BY BAMIDELE FAMOOFO
Infinity Microfinance Bank Limited has emerged the first microfinance bank to approach the debt market to raise fresh capital for its business.
The bank seeks to raise N5billion through issuance of Commercial Paper on the platform of the FMDQ Exchange.
The Board Listings and Markets Committee of FMDQ Securities Exchange Limited has given approval for the capital raise, noting that it passed all statutory requirements.
“The successful registration of this CP Programme is yet another notable stride in FMDQ Exchange’s drive to develop a vibrant and efficient debt market despite economic and market uncertainties.
The Nigerian CP market continues to provide issuers renewed opportunity to grow their businesses and restore the much-needed confidence of investors, whilst contributing to the overall growth of the Nigerian economy,” FMDQ stated.
Infinity Microfinance Bank Limited is a financial establishment that focuses on small and medium-sized business enterprises and provides services such as the mobilisation of small savings and the provision of small business loans.
This CP Programme which is sponsored by FSDH Capital limited – a Registration Member (Quotations) of the Exchange – will avail the Issuer the opportunity to raise short-term finance from the Nigerian CP market.
According to the Managing Director, Infinity Microfinance Bank Limited, Oludotun Adewunmi, “Infinity Microfinance Bank Limited is pleased to announce the quotation of its N5 billion Commercial Paper Issuance Programme on FMDQ Securities Exchange Limited. The CP Programme is an important strategic move for the Bank towards achieving its mandate of supporting the growth of low-income households as well as micro, small & medium-sized enterprises across Lagos State. The registration of this CP Programme, in addition to allowing Infinity Microfinance Bank broaden its sources of funding, has availed the Bank with a platform to raise short-term finance, within the CP Programme limit, from the Nigerian debt markets when it deems suitable.”
Commenting on the successful registration of the Programme, Tolu Osinibi, Managing Director, FSDH Capital Limited said, “FSDH Capital is pleased to have advised Infinity Microfinance Bank Limited on this landmark registration of its N5 billion Commercial Paper Issuance Programme. This is the first CP Programme to be registered by a microfinance bank on FMDQ Securities Exchange Limited and without a doubt sets the pace for other duly licensed and regulated micro- lending institutions seeking to raise capital via the issuance of commercial papers. The admission on the FMDQ Exchange platform will deliver maximum market visibility and enhanced liquidity of CPs issued under the CP Programme. We are thankful to the Board and management of Infinity Microfinance Bank Limited for trusting FSDH Capital to execute this landmark transaction and provide the expert guidance required to navigate the challenges faced by first-time issuers in the markets.”
