Zenith Bank and other major Nigerian lenders face a potential capital shortfall under a proposed Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) framework. The draft guidelines require financial holding companies to maintain regulatory capital at 120% of their subsidiaries' combined minimum capital.
This proposal follows the recent completion of major bank recapitalization programs. Lenders may need to return to investors for additional funds to meet the new threshold.
The CBN designed these reforms to strengthen oversight and reduce contagion risks between banking and non-banking entities. The regulator concluded the stakeholder consultation period on July 9, 2026. Final guidelines will follow the review of feedback.