CBN approves Zenith Bank to operate as HoldingCo

By Olumide David

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has given approval in principle to Zenith Bank to operate as a financial holding company.

In a statement signed by the Company Secretary, Michael Otu, on Friday, the company revealed plans to change its organisational structure.

With this change, the organisation will have a banking subsidiary along with other subsidiaries in the financial services sector.

In accordance of the statement, “The CBN has granted approval-in-principle for Zenith Bank to operate a non-operating financial holding company structure.

“Furthermore, the CBN approved Mr. Jim Ovia as the Chairman of Zenith HoldCo Plc (in-formation and for Mr Jim Ovia to also continue as the Chairman of Zenith Bank until the commencement of Zenith HoldCo.”

This development will increase the number of banks operating as a financial holding company in the country.