Background of the Study
International investment banking practices offer a benchmark for evaluating operational efficiency, risk management, and strategic innovation in domestic markets. Wema Bank, a prominent Nigerian financial institution, has increasingly sought to align its practices with global standards in order to enhance its competitiveness and service delivery. By studying international best practices, the bank aims to adopt innovative approaches in areas such as capital markets, cross-border transactions, and regulatory compliance (Eke, 2023).
Wema Bank’s strategic focus on internationalization has led to the adoption of sophisticated financial instruments, digital platforms, and risk management frameworks that mirror global trends. The bank’s internationalization efforts are driven by the need to access new markets, attract foreign investment, and mitigate domestic market volatility. Recent developments in global financial markets, particularly the increasing convergence of financial regulations and digital transformation, have provided an impetus for domestic banks to upgrade their practices (Obi, 2024). Additionally, exposure to international markets has enabled Wema Bank to benchmark its performance against leading global institutions and adopt innovative operational practices (Afolabi, 2025).
The significance of this study lies in its ability to critically assess how international investment banking practices can be adapted to enhance the performance of domestic banks. By analyzing the strategies employed by leading international banks, this research seeks to identify key success factors that can be emulated by Wema Bank. The study will explore various dimensions, including technology adoption, risk management, client relationship management, and regulatory compliance, to provide a comprehensive appraisal of international best practices. This, in turn, will inform strategic decisions that can help Wema Bank improve its competitive positioning in both local and global markets.
Statement of the Problem
Despite efforts to adopt international best practices, Wema Bank faces challenges in fully integrating these practices into its domestic operations. One of the key issues is the structural and regulatory differences between local and international markets, which create obstacles in the seamless adoption of global standards (Okeke, 2023). The bank’s legacy systems and operational frameworks, designed primarily for domestic markets, often conflict with the sophisticated practices observed in international investment banking. This misalignment not only affects operational efficiency but also limits the bank’s ability to compete on a global scale.
Furthermore, the process of benchmarking against international standards is hampered by the scarcity of localized data and the rapid evolution of global financial practices. The dynamic nature of international markets means that best practices are continuously evolving, making it challenging for Wema Bank to keep pace with the latest developments (Uche, 2024). Additionally, cultural differences and varying levels of technological advancement contribute to difficulties in replicating international models within the domestic context. These challenges hinder the bank’s efforts to enhance its risk management, client service, and operational performance through internationalization.
This study aims to bridge the gap between international best practices and domestic implementation by critically evaluating the current practices at Wema Bank. It seeks to identify the barriers to internationalization and propose strategies for effectively integrating global practices into the bank’s operations, thereby enhancing its overall competitiveness and operational efficiency.
Objectives of the Study
Research Questions
Research Hypotheses
Scope and Limitations of the Study
The study focuses on Wema Bank’s investment banking division and its efforts to adopt international practices. Data will be obtained from internal documents, market analyses, and expert interviews. Limitations include differences in regulatory frameworks and the rapidly evolving nature of international practices.
Definitions of Terms
Background of the Study
Corporate governance refers to the systems, principles, and processes by which companies are dir...
Background of the Study
As cyber threats become more advanced, traditional security measures such as ru...
ABSTRACT
This study investigated the “Impact of Staff Development Programmes on the Performance of Teachers in Sec...
Background of the study
Sustainable branding involves integrating environmental and social responsibility into the core id...
Background of the study:
Water management is a critical urban challenge, particularly in rapidly growing residential areas...
Background of the Study
Public financial management (PFM) reforms are critical in ensuring that government...
Background of the Study
Entrepreneurship education has gained prominence as a means to equip students with the skills need...
ABSTRACT
This study was carried out to examine the impact of poor revenue generation on the development of local governm...
Background of the Study
Name-changing practices in Abeokuta South have long been embedded in cultural, religious, and social contexts, se...
Background of the Study
The rapid urbanization and industrial growth in Plateau State have led to an increase in air pollut...