DLM Capital Group has officially moved from proof-of-concept to proven execution, announcing the successful disbursement of the first principal and coupon payments on its Sovereign Bond-Backed Composite Notes.
The payment marks a decisive turning point for the N30bn programme, which seeks to blend the high-yield opportunities of corporate structuring with the rock-solid security of sovereign collateral. The Series 1 Notes, which include the N7.30bn Tranche A and N1.70bn Tranche B, are currently listed on the FMDQ Exchange.
The milestone is particularly significant given the initial market climate. When the instrument launched in July 2025, it was met with “cautious interest” from an investment community wary of new structures. However, the timely fulfilment of these financial obligations has silenced sceptics and bolstered the reputation of the AAA-rated instrument.
The leadership at DLM Capital and market analysts have been vocal about what this payout represents for the Nigerian capital markets: “This first payment is a clear validation of the structure. It demonstrates that the SBCNs are not just innovative but dependable,” said DLM Capital Group.
“The instrument has delivered on its core promise: strong credit quality, reliable cash flows, and enhanced returns. With momentum building toward Series 2, DLM Capital is setting a new standard for structured debt innovation in Nigeria’s capital markets,” the statement added.
The SBCNs have distinguished themselves through their unique risk-reward profile. Tranche A has notably emerged as the most valuable AAA-rated corporate bond in Nigeria, offering an impressive 40.62% Hold-To-Maturity return.
Backed by sovereign bond collateral and rated AAA by both GCR and DataPro, the notes have successfully addressed the “flight to quality” currently seen among institutional investors. By providing a bridge between capital preservation and yield optimisation, DLM Capital appears to have carved out a new niche for high-quality fixed-income opportunities.
As the Group prepares for the Series 2 issuance, the successful servicing of the Series 1 debt provides a robust track record that is expected to drive even higher subscription rates from pension fund administrators and insurance firms seeking stable, high-yield assets.