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GTCO Lists 2.29bn Shares on NGX as Part of Dual Listing Strategy, Aims for 15% Dividend Yield

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Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO) on Thursday, July 10, 2025, listed 2,288,250,000 ordinary shares of 50 kobo each on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX), expanding its issued share capital as part of an ambitious capital raising and dual listing strategy.

According to a market bulletin issued by the NGX, the newly admitted shares were listed at N70.00 per share, increasing GTCO’s total issued and fully paid shares from 34.14 billion to 36.43 billion units. The move came barely 24 hours after the same tranche of shares debuted on the London Stock Exchange (LSE), reflecting a synchronized strategy aimed at deepening access to both local and international capital.

GTCO had first unveiled its plans for a dual listing on July 3, signaling a new chapter in its corporate evolution. The shares began trading on the London Stock Exchange’s main market on July 9, 2025, under the UK Financial Conduct Authority’s equity category. This marked a significant step toward making GTCO more accessible to a broader spectrum of investors, especially in mature global markets.

In tandem with the equity listing, the company also revealed its decision to delist its Global Depository Receipts (GDRs) from the LSE by July 31, 2025, citing low market participation and limited investor engagement with the GDR program.

According to GTCO, the shift to ordinary share trading on the LSE is intended to provide greater flexibility, improve liquidity, and align its international listing with investor demand.

Preserving Retail Investors and Boosting Capital Efficiency

Group Chief Executive Officer Segun Agbaje emphasized that the dual offering was designed to protect the bank’s substantial retail investor base while securing sufficient foreign capital to drive future growth.

“We have over 50% of our shareholder base in retail, and we didn’t want to dilute them,” Agbaje said. “So, we raised as much as we could locally, N209 billion, and then came to the international market for the delta.”

The NGX portion of the offer helps preserve shareholder equity among Nigerian investors, while the LSE component opens the door for foreign inflows amid tightening global monetary conditions. Combined, the listings position GTCO to meet regulatory capital adequacy ratios across its growing multinational operations.

Agbaje reaffirmed GTCO’s commitment to deliver strong returns, targeting a 15% dividend yield and at least 25% return on equity (ROE).

“These targets reflect the confidence we have in the group’s financial fundamentals and our strategy,” he said.

Strengthening Regional Footprint

While GTCO remains grounded in Nigeria, where it derives 67% of its total profit, the group’s management is focused on regional diversification. Operations across West Africa contribute 27%, while East Africa accounts for 1.5% and the UK unit adds 1.8%.

“We’re generally conservative. But diversification is already happening, just without much attention,” Agbaje noted.

Looking ahead, the bank plans to enter Senegal as its next growth market and is shifting its expansion strategy from adding new countries to deepening market share and competitiveness in existing ones. According to Agbaje, emphasis will be placed on strengthening branch networks and building brand equity, particularly in East Africa and the UK.

GTCO’s dual listing and capital raise come at a time when several Nigerian banks are pursuing recapitalization to meet new regulatory requirements and enhance balance sheets amid rising inflation and currency volatility.

Analysts say the successful execution of GTCO’s local and international listings may set a precedent for other Nigerian financial institutions looking to diversify their funding base beyond Africa.

With a newly reinforced capital structure and sharpened international profile, GTCO is now poised to chart a bolder path within and beyond Nigeria.

How to Convert DVD to MP4 with DVDneXtCOPY DVD Ripper

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There was a time when DVDs were the cornerstone of home entertainment. However, DVDs are rapidly becoming obsolete. Modern laptops rarely come with disc drives, and most TVs and smartphones no longer support physical media. Meanwhile, MP4 has become the universal standard for video — lightweight, high-quality, and compatible with virtually every device from smartphones to smart TVs.

That’s why having a reliable DVD to MP4 ripper has become more essential than ever. It allows you to access, back up, and enjoy your DVDs on virtually any device. You don’t have to worry about losing your favorite movies due to scratches, damage, or loss of your discs.

In this guide, we give reasons for converting DVD to MP4, and examine a leading DVD ripping software DVDneXtCOPY. Let’s take a closer look at its features, pros and cons, as well as detailed steps to convert DVD to MP4, to see why it’s renowned as the best DVD ripper in 2025 and how to use it.

Why Convert to MP4?

Widest compatibility: You don’t want to go to the bother of converting a DVD only to discover that the movie won’t play on your device, right? That’s why MP4 is the safest option. It is compatible with a wide range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, PCs, smart TVs, gaming consoles, and media players. Simply convert and play.

