Bank
FIRSTBANK EMERGES AS THE BEST PRIVATE BANK IN NIGERIA AND THE BEST PRIVATE BANK FOR SUSTAINABLE INVESTMENT IN AFRICA AT GLOBAL FINANCE AWARDS
FIRSTBANK EMERGES AS THE BEST PRIVATE BANK IN NIGERIA AND THE BEST PRIVATE
BANK FOR SUSTAINABLE INVESTMENT IN AFRICA AT GLOBAL FINANCE AWARDS
Sahara Weekly Reports That First Bank of Nigeria Limited, West Africa’s premier financial institution
and leading financial inclusion services provider announced its recognition as the Best Private
Bank in Nigeria and Best Private Bank for Sustainable Investment in Africa at the Global
Finance’s ninth annual World’s Best Private Banks Awards for 2024 was held at the Harvard Club of
New York on March 21, 2024.
Dulce Chicon, Vice President of Global Finance in the Americas; Idowu Thompson, Group Executive, Private Banking and Wealth Management, FirstBank; and Folake Ani-Mumuney, Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications Department, FirstBank during a networking session at the dinner and award ceremony of the Global Finance ninth annual World’s Best Private Banks Awards for 2024 held recently in New York, USA.
According to Global Finance, its Private Bank Awards honor banks that best serve the
specialized needs of high-net-worth individuals as they seek to enhance, preserve, and pass on
their wealth.
FirstBank’s Private Banking business model was revamped in January 2023 on the back of a
stellar performance in 2022, to consolidate its position and maintain its pride of place as the
leading Private Bank in Nigeria with distinct product offerings covering investment advisory,
wealth management, asset management, and lifestyle solutions.
The Bank has remained consistent in reinventing itself, enabling success through the years of
its existence for the last 130 years, responding to the changes in the private wealth space and
the opportunities presented by certain factors like borderless technology renewed interest in
mineral wealth, migration opportunities, and concerns for wealth preservation amongst many others.
Receiving the awards, Idowu Thompson, the Group Executive, Private Banking and Wealth
Management, FirstBank said; We are greatly honored to be recipients of the awards Best Private Bank in Nigeria and Best Private Bank for Sustainable Investment in Africa, both
testaments to our enduring commitment to continuously creating value by strengthening
financial awareness and driving inclusiveness in our customers’ journeys from wealth creation,
growth, preservation, and its orderly transfer.”
“We are delighted with the impact we have made in putting our customers first as this has
played a very vital role in enabling their successes and contributing to national development.
These awards are dedicated to our esteemed customers. We reaffirm our continued dedication
to continuing to improve and delivering excellence in banking”.
Joseph Giarraputo, Founder and Editorial Director of Global Finance said: “Private banking is an
art as well as a science in which knowledge of economic and financial trends are paired with a
deep understanding of client needs. Global Finance’s Private Bank Awards highlight institutions
that deliver both.”
Amongst other awards, FirstBank recently added to its awards kitty are Best Private Bank in
Nigeria 2024 by Global Banking and Finance; Best CSR Bank in Nigeria 2024 by Global
Banking and Finance; Most Innovative Digital Bank, 2024- Nigeria by Digital Banker Africa; the
Most Innovative Banking Brand in Nigeria 2023 by Global Brands Awards; Financial Institution
of the Year 2023 by Afrexim Bank; and Best Corporate Bank in Nigeria 2023 by Euromoney
Awards for Excellence.
Amidst a rapidly evolving global landscape, First Bank of Nigeria Limited has demonstrated
exceptional leadership in integrating sustainable practices into its banking operations. Through
strategic investments, innovative solutions, and a steadfast dedication to environmental, social,
and governance (ESG) principles, FirstBank has remained a trailblazer in sustainable finance
for its customers, irrespective of where they may be across the globe.
About FirstBank
First Bank of Nigeria Limited “FirstBank”, established in 1894, is the premier bank in West
Africa, one of the leading financial inclusion service providers in Africa, and a digital banking
giant.
FirstBank’s international footprints cut across three continents- Africa, Europe and Asia, with
FirstBank UK Limited in London and Paris; FirstBank in The Democratic Republic of Congo, The
Gambia, Guinea, and Sierra Leone; FBNBank in Ghana and Senegal; and a FirstBank
Representative Office in Beijing, China. All the subsidiary banks are fully registered by their
respective Central Banks to provide full banking services.
Besides providing domestic banking services, the subsidiaries also engage in international
cross-border transactions with FirstBank’s Non-Nigerian Subsidiaries and the representative
offices in Paris and China facilitate trade flows from Asia and Europe into Nigeria and other
African countries.
For 130 years, FirstBank has built an outstanding reputation for solid relationships, good
corporate governance, and a strong liquidity position, and has been at the forefront of promoting
digital payment in the country with over 13 million cards issued to customers (the first bank to
achieve such a milestone in Nigeria). FirstBank has continued to make significant investments
in technology, innovation, and transformation, and its cashless transaction drive has been
steadily accentuated with almost 23 million active FirstBank customers signed up on digital
channels including the USSD Quick Banking service through the nationally renowned *894#
Banking code.
