In a move signaling a robust expansion strategy, VFD Group Plc has announced significant investments in Abbey Mortgage Bank Plc and the burgeoning e-commerce loyalty platform, Bvndle Loyalty Limited. This strategic decision, disclosed via the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) on March 27, 2025, underscores VFD’s ambition to solidify its presence in key sectors of the Nigerian economy and beyond.
The investment in Abbey Mortgage Bank is poised to support the bank’s capital raise, granting VFD Group strategic access to the dynamic real estate and landed property financing market. Abbey Mortgage Bank, a leading mortgage stock on the NGX, has demonstrated remarkable growth, boasting a 43% year-to-date gain as of March 27, 2025, following a 35% return in 2024. As a writer, I can’t help but note the potential this holds for countless Nigerians seeking affordable housing, a sector often fraught with challenges.
“Investing in both sectors—the real estate financing market and the loyalty rewards market—will likely strengthen the operations of the recipient companies and enable VFD to explore newer, profitable opportunities,” stated a company disclosure.
On the other hand, the funding for Bvndle Loyalty Limited aims to bolster VFD Group’s footprint in the loyalty rewards market. Bvndle, a data-driven platform that helps businesses enhance customer relationships, has already forged strategic partnerships with major financial institutions like UBA, Piggyvest, VFD Microfinance Bank, and AXA Mansard in 2024. This investment highlights the growing importance of customer retention and engagement in today’s competitive market.
“Bvndle is a data-driven loyalty platform that helps businesses thrive and enables customers to maximize their value,” the company explained.
Furthermore, VFD Group’s Board has authorized the capitalization of its international subsidiaries, VFD UK, VFD South Africa, and Template Limited, to fuel market diversification efforts across the UK, Pan-Africa, and specialized lending operations. This move reflects a broader vision to extend its influence beyond Nigeria’s borders.
This strategic expansion follows VFD Group’s recent N5 billion capital injection into VFD Microfinance Bank (V Bank) in February 2025, reinforcing its commitment to digital-first financial solutions. “This milestone represents a transformative leap in empowering Nigerians through innovative banking solutions,” Nonso Okpala, the Group’s Managing Director and Chief Executive, stated. “We see V Bank as a catalyst for economic growth, designed to address the diverse needs of our communities.”
The implications of these investments are significant. For Abbey Mortgage Bank, it means enhanced capacity to provide essential housing finance, potentially easing the housing deficit faced by many Nigerians. For Bvndle, it signals a deeper integration into the digital economy, fostering stronger customer-business relationships. For VFD Group, it represents a diversified portfolio poised for sustained growth.
In essence, VFD Group’s strategic moves reflect a keen understanding of market dynamics and a commitment to driving economic progress. As a writer, I’m compelled to consider the human element within these financial decisions. The potential for more accessible housing, the empowerment of local businesses through loyalty programs, and the expansion of financial services – all point to a tangible impact on people’s lives. These investments are more than just numbers; they represent opportunities and growth for many.