Space-saving: MP4 employs powerful video compression (such as H.264 or H.265) to reduce file size while maintaining high visual quality considerably. So you don’t have to worry about a single movie eating up half of your phone’s storage space or slowing everything down.

Excellent video and audio quality: Even after compression, MP4 produces crisp video and clear sound. It’s ideal if you still care about how your movies seem and sound.

Easy to share and store online: MP4 is the most commonly used format for most websites and cloud providers, including YouTube. Uploading, sharing, and backing up your movies is quick and simple.

Overview of DVDneXtCOPY DVD Ripper

DVDneXtCOPY DVD Ripper is a comprehensive software tool designed for converting and ripping DVDs into various digital formats and playback devices. Specifically, it’s renowned for its efficiency and versatility, including rich features such as decryption capacity, user-friendly interface, widely-supported formats and high-quality output. It is constantly updated and hence offers a wide range of support.

After testing it, we conclude and compile the main features, pros and cons of this software:

Futuristic Features of DVDneXtCOPY DVD Ripper

Fast Processing Speed: DVDneXtCOPY DVD Ripper supports GPU acceleration to utilize batch processing and faster ripping or conversions.

Lossless Conversion: You can easily rip DVD to MKV.Passthrough video and 5.1 AC3 audio in 1:1 original quality, making the DVD-to-digital transition seamless without losing quality.

Access to Various Formats: Rip any DVD disc, ISO file, or folder to 1000+ video and audio formats, including MP4, MKV, FLV, MP3, AAC, etc.

Bypass Any Typical Encryption: With advanced decryption technology, it easily removes all copy protections such as region codes, CSS, UOPs, RCE, and Sony ARccOS, guaranteeing unhindered conversions.

Wide Device Support: DVDneXtCOPY enables device compatibility with more than 260 preset devices, including Google, Apple, etc. Its high level of support makes it rank among the best DVD rippers.

Transform 2D DVDs into 3D Videos: With advanced 3D encoding technology, DVDneXtCOPY allows you to convert standard 2D DVDs to 3D videos. You can choose from multiple formats, including 3D MKV H.265, 3D M2TS, and 3D MKV HDR10 1080P, ensuring high-quality playback on 3D-capable TVs, VR headsets, and media players.

In-built Video Editing: DVDneXtCOPY DVD Ripper offers an in-built video editor – cropping, adding watermarks, merging videos, trimming, and more.

Pros and Cons of DVDneXtCOPY DVD Ripper

Pros

Intuitive UI: DVDneXtCOPY DVD Ripper features a smooth and easy-to-understand UI, which can be especially helpful to first-time users.

App Support: From blogs, FAQs to online guides, you can have every resource you need on its official site at your fingertips.

Wide Format Support: The DVD Ripper app supports a wide range of formats across video, audio, and 3D.

Cons

Occasional App Issues: The app may lag or face performance issues if you have limited RAM or are running too many other apps simultaneously.

Limited Free Use: The DVDneXtCOPY DVD Ripper comparatively offers fewer features on its free version.

Tutorial for Converting DVD to MP4 with DVDneXtCOPY DVD Ripper

Step 1:

Get DVDneXtCOPY free download. Launch this software and choose the Ripper option. Enter your CD into the CD drive. Wait and let DVDneXtCOPY automatically detect and load the DVD as a source. If you want to select an ISO file instead, use the Add option and navigate to the file in your directory.

Step 2:

Click on Choose Other Profile and choose the output format. If you’re not very tech-savvy or just want a shortcut, DVDneXtCOPY has you covered with a range of preset device profiles. Not sure which settings work best for your iPhone? Just select iPhone profile.

You can set the audio subtitles, video parameters, and other preferences. Additionally, you can click the Video Edit button to customize your video. Available options are video crop, and adding or changing video effects, such as brightness and saturation.

Step 3:

Click on Start to begin processing and the app will show the progress as it happens. Done! The MP4 file is now easily accessible at all times.

Conclusion

DVDneXtCOPY DVD Ripper is a fast, reliable, and feature-rich tool for converting DVD to MP4. With broad format support and easy-to-use features, it’s an ideal choice for anyone looking to digitize their DVD collection. Why let your favorite films sit on a shelf? Convert them today and enjoy high-quality, portable entertainment anytime, anywhere.

