Namibia’s central bank has assumed control of SME Bank Limited, a lender focused on small businesses in the southern African nation, it said on Wednesday, citing investments that can pose a risk to the bank’s stability.
Certain investments made by SME Bank did not conform to sound investment principles, the central bank said in a statement, adding that SME’s chief executive and other senior managers were removed on Wednesday.
The central bank said it will further investigate the affairs of SME Bank, majority-owned by Namibia’s government, but lending and other banking activities will continue.
“At this point, the Bank of Namibia is not satisfied with the information provided and is unable to render an objective opinion regarding the soundness or magnitude of the investments in question,” the central bank said.
The bank could not be reached for comment.
Source: Reuters
