Keystone Bank has dismissed claims circulating on social media that it is facing imminent shutdown over alleged failure to meet regulatory capital requirements, describing the reports as false and misleading.
The allegation was made by a customer, identified as Dike Olom, who warned members of the public that Keystone Bank was among financial institutions purportedly set to be shut down by March. The claim alleged that the bank had failed to meet the Central Bank of Nigeria’s ₦500 billion capital requirement and urged customers to urgently withdraw their funds.
“Keystone Bank is among the banks that’ll be shut down in March for not being able to meet up with the central bank 500 billion naira. So act fast to withdraw your remaining token,” the customer wrote on the bank’s official facebook page.
The message, which quickly gained attention online, triggered concern among some customers, particularly amid ongoing public discussions around banking sector reforms and recapitalisation directives issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
In response, Keystone Bank promptly debunked the claim, assuring customers that the information being circulated was unfounded. The bank stated that it remains financially stable and fully compliant with all regulatory obligations.
In a direct response to the customer, Keystone Bank said: “Kindly disregard such allegations, as they are false. We want to assure you that your account and funds are safe and secure. Keystone Bank continues to operate from a position of financial strength, meeting our obligations as well as all regulatory requirements.”
The bank further emphasized that it continues to provide uninterrupted banking services to customers nationwide and has not received any directive suggesting a shutdown or sanctions from the apex bank.
Industry observers note that unverified claims about banks’ financial health can fuel unnecessary panic, potentially leading to avoidable runs on institutions and undermining confidence in the financial system.
Keystone Bank urged customers and the general public to rely only on official communications from the bank and verified regulatory sources, especially during periods of heightened speculation within the banking sector.
As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official statement from the Central Bank of Nigeria indicating that Keystone Bank is at risk of closure, reinforcing the bank’s position that the allegations are false.