With over 42 million customer accounts (including digital wallets) spread across Nigeria, UK and
sub-Saharan Africa, the Bank provides a comprehensive range of retail and wholesale financial
services through more than 800 business offices and over 233,500 agent locations spread
across 772 out of the 774 Local Government Areas in Nigeria.
In addition to banking solutions and services, FirstBank provides pension fund custody services
in Nigeria through First Pension Custodian Nigeria Limited and nominee and associated
services through First Nominees Nigeria Limited.
FirstBank’s commitment to Diversity is shown in its policies, partnerships, and initiatives such as
its employees’ ratio of female to male (about 39%:61%; and 32% women in management) as
well as the FirstBank Women Network, an initiative that seeks to address the gender gap and
increase the participation of women at all levels within the organization. In addition, the Bank’s membership of the UN Women is an affirmation of a deliberate policy that is consistent with the UN
Women’s Women Empowerment’s Principles (WEPs) – Equal Opportunity, Inclusion, and
Nondiscrimination.
For six consecutive years (2011 – 2016), FirstBank was named “Most Valuable Bank Brand in
Nigeria” by the globally renowned The Banker Magazine of the Financial Times Group and
“Best Retail Bank in Nigeria” eight times in a row, 2011 – 2018, by the Asian Banker
International Excellence in Retail Financial Services Awards.
Notably, in 2022, the Bank took a long stride on its growth trajectory with the Bank’s Viability
and Long-Term Issuer Default Ratings upgraded to ' B' from ' B-' (with Outlooks Stable) by Fitch, a leading global rating agency. This is an indication of the Bank’s strong internal capital
generation and the corresponding recession of its risks to capitalization. Fitch also upgraded the
Bank’s National Long-Term Ratings to ' A (nga)' from ' BBB (nga)' to reflect its improved creditworthiness relative to that of other issuers in Nigeria. Furthermore, the Top 100 African
Bank rankings 2022 released by The Banker Magazine revealed FirstBank’s ranking as
number one in Nigeria in terms of Overall Performance, Profitability, Efficiency, and Return on
Risk.
Other laudable feats in 2022 include FirstBank’s international recognition on major indices by
Euromoney Market Leaders, an independent global assessment of the leading financial service
providers where FirstBank was crowned:
1. Market Leader: (tier-1 recognition) in Corporate and Social Responsibility (CSR),
2. Market Leader: (tier -1 recognition) Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG),
3. Highly Regarded: in Corporate Banking and Digital Solutions,
4. Notable: in SME Banking.
Also, in 2022 International Finance Magazine named the Bank “Most Innovative Banking
Product in Nigeria” and “Best Retail Bank in Nigeria”. FirstBank was also awarded “Best
Corporate Banking Western Africa, 2022” and “Best CSR Bank Western Africa, 2022’’ by
Global Banking and Finance Magazine. Other notable awards in FirstBank coffers include:
“Best Bank in Nigeria” by Global Finance magazine – fifteen times in a row; “Best Private Bank
in Nigeria-2021” awarded by Global Finance magazine; “Best Internet Banking Nigeria” and
‘’Best CSR Bank Africa’’ by International Business Magazine.
In 2023, FirstBank received notable awards including “Best Private Bank for Sustainable
Investing in Africa 2023” by Global Finance Awards; “Best Sustainable Bank in Nigeria 2023” by
International Investors Awards; “Best Bespoke Banking Services in Nigeria 2023” by
International Investors Awards; “Best Financial Inclusion Service Provider in Nigeria 2023” by
Digital Banker Africa; and “African Bank of the Year” by African Leadership Magazine; ’’Best
Corporate Bank in Nigeria 2023’’ by Euromoney Awards and ‘’Most Innovative Banking Brand
– Nigeria 2023’’ by Global Brands Award.
Other laudable feats in 2023 include FirstBank’s international recognition on major indices by
Euromoney Market Leaders, an independent global assessment of the leading financial service
providers where FirstBank was crowned:
Market Leader: (tier-1 recognition) in Corporate Banking,
Market Leader: (tier -1 recognition) in Digital Solutions,
Highly Regarded: Corporate and Social Responsibility (CSR),
Highly Regarded: Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG),
Notable: in SME Banking.
Significantly, FirstBank’s Global Credit Rating was A+ with a positive outlook while ratings by
Fitch and Standard & Poor’s were A (nga) and ngBBB+ respectively both with Stable outlooks
as of September 2023. FirstBank maintained the same level of international credit ratings with
the sovereign; a milestone that was achieved in 2022 for the first time since 2015.
Our vision is ‘To be Africa’s Bank of first choice’ and our mission is ‘To remain true to our name
by providing the best financial services possible. This commitment is anchored on our core
values of EPIC – Entrepreneurship, Professionalism, Innovation, and Customer-Centricity. Our
strategic ambition is ‘To deliver accelerated growth in profitability through customer-led
innovation and disciplined execution and our brand promise is always to deliver the ultimate
“gold standard” of value and excellence to position You First in every respect.
