Wema Bank is once again redefining the future of banking with the upgraded version of ALAT scheduled to go live in January 2026. Tagged ALAT: The Evolution, the upgraded version of ALAT will once again set the standard on the next chapter in the banking industry.

With ALAT: The Evolution, Wema Bank is pushing the envelope even further. It represents a thoughtful evolution of everything users already love about ALAT; redesigned to feel more intuitive, more responsive, and more personal. From faster interactions to a smarter understanding of user behavior to the introduction of SAW (Smart ALAT by Wema, an AI assistant on the ALAT App), the upgraded ALAT will show how far digital banking has come and how much further it can go when innovation is intentional.

When ALAT by Wema first launched in 2017, it made history as Africa’s first fully digital bank, changing how millions of people viewed and experienced banking. With the upgraded version of ALAT, Wema Bank is again reaffirming its position as the most innovative Bank in the banking industry.

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First HoldCo Plc (“FirstHoldCo” or “the Group”) has announced that its commercial banking subsidiary, First Bank of Nigeria (FirstBank), has successfully met the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) minimum capital requirement of ₦500 billion. This milestone was achieved following the completion of a series of strategic capital initiatives, including a Rights Issue, a Private Placement, and the injection of proceeds from the divestment of the Group’s merchant banking subsidiary.

This successful capitalization underscores strong market confidence in FirstHoldCo Group’s business model, long-term strategy, and growth prospects. With a fortified capital base, FirstBank is positioned to accelerate its support for the real sector, enhance financial inclusion, and deliver innovative, digitally driven customer experiences.

The recapitalization strengthens the Group’s overall financial resilience, providing a robust platform for earnings growth through business expansion, technological innovation, and the pursuit of new opportunities.

In March 2024, the CBN directed commercial banks to raise their capital base to a minimum of ₦500 billion within a 24-month period to bolster the Nigerian banking sector’s stability and capacity. FirstBank has now fulfilled this requirement well ahead of the regulatory deadline.

In a related development, FirstHoldCo have expressed its desire to raise fresh funding and inject additional capital into the Group’s existing subsidiaries and new business adjacencies in 2026. This forward-looking commitment is aimed at further enhancing service offerings and facilitating strategic expansion.

Commenting on the achievement, Mr. Femi Otedola, CON, Chairman of First HoldCo Plc, said:

“On behalf of the Board, I extend our profound gratitude to our shareholders for their trust and unwavering support throughout this capitalization programme. From the oversubscribed Rights Issue to the seamless Private Placement, investors have demonstrated resounding confidence in our strategic direction. Securing FirstBank’s capital base ahead of schedule is a testament to our collective commitment and positions us firmly for our next growth phase. We also appreciate the professional guidance of the CBN and SEC throughout this process.”

Mr. Wale Oyedeji, Group Managing Director of First HoldCo Plc, added:

“This successful capital raise is a pivotal milestone for FirstHoldCo. It provides us with the financial strength to execute our core strategic priorities: driving innovation, delivering superior customer value, and enhancing sustainable profitability. With this solid foundation, we are focused on accelerating performance, improving competitive returns, and delivering lasting value to all our stakeholders.”

FirstBank, West Africa’s premier financial institution and financial inclusion service provider, is pleased to announce the Nigeria Economic Outlook 2026 scheduled to hold on Tuesday, 6 January 2025. The theme of the session is “The Great Calibration: Mastering Resilience in an Era of Asynchronous Growth.”

Nigeria Economic Outlook is an annual customer-facing session which sets the tone on prevailing economic realities, equipping FirstBank customers with insights to navigate the economy effectively at the start of the year. The 2026 edition will review Nigeria’s economic landscape over the past year, provide an outlook for 2026, and deliver expert perspectives on global and domestic trends and their implications for the nation’s economy in the year ahead.

Commenting ahead of the event, the Acting Group Head, Marketing & Corporate Communications at FirstBank, Olayinka Ijabiyi said, “FirstBank remains dedicated to supporting the growth and development of Nigerian businesses and individuals, and this event is a testament to that commitment. As we welcome the new year, the Nigeria Economic Outlook 2025 will serve as a platform for our customers and stakeholders to learn how to navigate the complexities of Nigeria’s economic landscape in 2026. This initiative aims to help them make informed decisions based on expert recommendations and insights garnered from the session to drive giant transformative progress, allowing both businesses and individuals to thrive in the new year.”

The session will feature a distinguished lineup of speakers including economic analysts and industry leaders. The keynote address will be delivered by Yemi Kale, Group Chief Economist & Managing Director of Research & Trade Intelligence, Afrexim Bank.

Following the keynote, a high-level panel discussion will feature Olusegun Zaccheaus, Chief Economist, PwC; Francis Anatogu, Chief Executive Transaharan; Professor Bongo Adi, Professor of Economics & Data Analytics, Lagos Business School; Niyi Yusuf, Managing Partner, Verraki; Cheta Nwanze, Lead Partner at SBM Intelligence; Osahon Ogieva, Deputy Managing Director, FirstBank; Ayokunle Ojo, Head, Treasury Sales & Derivatives Marketing, FirstBank; and Laura Fisayo-Kolawole, Head, Equities and Alternative Solutions, First Asset Management. The panel discussion will be moderated by Chike Uzoma, Head, Strategy & Corporate Development, FirstBank.

To be a part of the session, interested participants can register and participate via  https://firstbanknigeria.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_PvQyniM4Rpmp1HqQoqbPvQ

As the partner of first choice for personal, business and corporate financial decisions, FirstBank will continue to support Nigerians in achieving their financial aspirations, driving growth and prosperity across the nation, and shaping a brighter economic future for all.