CBN gives JPMorgan approval‑in‑principle to launch a merchant bank in Nigeria

The Central Bank of Nigeria approved JPMorgan’s request to set up a merchant‑bank subsidiary, JPMorgan Merchant Bank Nigeria Limited. The approval‑in‑principle requires the bank to satisfy all regulatory conditions, incorporate with the Corporate Affairs Commission and obtain a final licence before it can begin operations. JPMorgan has already deposited N50 billion (about $38 million) to meet the capital requirement, and the CBN named Adedapo Olagunju as the proposed managing director.

The approval opens a pathway for JPMorgan to offer corporate‑finance and capital‑raising services in Nigeria, expanding its institutional footprint in a large emerging market. Investors in JPMorgan may see exposure to new revenue streams from wholesale banking in Africa once the final licence is granted.

  • 1The Central Bank of Nigeria granted JPMorgan approval‑in‑principle to establish a merchant bank in Nigeria.
  • 2JPMorgan deposited N50 billion (about $38 million) to satisfy a key regulatory capital requirement.
  • 3The proposed subsidiary will be called JPMorgan Merchant Bank Nigeria Limited.
  • 4The CBN approved Adedapo Olagunju as managing director of the proposed bank.
  • 5The bank must complete incorporation with the Corporate Affairs Commission and meet all regulatory conditions before receiving a final licence.

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