How to Convert DVD to MP4: Top 3 Ways

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With flexible options for flawless entertainment, DVDs are losing their charm, and people are seeking more convenient ways to convert DVD to MP4. As DVDs are prone to break and lose easily, users prefer to convert them into a more widespread and compatible format that can play on any device without trouble. MP4 is the first choice for this format because of its popularity and compatibility.

This article will help you find the four best DVD to MP4 rippers regardless of your device. Stay tuned to check the specific details of each option and find the one that best meets your needs.

How to Convert DVD to MP4 with DVDFab DVD Ripper

DVDFab DVD Ripper is a robust and safe DVD to MP4 converter that can quickly rip any DVD into popular video and audio formats. It can convert old and latest copy-protected DVDs to any device and media player.

Compatible OS: Windows PC and macOS

WHAT WE LIKE

  • Rips DVDs to high-quality MP4 profiles: 3D, Passthrough, 4K/5K/8K, H265, 10/12 bit
  • Removes typical DVD copy protection like CSS, APS, RC, Sony DADC, and more
  • Rips at 50x Faster Speed with advanced GPU Acceleration
  • Supports 1000+ media formats and over 260 presets
  • Offers advanced tools with AI enhancement
  • Offers faster batch conversion of DVDs

WHAT WE DON’T LIKE

  • Unavailable for Linux computers

DVD to MP4 Tutorial Using DVDFab DVD Ripper

Step 1: Get DVDFab free downloand and run this best DVD converter.

Step 2: Select the Ripper option. Insert your DVD disc into the optical drive or navigate to it via the Add button. If the source is an ISO file or a folder, simply drag and drop it onto the workspace.

Step 3: Select one profile and customize the output DVD video using the advanced settings on the interface.

Step 4: Start to rip DVDs for free and fast.

How to Convert DVD to MP4 Via VLC

VLC is a reliable software that allows you to convert DVD to MP4 for free on various devices and platforms. It is renowned for its versatility in playing and converting various media formats, including DVDs to MP4, H.264, and others.

Compatible OS: Windows, Windows 64 bit, Windows ARM 64, macOS, Linux, and Android

WHAT WE LIKE

  • Free and open-source program
  • Multifunctional
  • Supports audio and video conversions
  • There is no watermark on converted videos

WHAT WE DON’T LIKE

  • Conversion speed is slow, especially for larger video files
  • It does not have advanced editing tools and features

DVD to MP4 Guide Using VLC

Step 1: Download the VLC installer and run it. Follow the prompts for installation. After installation, open VLC.

Step 2: Navigate to the Media menu and click Open Disc. Hit Browse next to Disc device, and find the device or VIDEO_TS folder in the file browser.

Step 3: Click the Select Folder, and VLC will then load and play the DVD content.

Step 4: Press Play at the bottom right, then choose Convert from the dropdown menu to access VLC’s conversion options.

Step 5: Find the Profile dropdown menu in the new window, and select Video – H.264 + MP3 (MP4).

Step 6: Click the Wrench button to specify advanced settings and change the audio/video codecs, video quality, and bitrate. Click Save.

Step 7: Click Browse to name your video and select the output folder. To convert DVD to MP4, click Start in VLC.

How to Convert DVD to MP4 for Free Via Handbrake

Handbrake is another DVD to MP4 converter free option available for various platforms, such as Windows, Mac, and Linux. It can convert DVDs to MKV, WebM, and MP4 formats, but it requires libdvdcss for encrypted DVDs.

Compatible OS: Windows, Windows 64 bit, Windows ARM 64, macOS, and Linux

WHAT WE LIKE

  • Quickly rips DVDs without copy protection
  • Offers customizable conversion presets
  • Supports batch video conversion
  • Provides live preview to see the finished video beforehand

WHAT WE DON’T LIKE

  • The output options are limited
  • The interface is relatively complex and confusing for beginners

DVD to MP4 Tutorial Using Handbrake

Step 1: Download the Handbrake installer from its official website and run it. Follow the prompts for installation. After installation, open Handbrake.

Step 2: Click “Folder (Batch Scan)” in Handbrake, locate and select your DVD’s VIDEO_TS folder to upload videos for conversion.

Step 3: MP4 is Handbrake’s default target format. To adjust video settings, navigate to the Filters and Video tabs as needed.

Step 4: Click Browse at the bottom right Handbrake window to select the destination folder. Click Start Encode to begin converting files to the chosen format.

