CBN relaxes borrowing rules for banks trading FX, government securities

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has made changes to borrowing rules for financial institutions involved in foreign exchange and government securities transactions. These adjustments are aimed at enhancing liquidity management and money market operations. The bank removed restrictions on the Discount Window for banks participating in foreign exchange transactions and government securities auctions.

This means eligible financial institutions can now access the CBN's liquidity facility without facing restrictions due to their involvement in these markets. The CBN also lifted the suspension on tenored repurchase transactions, expanding the range of liquidity management instruments available to banks. Furthermore, the bank opened up participation in its Open Market Operations (OMO) to a wider range of eligible investors, including individuals, companies, and non-bank financial institutions.

However, the CBN retained the restriction on same-day participation in OMO auctions for institutions accessing the Discount Window. The revised rules took immediate effect, and the CBN said it would continue to determine the volume, tenor, and frequency of OMO issuances based on liquidity conditions and monetary policy objectives.