Suara Sherif
FirstHoldCo Plc has been admitted into the FTSE Frontier 50 Index, effective 21 September 2026, placing Nigeria’s leading financial services holding company among the most liquid and investable companies across frontier markets.
The inclusion positions FirstHoldCo alongside five other Nigerian companies in the benchmark, which tracks equities that meet strict criteria for market capitalisation, liquidity, free float, governance and investability.
The milestone reflects independent global recognition of the group’s scale, governance standards, market depth and long-term value potential.
It is also expected to deliver deeper liquidity, wider institutional participation and improved access to global capital.
The admission follows a period of strong market performance and sustained investor interest, supported by improved financial results, focused execution of strategic priorities and a strengthened balance sheet after meeting the Central Bank of Nigeria’s minimum capital requirement.
Group Chairman Femi Otedola described the development as a defining point in the company’s evolution.
“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,” Otedola said.
Group Managing Director Wale Oyedeji said the achievement reflects the discipline and execution focus across the organisation.
“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,” Oyedeji said.
The inclusion is expected to raise the group’s visibility among asset managers, exchange-traded funds, pension funds and other investors tracking frontier market opportunities, reinforcing its ambition to become one of Africa’s most respected financial services institutions.
Analysts note that with global investors becoming more selective in frontier market allocations, FirstHoldCo’s admission signals confidence in the group’s fundamentals, governance credentials, liquidity and growth trajectory
