FirstHoldCo Plc, Nigeria’s leading financial services holding company, has been included in the FTSE Frontier 50 Index, effective 21 September 2026. Interestingly, this is bigger than the FTSE Rusell Index. The inclusion of FirstHoldCo places it along with five other companies from Nigeria among the most liquid and investable companies across frontier markets, affirming its rising relevance to global institutional investors seeking quality exposure to Africa’s largest economy.
The FTSE Frontier 50 Index is a leading benchmark for frontier market equities, comprising companies that satisfy rigorous standards for market capitalisation, liquidity, free float, governance and investability. FirstHoldCo’s admission reflects the Group’s strengthened market position, improved liquidity profile and growing appeal to discerning domestic and international investors.
For the investing public, this is more than an index inclusion. It is independent global recognition of FirstHoldCo’s scale, governance discipline, market depth and long-term value potential.
The milestone follows a period of strong market performance and sustained investor interest, underpinned by improved financial results, focused execution of strategic priorities, enhanced governance standards and a clear commitment to long term shareholder value creation.
Having met the Central Bank of Nigeria’s minimum capital requirement, FirstHoldCo remains deliberately focused on building a stronger capital base, reinforcing financial resilience and creating capacity for accelerated growth. The Group’s strengthened balance sheet, disciplined execution and expanding shareholder base position it to compete with greater scale, agility and confidence across its businesses.
The expected benefits are significant: deeper liquidity, wider institutional participation, enhanced access to global capital and stronger visibility among asset managers, exchange-traded funds, pension funds and other investors tracking frontier market opportunities.
This recognition also enhances FirstHoldCo’s positioning as a well governed, liquid and strategically important African financial services platform, offering investors exposure to a diversified institution with strong fundamentals and meaningful growth prospects.
Beyond the immediate market impact, inclusion in the index provides a stronger platform for sustained engagement with long-term global capital and reinforces the Group’s ambition to become one of Africa’s most respected and valuable financial services institutions.
Commenting on the development, the Group Chairman of First HoldCo Plc, Mr. Femi Otedola, CON, said:
“Our inclusion in the FTSE Frontier 50 Index is a defining milestone in FirstHoldCo’s evolution. It affirms the transformation we are driving, the confidence investors continue to place in our institution, and the strength of our governance and business model. We remain focused on building a stronger, more profitable and globally competitive financial services group, while delivering superior and sustainable value to shareholders.”
Also commenting, the Group Managing Director, Mr. Wale Oyedeji, stated:
“This achievement reflects the discipline, commitment and execution focus of our Board, Management and employees. It validates the progress we have made in strengthening performance, enhancing operations and positioning FirstHoldCo for sustainable growth. Importantly, it elevates our visibility among global institutional investors and reinforces our ambition to be the leading African financial services provider delivering innovative solutions.”
FirstHoldCo’s emergence within the investable frontier markets universe is supported by its consistent focus on governance, innovation, operational efficiency and sustainable growth.
The Group continues to invest in digital transformation, customer experience and responsible business practices, while maintaining a disciplined approach to stakeholder value creation.
Its emphasis on workplace excellence, innovation and Environmental, Social and Governance principles further strengthens institutional confidence and supports its long-term investment case.
Together, these fundamentals reinforce FirstHoldCo’s reputation as a trusted financial partner and a compelling investment destination for investors seeking resilient, well-governed and growth-oriented African exposure.
At a time when global investors are increasingly selective about frontier market allocations, FirstHoldCo’s inclusion signals confidence in the Group’s fundamentals, governance credentials, liquidity and growth trajectory.
For shareholders, investors and stakeholders, this milestone strengthens FirstHoldCo’s position as a premier African financial services institution and a distinctive opportunity within the frontier markets investment landscape.
