
Coronation Merchant Bank recently revealed Coronation Deals
Coronation Merchant Bank recently revealed Coronation Deals – a publication showcasing the bank’s landmark transactions.
What strategic purpose does this initiative serve?
Coronation Deals is our annual publication that celebrates our clients and highlights our expertise in capital formation, financial advisory, and structured finance. As Prosperity Partners for the country and region, it reflects the pivotal role we play in fueling growth across multiple sectors, including banking, telecommunications, manufacturing, and infrastructure. It showcases our innovative financial solutions including Public-Private Partnerships, Syndicated Loans, and Bridge Financing – all of which have contributed to economic growth, deeper financial markets, and sustainable wealth creation. The publication underscores our commitment to delivering bespoke solutions that enable our clients meet their strategic goals and objectives.
Since 2015, Coronation Merchant Bank has played a pivotal role in capital market transactions. Can you highlight some of the most recent deals the bank has executed?
Coronation Merchant Bank has solidified its position as a leader in the Nigerian capital markets with several key transactions in 2024. Our expertise spans across Equity Capital Markets, Debt Capital Markets, Mergers & Acquisitions, Financial Advisory, Project Finance, and Structured Finance. We had the privilege to act as the Joint Lead Issuing House for Access Holdings Plc’s ₦351 billion Rights Issue, and as the Joint Issuing House for Zenith Bank Plc’s ₦350.5 billion equity capital raise. Additionally, we supported FCMB Group Plc with a ₦144.6 billion equity capital raise, and played a critical role in structuring the ₦8.8 billion Coronation Asset Management Infrastructure Fund.
Our M&A advisory capabilities were further showcased through the ₦2.82 trillion merger advisory for Access ARM Pensions Limited, underscoring our expertise in takeovers and distressed sales. In the Debt Capital Market, we were Joint Arranger for several high-profile commercial paper issuances, including Dangote Cement Plc’s ₦232.6 billion issuance, Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc’s ₦125.6 billion, MTN Nigeria Communications Plc’s ₦114.4 billion, and Coleman Technical Industries Limited’s ₦30 billion issuance. Our commitment to market innovation was demonstrated when we structured our own ₦38.6 billion commercial paper issuance, further advancing the Nigerian financial markets with sophisticated structured finance solutions such as Asset-Based Financing and Securitization.
What impact have these transactions had on the Nigerian economy and beyond?
Our role in structuring commercial paper issuances for African champions like Dangote Cement and MTN Nigeria, is essential in providing funding for growth in critical sectors such as manufacturing, telecommunications, and infrastructure. By facilitating capital raises for financial institutions including Access Holdings, Zenith Bank, and FCMB Group, we have strengthened the banking sector’s capacity to accelerate growth in the real sector. As IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva remarked at the Hamburg Sustainability Conference: “Growth is the best way to beat debt.” We align with this philosophy by offering financing solutions that allow African businesses and governments to invest in transformative projects through disciplined debt management. Through our strategic M&A advisory, infrastructure financing, and capital restructuring, we continue to unlock significant economic potential, contributing to financial stability and wealth creation across the continent.
How does Coronation Merchant Bank approach risk management, and what measures are in place to ensure the sustainability of its investment strategy in a dynamic market environment?
Since our establishment in 2015 we have maintained a zero non-performing loan track record. We are committed to best practices in risk management to safeguard the long-term sustainability of our banking franchise. We also ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and standards. Our approach is built on a comprehensive understanding of market dynamics, coupled with a strong focus on both macroeconomic and sector-specific risks. We leverage advanced risk modelling and real-time data analytics to assess potential risks across our portfolio, ensuring timely identification.
Our experienced risk management team works in close collaboration with our investment bankers to ensure every transaction is assessed through a rigorous risk evaluation process. Additionally, our diversified portfolio across various sectors, combined with a prudent capital allocation strategy, further strengthens our ability to navigate volatility and sustain growth in changing market conditions.
In what ways is Coronation Merchant Bank leveraging technology and innovation to enhance its services and stay ahead in the competitive investment banking landscape?
Coronation Merchant Bank is at the forefront of leveraging technology to drive innovation and operational efficiency. We continuously invest in cutting-edge financial technology solutions that enhance our ability to deliver seamless, data-driven services to our clients. Our digital platforms streamline client engagement, providing real-time access to financial insights, transaction execution, and portfolio management tools.
We recently set a subsector benchmark by achieving three globally-recognized ISO certifications: ISO 27001 (Information Security Management), ISO 22301 (Business Continuity Management), and ISO 20000 (IT Service Management). These certifications underscore our commitment to operational excellence, resilience, and cybersecurity. By integrating industry-leading technology across both front-end and back-end systems, we enhance agility, security, and service efficiency. This enables us to deliver highly customised financial solutions, reinforcing our dedication to creating value for clients in an increasingly digital financial ecosystem.
Coronation Merchant Bank recently won multiple industry awards. What does this recognition mean for the bank?
These awards reaffirm our leadership and unwavering commitment to excellence within Nigeria’s capital markets, and we are truly grateful to our clients whose trust and partnership made the recognition possible.
At the 7th Annual FMDQ Gold Awards, we were honoured with four prestigious accolades, including “Most Diverse Issuer on FMDQ,” “FMDQ Registration Member (Quotations) of the Year,” “Most Active Securities Lodgement Sponsor on FMDQ,” and “Largest Issuing House on FMDQ.” These recognitions validate our expertise in executing complex capital market transactions across both Equity and Debt Capital Markets. Additionally, our ranking of 6th in the FMDQ Fixed Income Primary Markets Sponsors’ and Solicitors’ League Table, as well as being named the “Best Investment Bank, Nigeria” by World Finance, highlights our strategic advisory capabilities and innovative financing solutions.
As Africa continues to evolve as a key growth region, how is Coronation Merchant Bank positioning itself to capitalize on emerging opportunities across the continent?
Coronation Merchant Bank is deeply committed to unlocking Africa’s vast economic potential by strategically supporting high-growth sectors. With a deep local market expertise, we are well-equipped to navigate the continent’s evolving landscape and provide tailored financial solutions that foster long-term growth.
We actively build partnerships with governments, industry leaders, and private sector stakeholders to align with national and regional development priorities. Our focus on sustainability and impact-driven investments ensures that our initiatives not only generate financial returns but also contribute to long-term economic resilience and social progress across Africa.
What is next for Coronation Merchant Bank as it pursues its mission of fostering a prosperous financial future for its clients and the African continent?
Our future is centered on innovation, strategic partnerships, and enhancing our leadership in Africa’s financial markets through best-in-class talent. We will continue to leverage our expertise in Equity Capital Markets, Debt Capital Markets, Mergers & Acquisitions, Financial Advisory, Project Finance, and Structured Finance to support clients across diverse sectors. We will sustain our efforts to facilitate capital access, strengthen financial markets, and deliver world-class financial services.
As we push the boundaries of investment banking, our unwavering focus is on driving sustainable economic growth and delivering cutting-edge solutions to empower businesses and foster long-term prosperity.