GTCO pledges dividend increase in 2026, affirms financial independence of foreign subsidiaries
Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO) has assured shareholders that it will continue increasing dividends in 2026 and that its foreign subsidiaries are financially independent.
Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO) has assured shareholders that it will continue increasing dividends in 2026 and that its foreign subsidiaries are financially independent.
This was disclosed during the bank’s 5th Annual General Meeting, held virtually on April 28, 206.
In response to shareholder questions, the Group CEO, Mr. Segun Agbaje, provided clarity on the bank’s strategy for sustaining dividend growth, saying:
He emphasized that despite rising operating costs, the bank would continue to increase dividends.
Another concern raised during the AGM was the financial independence of foreign subsidiaries, and if they are not fully independent, what strategies are in place to prevent capital from being trapped by local regulations.
In response, the CEO assured shareholders, stating:
This self-sufficiency ensures that the bank’s international operations can grow organically without relying on capital injections from the parent company.
Several shareholders raised concerns about the bank’s high exposure to the oil and gas sector loan, expressing fears about the potential impact on profitability. But the CEO acknowledged the risk and the bank’s strategy:
On a decline in gross earnings.
He informed shareholders that the bank is implementing new strategies to reverse the decline; optimizing cost base, enhancing digital channels, and strengthening retail banking operations.
This marks the 5th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO), held virtually on April 28, 2026.
The meeting was convened to transact both ordinary and special business as per the agenda outlined for the year.
A total of 1,931 shareholders, representing 53% of the company’s issued share capital, were present at the commencement of the meeting.
Of these, 1,288 shareholders attended in person, while 643 shareholders participated as proxies. This ensured that a forum was formed.
During the AGM, several important resolutions were passed, including the re-election of Mr. Babatunde Soyoye and Mrs. Marie Namias as independent non-executive directors.
Additionally, shareholders approved the bank’s 2025 financial statements and the final dividend payout.
Shareholders also endorsed the bank’s ongoing commitment to empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly through initiatives like the zero Point of Sale (POS) charge policy, which reduces operational costs for businesses across Nigeria.
