyurl.com/fsdhhealthbusi…

Nigeria’s Unified Tax Law is already in effect, and it’s changing how taxes are calculated, paid, and recovered, for individuals and businesses alike. And if you’re wondering “how does this affect me?” You’re not alone. Follow us for more insights.