Stanbic IBTC Reaffirms Commitment To Debt Capital Markets’ Growth

Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC has reaffirmed its commitment to the growth of the Nigerian debt capital markets.

The Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Bank PLC, Dr. Demola Sogunle, disclosed this at the Bonds, Loans and Sukuk Nigeria Conference, which held in Lagos, a statement from the bank said yesterday.

Dr. Sogunle noted that the Stanbic IBTC group was constantly driving innovation to encourage growth and development in the markets.

The Stanbic IBTC Chief Executive added that the organization would continue to facilitate value added engagement between market participants to further increase understanding of the initiatives required to grow the debt capital markets in the country.

While speaking on how the Nigerian debt capital markets fared in 2019, he said that capital markets activities were at its peak in May, June and July.

He added that N439 billion incorporate paper has been issued in comparison with N470bn over the same period in 2018.

He said: “We expect the total volume issued in 2019 to eclipse 2018 as markets have seen yields fall to levels unseen since 2015 and a number of issuers are gearing up to take advantage to lock in lower funding rates for extended tenors.

Despite the undulating nature of the market, there has been increased sophistication, amongst issuers of the different financing options available in the local debt markets with issuers effectively timing capital markets issuance to maximize cost savings relative to bank debt.

We have witnessed an increasing number of corporate issuers exploring alternative funding options such as Green Bonds and Infrastructure Bonds, in addition to conventional bonds, commercial paper and Eurobonds.”

The Bonds, Loans and Sukuk Nigeria Conference, organized by GFC Media, is regarded as Nigeria’s only annual debt finance event, covering developments of both on-shore and off-shore markets.