3 March 2020, Lagos, Nigeria
IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, today announced a $40 million Trade Finance Guarantee facility to Coronation Merchant Bank under its Global Trade Finance Program. This will enable Coronation Merchant Bank to establish and expand correspondent banking partnerships with several international banks in IFC’s Trade Finance program, broadening access to finance in Nigeria.
IFC’s Global Trade Finance Program (GTFP) will offer confirming banks full or partial guarantees to cover the trade-related payment obligations of Coronation Merchant Bank. The program supports trade with emerging markets worldwide, allowing participants to conveniently finance their imports and exports and promotes the flow of goods and services between developing countries.
Commenting on the partnership with IFC, Banjo Adegbohungbe, Acting Managing Director of Coronation Merchant Bank stated that “The GTFP partnership is a critical milestone for us in our journey to become a leading financial institution in Nigeria. We are delighted to partner with the IFC in providing trade finance solutions to our customers and we assure all our clients of our continued support to enable them to achieve their business objectives.”
“We welcome Coronation Merchant Bank to the Global Trade Finance Program, which has been very active in Nigeria in the past. This relationship will help improve the bank’s trade with other countries, and create new economic opportunities in Nigeria,” said Kevin Njiraini, IFC’s Director for Southern Africa and Nigeria. “The partnership attests to the continued growth of the Nigerian financial sector and restates IFC’s commitment to emerging markets around the world.”
Coronation Merchant Bank was established in 2015 to provide wholesale banking to a long under-served market. The Bank offers Investment and Corporate Banking, Private Banking/Wealth Management and, Global Markets/Treasury Services to its clientele. In 2019, Coronation Merchant Bank received awards such as Best Investment Bank in Nigeria by Global Finance, Best Investment Bank in Nigeria by World Finance, Best Investment Bank by Global Banking and Finance Review, and Best Investment Bank by Global Business Outlook.
The partnership with Coronation Merchant Bank underscores IFC’s commitment to Nigeria. IFC has invested in several projects in heavy manufacturing, technology and financial services amongst other key sectors in the country.
About IFC
IFC—a sister organization of the World Bank and a member of the World Bank Group—is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. It works with more than 2,000 businesses worldwide, using its capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities where they are needed most. In 2019, IFC delivered more than $19 billion in long-term financing for developing countries, leveraging the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.