Comparison of Top 3 DVD Converters

To help you choose the best DVD to MP4 conversion tool quickly, the table below summarized and compared three reviewed items in the perspective of input support, output formats, speed, and more.

Basis DVDFab DVD Ripper VLC Media Player Handbrake
Input Formats DVD disc, ISO or folder DVD disc, ISO or folder DVD disc, ISO or folder
Output Formats 1000+ video and audio MP4/AVI/MKV… MP4, MKV, and WebM
Decrypt Protected DVDs Yes (Including the newly released protected DVDs) No No
Video Editor Yes Yes No
Video Quality Lossless Good Good
Conversion speed latest & advanced GPU acceleration technologies Very Slow Medium
Highlights High-quality compression and lossless conversion / /

Conclusion

Ripping a DVD to MP4 offers numerous advantages: MP4 is universally compatible, features efficient compression and excellent quality, and is more durable than physical discs. Converting movies to MP4 preserves your collection digitally. We have recommended the three best tools to help you convert DVD to MP4. You can pick anyone based on your preferences and needs. For a quick and hassle-free solution, we recommend trying DVDFab DVD Ripper which saves you time and brings you advanced, flawless DVD conversion.

Flutterwave Secures Payment Institution License to Expand Seamlessly into Senegal’s Booming Digital Economy

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Flutterwave, a leading fintech company providing payment infrastructure for global merchants, has officially obtained a Payment Institution License from the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO).

This regulatory milestone authorizes the company to operate fully in Senegal, enabling it to deliver its complete suite of secure, seamless, and reliable payment solutions to businesses across the country.

With this license, Flutterwave is now positioned to support both local businesses and international enterprises looking to enter one of Francophone Africa’s most dynamic and promising economies. Merchants can now leverage Flutterwave’s infrastructure to offer customers their preferred payment options locally and globally.

While Senegal is known for its rich cultural heritage, the country has experienced remarkable growth in mobile money adoption. Between 2013 and 2023, the number of registered mobile money accounts across West Africa doubled, with Senegal standing out alongside Nigeria and Ghana as key drivers of this growth. Usage surged from just 6% of adults in 2014 to around 45% in 2021, overtaking traditional banking accounts (28%).

According to Statista, the total transaction value in Senegal’s digital payments market is expected to hit US$3.08 billion in 2025, with projections estimating a rise to US$8.15 billion by 2030, driven by an annual growth rate of 21.46%.

Three key factors contribute to this rapid evolution:

•A youthful population, with 74% under the age of 40

•Strong internet penetration, currently at 60% — among the highest in West Africa

•Widespread mobile money usage, with platforms like Wave, Orange Money, and Free Money dominating the financial landscape

This digital transformation is not only streamlining individual transactions but also enabling commerce at every level from local markets to formal enterprises, making payments more inclusive and accessible.

Flutterwave’s Strategic Expansion into Senegal

Flutterwave’s expansion into Senegal is more than a geographical move; it’s a commitment to accelerating digital commerce in West Africa through compliant, scalable, and localized payment infrastructure. The company aims to fuel the region’s momentum by offering solutions tailored for growth, innovation, and inclusion.

For global and pan-African businesses, this license opens up new opportunities. Senegal offers robust mobile money infrastructure, access to the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) trade bloc, and a growing e-commerce market. In fact, 50% of the population made a digital payment in the last year, highlighting rising consumer adoption.

Businesses operating in or expanding into Senegal now have access to Flutterwave’s full payment capabilities, including:

Payment Collection: Acceptance of local and international payments via popular methods like Mobile Money (Wave, Orange Money) and cards (Visa, Mastercard, etc.)

Seamless Payouts: Sending single or bulk payouts in CFA francs (XOF) to both bank accounts and mobile money wallets

Robust API Integration: Businesses can use Flutterwave’s APIs, checkout solutions, or e-commerce plugins (e.g. WooCommerce, Shopify) to enhance customer payment experiences

No-Code Tools: Businesses can generate and share payment links and invoices without writing a single line of code. Businesses are ideal for freelancers, small businesses, and digital sellers

Intuitive Dashboard: Businesses can manage transactions, track reports, and oversee team activity through the user-friendly Flutterwave for Business dashboard

As Flutterwave deepens its presence across Africa, the company continues to solidify its mission of connecting Africa to the global economy through reliable, accessible, and innovative payment solutions. With Senegal now part of its operational network, Flutt is well-positioned to support the continent’s ongoing digital and financial transformation.

