
Wema Bank is leading the way in digital transformation in Nigeria. The bank's mobile banking app, ALAT, has over 3 million registered users, making it one of the most popular mobile banking apps in the country.
Wema Bank's commitment to digital transformation is evident in its efforts to provide easy and convenient banking services to its customers. The bank's ALAT app allows customers to open a bank account in just 3 minutes, and deposit money directly into their accounts using their smartphones.
Wema Bank's digital transformation efforts have also led to significant cost savings for the bank, allowing it to pass the benefits on to its customers in the form of lower fees and interest rates.
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Digital Transformation
Wema Bank launched the first fully digital bank in Nigeria, ALAT By Wema, in May 2017, allowing users to carry out all their banking needs on a mobile phone, PC, or tablet without entering a physical bank.
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ALAT was launched on May 2, 2017 by Wema Bank Plc, a Nigerian commercial bank.
In its first year, ALAT by Wema acquired more than 250,000 customers responsible for well over NGN 1.6bn ($4.48m) in general deposits.
ALAT By Wema reached the NGN 1bn ($2.78m) mark in terms of deposits into savings accounts in 2018.
This shows that digital transformation can lead to significant growth and adoption, as seen in the case of ALAT By Wema.
Business and Finance
Wema Bank offers a corporate internet banking platform called ALAT For Business, designed for corporate and SME customers to access business accounts, perform financial transactions, and manage finances online.
The bank's financials show a significant growth in net sales and net income. In 2023, the bank reported a net income of 35.99 billion, up from 11.35 billion in 2022. This represents a 216% increase in net income.
Wema Bank's financial ratios also indicate improvement, with a Net Interest Margin (NIM) of 7.43% in the first half of 2024, up from 6.12% in the same period of 2023. The Return on Average Equity (ROAE) was 36.16% in the first half of 2024, significantly higher than 19.25% recorded in 2022.
ALAT for Business
ALAT for Business is the corporate version of ALAT, specifically designed to cater to the needs of corporate and SME customers.
It's an advanced corporate internet banking platform offered by Wema Bank, providing a convenient way to manage your business finances online.
With ALAT for Business, you can access your business accounts and perform financial transactions at your fingertips.
This platform is tailored to meet the unique needs of businesses, making it easier to manage finances, track transactions, and make informed decisions.
You can use ALAT for Business to manage your finances online, 24/7, from anywhere with an internet connection.
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Financials
Wema Bank's net sales have seen a significant increase in 2023, reaching 122B compared to 74.44B in 2022.
The bank's cost of funds has increased by 27% in the first half of 2024, reaching 7.0% compared to 5.5% in the same period in 2023.
Wema Bank's net income has also seen a substantial increase, reaching 35.99B in 2023 compared to 11.35B in 2022.

The bank's net debt has decreased in 2023, reaching -140B compared to -47.79B in 2022.
Here's a breakdown of Wema Bank's financial performance:
The bank's capitalization has also increased, reaching 195B in 2022 and 19.56B in 2023.
Wema Bank's P/E ratio has decreased from 4.42x in 2022 to 2x in 2023.
The bank's enterprise value has also seen a significant increase, reaching 55.24B in 2022 and 5.54B in 2023.
Here's a breakdown of Wema Bank's valuation:
The bank's cost-to-income ratio has increased to 66.65% in the first half of 2024, indicating a notable rise compared to earlier years.
Wema Bank's profit before tax (PBT) has seen an impressive 153.5% jump in the first half of 2024, reaching N30.56 billion.
Tarihi
Wema Bank Plc has a rich history that spans over seven decades. It was founded on May 2, 1945, as a private bank by the late Cif Mathew Adekoya Okupe.
The bank started with its first branches in Ebute-metta, Sagamu, Abeokuta, and Ijebu-Igbo. It was initially known as Agbonmagbe Bank Limited before later being renamed Wema Bank Limited in 1969.
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Here's a brief overview of the bank's major milestones:
Wema Bank Plc has come a long way since its inception, and its history is a testament to its resilience and adaptability in the face of changing market conditions.
News and Updates
Wema Bank has reported its earnings results for the fourth quarter of 2024, with the report available on January 30.
The bank announced executive changes on November 19, 2024, and reported its earnings results for the third quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2024, on October 30, 2024.
Wema Bank reported a quarterly group profit before tax of 6.19 billion naira in the first quarter of 2023.
Here is a list of some of the key dates and events mentioned in the article sections:
- January 30, 2024: Wema Bank PLC Reports Earnings Results for the Fourth Quarter Ended December 31, 2024
- November 19, 2024: Wema Bank Announces Executive Changes
- October 30, 2024: Wema Bank PLC Reports Earnings Results for the Third Quarter and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024
- April 28, 2023: Wema Bank Posts Quarterly Group PBT Of 6.19 Billion Naira
Wema Bank has also made announcements about its plans to raise equity, with a target of 40 billion naira ($50.7 million) in 2023.
The bank celebrated its 80th anniversary in 2024, with a press release highlighting its digital platform, Alat, and its impact on the banking industry in Africa.
Hackathon

Wema Bank has been hosting an annual event since 2019, known as the Hackaholics - Wema Bank Hackathon.
The Hackaholics hackathon has been an annual event since its inception in 2019.
Market Analysis
Wema Bank is Nigeria's oldest indigenous bank, with a rich history dating back to 1945. It has a strong presence in the country's banking industry.
The bank's market analysis reveals that it has a significant market share in the retail and commercial banking sectors. Wema Bank's commitment to innovation has led to the launch of several digital banking initiatives, including the launch of ALAT, a mobile banking app that allows customers to manage their accounts and perform transactions from their mobile devices.
Wema Bank's focus on digital banking has enabled it to reach a wider customer base, particularly in rural areas where traditional banking services are limited. The bank's digital banking initiatives have also improved customer convenience and reduced transaction costs.
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Wema Bank's market analysis indicates that it has a strong presence in the Nigerian market, with a large customer base and a wide network of branches and ATMs. The bank's commitment to innovation and customer service has enabled it to stay ahead of the competition in the Nigerian banking industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which country uses Wema Bank?
Wema Bank is based in Nigeria, a country in West Africa. It's a leading bank in the region, known for its innovative digital banking services.
Is Wema Bank still active?
Yes, Wema Bank is still active and operating in sound financial health. Its strong financial performance and stability have been validated by stakeholders and auditors.
How strong is Wema Bank?
Wema Bank's financial strength is relatively lower compared to other Nigerian banks due to its smaller size and weaker financial performance. However, its ratings are still a good starting point to learn more about the bank's overall stability and growth potential.
Does Wema Bank have another name?
Yes, Wema Bank was previously known as Agbonmagbe Bank Limited. It was founded in 1945 by the Late Chief Mathew Adekoya Okupe.
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wema_Bank
- https://oduainvestment.com.ng/associate-companies/wema-bank-plc/
- https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/WEMA-BANK-PLC-20703921/
- https://ha.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wema_Bank
- https://nairametrics.com/2024/08/31/wema-bank-to-raise-n150-billion-new-capital-merger-or-acquisition-talks-premature/
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