Global credit rating agency, Fitch Ratings, has affirmed Fidelity Bank Plc’s Long-Term Issuer Default Rating (IDR) at ‘B’ and upgraded its National Long-Term Rating to ‘A+(nga)’ from ‘A(nga)’.
The upgrade reflects the bank’s strengthened capital buffers and improved profitability, signaling continued positive momentum in its performance.
Fitch stated, “the rating upgrade is underpinned by Fidelity Bank’s successful capital raise through a rights issue and public offer, as well as a notable improvement in profitability; driven by higher interest income and a stable base of low-cost current and savings deposits.”
The managing director/CEO of Fidelity Bank, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, said, “this upgrade by Fitch Ratings affirms the resilience of our business model, the strength of our risk management practices, and our unwavering focus on delivering sustainable value to stakeholders.
“Despite a challenging macroeconomic environment, we have continued to maintain strong asset quality, solid profitability, and ample liquidity. This recognition reinforces our position as one of Nigeria’s most resilient and customer-focused financial institutions.”
One of the key drivers of the improved rating is the bank’s robust capitalization. Fitch reports that Fidelity’s Fitch Core Capital (FCC) ratio rose to 29.9 per cent at the end of 2024, well above the regulatory minimum.
The Agency also noted that further capital raising efforts are expected to position the bank to meet the N500 billion minimum capital requirement for internationally licensed banks before the 2025 deadline.
Fidelity Bank’s market positioning remains strong. As Nigeria’s sixth-largest bank, it commands approximately five per cent of total banking sector assets. The bank’s balance sheet is reinforced by a high proportion of low-cost deposits, which accounted for 93 per cent of total deposits as of year-end 2024, among the highest in the Nigerian banking industry.
The affirmation and upgrade by Fitch is expected to enhance investor confidence and support Fidelity’s continued efforts to scale its operations both locally and internationally.
Ranked among the best banks in Nigeria, Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged Commercial Deposit Money Bank serving over 9.1 million customers through digital banking channels, its 255 business offices in Nigeria and United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.
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