Denmark Set to Pass Europe’s First Copyright Law Granting Citizens Control Over Their Digital Identity as Deepfake Threat Surges

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Denmark is poised to become the first European country to legally outlaw the unauthorized use of deepfakes, moving swiftly to amend its copyright law amid growing global concerns about the misuse of artificial intelligence to replicate human likeness without consent.

The proposed law, announced last month by the Danish Ministry of Culture, will guarantee every person in Denmark the right to their own face, body, and voice — a move widely viewed as an unprecedented legal safeguard against the evolving threat of generative AI. With support from nearly 90% of parliamentarians, the bill is expected to sail through when it is formally presented after the summer recess and adopted by autumn.

The bill defines a deepfake as a hyper-realistic, digitally generated imitation of a person’s appearance or voice. Once enacted, the law will allow Danes to demand that online platforms take down AI-generated content mimicking them without consent. It also expands protections to cover unauthorized recreations of artists’ performances — marking the first time a European government has sought to address the issue through legally enforceable rights over one’s digital likeness.

Culture Minister Jakob Engel-Schmidt, who unveiled the proposal, said the legislation aims to address the “legal vacuum” that currently allows the unauthorized creation and dissemination of manipulated digital identities.

“We are sending an unequivocal message that everybody has the right to their own body, their own voice and their own facial features,” Engel-Schmidt told The Guardian. “Human beings can be run through the digital copy machine and be misused for all sorts of purposes — and I’m not willing to accept that.”

The Deepfake Crisis and Rising Global Alarm

Denmark’s proposal comes as governments across the world grapple with the rising use of deepfakes for fraud, misinformation, blackmail, political manipulation, and non-consensual pornography. Enabled by generative AI, these videos and audio clips are becoming nearly indistinguishable from authentic content, making it easier than ever to fake a person’s actions or statements convincingly.

A recent Europol report warned that deepfakes are already being weaponized by cybercriminals and foreign adversaries, especially during election seasons. In the U.S., the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in 2024, banned the use of AI-generated voices in robocalls after an incident in which a fake voice impersonating President Joe Biden was used to suppress voter turnout in a primary election.

In the U.K., deepfakes have been used in financial scams involving voice cloning of CEOs to authorize large transfers. In Asia, several banks have already issued warnings to customers after discovering AI-generated video and voice scams targeting mobile banking users.

Yet, despite mounting evidence of the damage, most governments remain caught off guard. Regulatory frameworks are largely outdated or nonexistent, and enforcement mechanisms are struggling to catch up with the rapid advances in AI. In many countries, victims of deepfakes have little legal recourse — especially in cases where no explicit criminal action, like fraud or defamation, has occurred.

Denmark’s proposed reform aims to change that — at least within its borders. By giving people the right to control their digital identity, the law not only provides legal tools for removal and compensation but also puts pressure on tech platforms to act swiftly against non-consensual AI content.

The government has signaled that if platforms do not comply, it is ready to pursue stronger penalties, including “severe fines” and action at the European Commission level.

“Of course this is new ground we are breaking, and if the platforms are not complying with that, we are willing to take additional steps,” said Engel-Schmidt.

“That is why I believe the tech platforms will take this very seriously indeed,” he added.

The law will not ban satire or parody, which are protected forms of expression, but the government has made clear that platforms will be expected to distinguish between legitimate creative content and malicious impersonation.

Engel-Schmidt said Denmark will use its upcoming EU presidency to push for broader adoption of similar protections across the bloc. If successful, it could lay the groundwork for a Europe-wide standard on identity rights in the digital age.

While Denmark leads with this legislation, other countries are beginning to explore similar protections. China passed a rule in 2022 requiring synthetic content to carry clear labels, and the European Union’s AI Act — which is set to take effect soon — includes limited transparency rules for deepfakes. But many say these measures are not enough.

In the U.S., Congress has introduced several bills to regulate deepfakes, including the DEEPFAKES Accountability Act, but none have been passed. Meanwhile, public figures, including actors and musicians, are increasingly turning to private lawsuits to combat unauthorized AI usage.

The entertainment industry, in particular, has become a frontline in the deepfake debate. The recent strikes by Hollywood actors included demands for protections against studios using their faces or voices through AI without additional compensation.

Denmark’s bold move is seen as a model for a legal system trying to keep pace with a technology advancing faster than any in recent memory. As AI tools become widely accessible and more powerful, the threat of malicious deepfakes is no longer a distant possibility — it is an ongoing reality.