It was also fined for contravening the CBN’s foreign exchange manual and weaknesses noted in internal control and know your customer procedures.
A further breakdown of the fine indicated that Access Bank contravened the minimum documentation in the credit file and reporting of public sector deposit in line with CBN guidelines.
Sterling Bank followed by paying N50 million for under reporting of public sector deposits as at August 29, 2014. Zenith Bank was fined N48 million for non-disclosure of date of last lodgement on credit print out, appointment of a deputy general manager and incomplete reporting of all transactions of politically exposed persons.
GTBank during the review period paid N24 million as fine for the appointment of top management without CBN’s approval and infraction arising from anti-money laundering/combating the financing of terrorism spot checks among others.
Similarly, FCMB Group was penalised N6 million for not implementing prior year’s external auditors recommendations, incorrect returns to CBN and failure to comply with ATM operation standards.
Speaking on contravention, Sunny Nwosu, national coordinator, Independent Shareholders Association, expressed concern about the various amount paid by banks for contraventions in 2014.
Nwosu said the amount would have translated to higher dividend for shareholders, noting that banks should be very careful and avoid wastage of shareholders’ funds. Nwosu said the board and management of banks should bear the cost because of their negligence and not the shareholders
