Standard Chartered has completed the transfer of its Cameroon business to Access Bank Cameroon. The move follows the bank’s plan to reduce its presence across selected markets and redirect resources to other operations. Access Bank has now taken full control of the business in Cameroon and will lead services previously handled by Standard Chartered.
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Operations move to Access Bank
Access Bank will manage all accounts, processes, and customer engagements previously under Standard Chartered. The transfer covers retail, corporate, and institutional services. Both institutions completed all regulatory steps required for the handover.
The move strengthens Access Bank’s goal to build a wider network across African markets. Access Bank stated that the transition was completed in line with agreements reached with Standard Chartered. Customers will continue to access banking services without changes to their accounts.
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Impact on regional strategy
Standard Chartered began its reduction plan in 2022. The goal was to exit selected markets and focus on regions that support long-term plans. Cameroon was one of the markets listed for exit. The final transfer marks the completion of that step in the Central African region.
For Access Bank, the development supports its plan to build wider reach in Central Africa. The bank continues to expand in regions where it sees demand for cross-border financial services.
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NUPRC denies withholding exploration fund, confirms release to NNPC Ltd
The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, “NUPRC” has denied claims that it withheld the Frontier Exploration Fund. The Commission confirmed that all approved funds have been released to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, “NNPC Ltd”.
Breakdown of fund release
NUPRC explained that the fund is held in an account managed by the Central Bank of Nigeria. The Commission only approves requests based on submitted work programmes. It stated that a total of $185.12 million and ₦14.9 billion has been released to NNPC Ltd.
The most recent approval was $140 million, released on 27 November 2025. Earlier disbursements included ₦14.9 billion and $45 million. According to NUPRC, there is no outstanding payment left to release.
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Commission clears public concern
NUPRC said the clarification became necessary due to claims that the fund was not being released. The Commission stated that its duty is to review requests, confirm compliance, and approve based on available records. All verified applications submitted by NNPC Ltd were approved and released.
The announcement is expected to reduce concern across the sector and provide clear information on how the fund is handled. The Commission said it will continue to apply its process to future applications for exploration activities.
