Financial Intermediation
Deep expertise in banking, capital markets, fintech, and financial services regulation serving banks, investment firms, and emerging financial technology companies.
We support our Clients with:
Notable Experience
Advised a leading investment bank on a Partial Risk Guaranteed Standby Letter of Credit to be issued by the investment bank acting as L/C Issuing Bank under a USD$150 million Reimbursement and Credit Agreement;
Advised an indigenous commercial bank in relation to a USD$ 200 Million financing to be provided in conjunction with an international financial institution for the acquisition of oil and gas assets;
Advised on the USD100million Refinance Facility to an indigenous broadband company to refinance and restructure its existing debt obligations of circa USD80million and fund the construction of a data center;
Advised on US$ 60m debt refinancing of a diversified business group with interests in pharmaceutical, energy, industrial plastic packaging, importation and distribution of consumer goods as well as the agricultural sectors;
Advised on US$107 million ECA-backed financing for the construction and development of the first phase of a mixed use real estate development.
Insights & Updates
Minimum KYC Requirements for Opening Bank Accounts for Nigerian Entities Offshore
Notwithstanding the removal of Nigeria from the FATF Grey List, foreign banks are still required to conduct full KYC and AML/CFT checks for Nigerian clients, as these obligations remain mandatory under global banking regulations. This article provides some local intel for foreign banks on the minimum requirements for safely and efficiently onboarding Nigerian clients while maintaining compliance with international AML/CFT standards.
New Capital Gains Tax Rules for Nigerian M&A Transactions
While gains on the disposal of shares in Nigerian companies are generally chargeable, the Nigeria Tax Act introduces important exemptions designed to encourage investment and capital market activity.
Bank Corporate Client Acquisitions: Employment Law Considerations
If women were selected, incentivized, or subtly pressured to use charm or appearance to attract business, this may constitute constructive dismissal, if such women feel compelled to resign.
CBN's Open Banking Guidelines: Implications for Non-Bank Entities
It is often assumed that the CBN's Open Banking Guidelines are relevant only to banks and licensed fintech companies. However, a closer reading of the Open Banking Guidelines suggests that its application is significantly broader, extending to any company that shares or consumes financial data through APIs, regardless of sector.
CBN Audits: Key Considerations for Fintechs & Microfinance Banks
A CBN audit is an on-site or off-site examination conducted by the Central Bank of Nigeria to assess a regulated financial institution’s compliance with applicable laws, regulations, guidelines, and prudential requirements
Lagos Carbon Exchange: Key Legal & Market Considerations
The Lagos Carbon Exchange introduces a credible local alternative
New Private Equity Rules in Nigeria - New Updates
Private equity funds in Nigeria with a target size of ₦5 billion or less are now exempt from full SEC registration, though they must still file governing documents and obtain a no-objection from the SEC.
Data Protection Considerations in Mergers & Acquisitions in Nigeria
Nigeria’s consumer protection agency fined Meta $220 million because it believed that Meta breached data protection laws and that the breach was so egregious as...
The Nigeria Tax Bill - Revisiting the New Rent Relief Allowance
It would appear that landlords and dependent adults will no longer be entitled to income tax reliefs under the Nigeria Tax Bill.
Series A Financing - What to Expect
In this update, we highlight some key Series A considerations for founders looking to raise a Series A financing
Understanding the Nigerian Climate Change Act (2021) : Q&A
Does the Act make provision for a carbon tax or emissions trading system (ETS)?
Material Adverse Change (MAC) Clause Dispute in Nigeria
The investor sought to invoke the Material Adverse Change clause to withdraw from the deal, but the seller disputed the claim