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
Institutional Limited Partners Association New Reporting Standards
Following extensive industry consultation, the Institutional Limited Partners Association ("ILPA") has now released an updated Reporting Template and a new Performance Template
Understanding the Role of LASBCA - Key Considerations
LASBCA plays a central role in ensuring that buildings are constructed, maintained, and inhabited in accordance with safety and planning standards
The CBN FX Code: Moving From Rules to Principles
The introduction of the draft CBN FX Code marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s foreign exchange market regulation as it signifies a shift away from a regulatory approach that is largely rules-based toward a more dynamic, principles-based regulatory approach. Effectively,
The CBN FX Code: Key Principles
The draft FX Code, issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in October 2024, establishes a set of principles designed to promote a robust, fair, and transparent foreign exchange market. The FX Code seeks to enhance the integrity and efficiency of the Nigerian wholesale foreign exchange market.
Intermediary Liability: Legal Considerations for Tech Platforms in Nigeria
Intermediary liability, as a legal and policy concern, raises the question: To what extent should tech platforms bear financial or criminal responsibility for the online actions or omissions of their users? As digital platforms continue to reshape industries and societies, this issue lies at the heart of balancing innovation with accountability
Central Bank Immunity and Fundamental Human Rights: Matters Arising
A recent court decision, Chris vs. CBN, raises important questions regarding the doctrine of central bank immunity in Nigeria. In this case, the Court upheld a new central banking regulation (“Regulation 6a”) that requires Nigerian banks to collect customers' social media account details as part of standard Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures. The Court based its decision on the fact that Regulation 6a was issued in good faith.
Private Equity Investments in Private Companies – Financial Assistance Considerations
The prohibition of financial assistance to private equity firms and other equity investors is probably the most important legal barrier to the growth of the local leveraged buyout market. With the passage of the Companies Act in 2020, private companies in Nigeria can now legally provide financial assistance to private equity firms and strategic investors in connection with an acquisition of their shares.
Some Compliance Learnings from FCCPC's $220 million fine on Meta
Until FCCPC's Decision imposing a $220m fine on Meta has been successfully appealed, the legal principles enumerated in the decision as well as the conclusions reached therein are generally legally binding on businesses operating in Nigeria. Without a doubt, the Decision has wide-ranging implications for tech companies and online platforms, operating in digital markets in Nigeria. In this client update, we highlight some of the key learnings from the Decision.
A Primer on Hell or High Water Clauses in Aviation Leases
"Hell or high water clauses" are a standard fixture of aviation leases and it appears that courts will generally enforce "hell or high water clauses" in aviation leases, in the absence of extenuating factors. This legal update provides a primer on hell or high water clauses as relates to aviation leases under English Law.
Proposed New Rules on the Issuance and Allotment of Private Companies: Some Legal Considerations
The Securities & Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) is seeking to regulate debt issuances by private companies and has recently published a draft of the new ru...
Assessing Key Man Risk for Limited Partners in Africa-focused Private Equity Funds
Limited partners investing in Africa-focused private equity and venture capital funds are increasingly prioritising key man risk, as evidenced by several recent opinions we've issued on the topic. In one of those cases, a key man in a private fund departed to set up his own fund with a similar investment thesis. A dispute then arose as, to the extent to which the key man could legally leave the fund as well as establish a fund with a similar investment strategy.
New Minimum Share Capital Requirements For Nigerian Banks: Some Legal Considerations for Bank Investors and Shareholders
New Minimum Share Capital : Policy & Regulatory Context The latest central banking policy decision facing commercial banks in Nigeria is a new poli...