Folake Ani-Mumuney
Group Head, Marketing & Corporate Communications
First Bank of Nigeria Limited
ZENITH BANK OPENS MANCHESTER BRANCH TO SUPPORT CROSS-BORDER TRADE AND INVESTMENT
Zenith Bank Plc has announced the opening of a new branch in Manchester, United Kingdom, marking another significant milestone in the bank’s international growth and its commitment to strengthening financial connections between Africa and global markets.
The official opening ceremony, scheduled to hold on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, is expected to attract government officials from Nigeria and the United Kingdom, regulators, investors, customers, and business leaders from both countries, underscoring the growing economic ties and investment opportunities between the two markets.
The new Manchester branch will complement Zenith Bank’s existing operations in the United Kingdom and serve as a strategic hub for supporting businesses engaged in international trade and investment. Through the branch, the bank will provide corporate banking, trade finance, treasury and related financial services to clients operating across the United Kingdom, Europe and Africa.Speaking ahead of the launch, the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Zenith Bank Plc, Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, OON, said: “The opening of our Manchester branch represents another important step in Zenith Bank’s growth as a leading African financial institution connecting businesses and markets across continents. Manchester is one of the United Kingdom’s most dynamic commercial centres, and our presence here will further strengthen financial connections between businesses in the UK and opportunities across Africa’s rapidly expanding markets.
”Founded in 1990 by its Founder and Chairman, Jim Ovia, CFR, Zenith Bank has grown into one of Africa’s most respected banking institutions, boasting a robust capital base and a remarkable history of year-on-year profitability. Built on a strong foundation of people, technology and service, the Bank has consistently delivered innovative financial solutions while maintaining a disciplined approach to growth and risk management. The impressive performance of the Bank has consistently earned it excellent ratings, recognition and endorsement from local and international agencies and institutions.Headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria, Zenith Bank operates over 500 branches and business offices across the 36 States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The Bank currently operates subsidiaries in several African countries including Ghana, Sierra Leone, Gambia, and Cote d’Ivoire, while maintaining a presence in major international financial centres including the United Kingdom, France, UAE and China.
In recent years, Zenith Bank has continued to expand its international network as part of its strategy to support global trade and investment flows involving Africa.Manchester, widely regarded as one of the United Kingdom’s most vibrant economic centres, hosts a diverse base of businesses across sectors such as manufacturing, engineering, logistics, technology and consumer goods. The city’s strong commercial ecosystem and international outlook align closely with Zenith Bank’s expertise in corporate banking, structured finance and trade finance.The Manchester branch will work closely with the Bank’s London operations and its broader international network to support clients seeking to expand across markets and unlock new opportunities in both the United Kingdom and Africa.
With the opening of the Manchester branch, Zenith Bank continues to advance its vision of building a truly global African banking institution that connects businesses, facilitates trade and investment, and creates stronger economic bridges between Africa and the world.
Alpha Morgan Bank Deepens Presence in Abuja with New Branch in Utako
Marking another milestone in its expansion drive, Alpha Morgan Bank has opened a new branch in Utako, Abuja, reinforcing its strategy of building closer institutional ties within key business communities and bringing its financial expertise closer to individuals, and enterprises driving the city’s growth.
The new branch, located at Plot 1121 Obafemi Awolowo Way, Utako, Abuja is strategically positioned to serve individuals, entrepreneurs, and corporate clients within Utako and surrounding districts.
The expansion follows the Bank’s recently concluded Economic Review Webinar held in February 2026, as the bank continues to position as a thought-leader in the financial services industry.
Speaking on the opening, Ade Buraimo, Managing Director of Alpha Morgan Bank, said the move underscores the Bank’s commitment to accessibility and service excellence.
“Proximity matters in banking. As communities grow and commercial activity expands, financial institutions also evolve to meet customers where they are. The Utako Branch allows us to deliver our services to people in that community efficiently while maintaining the high standards our customers expect,”
The Utako location will provide a full suite of retail and corporate banking services, including account opening, deposits, transfers, business banking solutions, and financial advisory support.
Customers and members of the public are invited to visit the new Utako Branch to experience the Bank’s approach to satisfying banking.
Alpha Morgan to Host 19th Economic Review Webinar
In an economy shaped by constant shifts, the edge often belongs to those with the right information.
On Wednesday, February 25, 2026, Alpha Morgan Bank will host the 19th edition of its Economic Review Webinar, a high-level thought leadership session designed to equip businesses, investors, and individuals with timely financial and economic insight.
The session, which will hold live on Zoom at 10:00am WAT and will feature economist Bismarck Rewane, who will examine the key signals influencing Nigeria’s economic direction in 2026, including policy trends, market movements, and global developments shaping the local landscape.
With a consistent track record of delivering clarity in uncertain times, the Alpha Morgan Economic Review continues to provide practical context for decision-making in a dynamic environment.
Registration for the 19th Alpha Morgan Economic Review is free and can be completed via https://bit.ly/registeramerseries19
It is a bi-monthly platform that is open to the public and is held virtually.
Visit www.alphamorganbank to know more.
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