*Atlantian Crown Bank Rebrands as Arizona Global Bank LLC, Begins Licensing for Global Expansion* 

_By AGP News 

*UNITED KINGDOM OF ATLANTIS* — In a move signaling a push into international markets, the Royal Throne of the United Kingdom of Atlantis on Sunday announced the corporate transformation of Atlantian Crown Bank LLC into *Arizona Global Bank LLC*, as part of a wider restructuring to position the institution for global banking and financial innovation.

The announcement was made at a press conference in the UKA capital by *HRM Queen Amb. Cletus C. Leaticia*, Chief Executive Officer of the newly named bank. She told reporters the rebranding marks _“more than a name change”_ and reflects a strategic pivot toward digital finance, cross-border investment, and modern banking standards.

_“This transformation represents our commitment to innovation-driven banking and our vision to become a globally competitive financial institution,”_ Queen Leaticia said.

*Licensing Process Underway*

According to the Department of Financial Administration and Corporate Affairs, which issued the official communication, Arizona Global Bank LLC has formally begun the process of applying for a *Banking Operational Licence* under UKA’s financial regulatory framework.

Once licensed, the bank plans to operate as a modern financial enterprise focused on four pillars:

1. Innovation-driven banking and digital financial solutions

2. Corporate financing and structured investment services

3. International financial partnerships and cross-border trade facilitation

4. Financial inclusion initiatives

Bank officials stressed that the institution will _“maintain strict compliance with all banking regulations and supervisory standards”_ set by UKA financial authorities.

*Strategic Shift Amid Global Ambitions*

Management described the rebranding as part of a broader restructuring initiative to _“strengthen the bank’s international identity, expand its global financial footprint, and align operations with contemporary banking standards.”_

Representatives called the licensing and rebranding process a _“major milestone”_ aimed at supporting economic growth, international trade, and cross-border investment initiatives.

*No Disruption to Existing Commitments*

Addressing potential concerns from clients and partners, management reassured stakeholders that _“all existing institutional commitments, operational objectives, and long-term strategic plans remain fully intact throughout the transition process.”_

The Royal Throne indicated that further updates on the licence approval, commencement of operations, corporate partnerships, and investment programmes will be released through official UKA and Arizona Global Bank LLC channels.

_The Department of Financial Administration and Corporate Affairs, Royal Throne of United Kingdom of Atlantis, issued the official statement._

Fidelity Bank grows Gross Earnings by 45.6% for FY 2025 

Lagos, Nigeria – Fidelity Bank Plc, a leading Nigerian financial institution, has announced its audited financial results for the year ended 31 December 2025, reporting Gross Earnings growth of 45.6% from N1.04 trillion in 2024 to N1.52 trillion in FY 2025, reflecting stronger topline momentum across core business segments.

The Group recorded a Profit Before Tax of N347.7 billion.  This performance was underpinned by a 38.7% year-on-year increase in interest income to N1.11 trillion (FY 2024: N803.1 billion) and a 44.7% year-on-year rise in fees and commission income to N113.4 billion (FY 2024: N78.4 billion).

On the balance sheet, total assets grew by 18.6% year-on-year to N10.46 trillion (FY 2024: N8.82 trillion), while customer deposits increased by 16.1% year on year to N6.89 trillion (FY 2024: N5.94 trillion), reflecting continued franchise strength and growing customer confidence in the brand. Net loans and advances declined by 2.4% year-on-year to N4.28 trillion (FY 2024: N4.39 trillion) as customers paid down on their mature obligations.

The Bank also strengthened its capital position during the period, with eligible capital rising to N561 billion, above the regulatory minimum of N500 billion for banks with international authorisation. In addition, capital adequacy remained robust, with Capital Adequacy Ratio of 30.94 percent as at 31 December 2025 (FY 2024: 23.47 percent).

Ranked among the best banks in Nigeria, Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged Commercial Deposit Money Bank serving over 9.1 million customers through digital banking channels, its 255 business offices in Nigeria and United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.

The Bank is the recipient of multiple local and international Awards, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award by BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards; the 2024 Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application award for its Fidelity Mobile App by Global Business Outlook, and the 2024 Most Innovative Investment Banking Service Provider award by Global Brands Magazine. Additionally, the Bank was recognized as the Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence and as the Export Financing Bank of the Year by the BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.

*Top 10 Microfinance Banks in Nigeria: Nigeria’s Microfinance Banking Sector: Key Institutions Driving Financial Access, SME Growth, and Inclusion

Nigeria’s microfinance banking sector has evolved into one of the most critical components of the country’s financial ecosystem. What began primarily as community based lending structures has now grown into a more structured industry supporting millions of individuals, small businesses, and informal sector operators who remain outside traditional banking systems.

Today, microfinance banks are no longer viewed solely as lenders of last resort. They have become active enablers of financial inclusion, SME development, payroll support, and digital financial access, particularly in a country where access to credit continues to shape economic participation.

Across this expanding landscape, several institutions have consistently stood out based on operational scale, service delivery, innovation, and long term presence in the market.

Among them, Regent Microfinance Bank (Regent MFB) continues to maintain a strong position as one of the notable institutions contributing to the sector’s growth.
A sector shaped by scale, specialization, and evolving customer expectations
The Nigerian microfinance landscape is not uniform. It is a mix of legacy institutions with deep grassroots penetration, digitally driven players reshaping user experience, and hybrid banks balancing both models.

What is becoming increasingly clear is that competitiveness is now defined less by licensing status and more by execution; how effectively institutions are able to deliver credit, maintain trust, and adapt to changing customer behaviour. Within this environment, many microfinance banks continue to define different segments of the market.

*LAPO Microfinance Bank:*
With deep grassroots penetration and scale driven inclusion,
LAPO remains one of the most widely recognised microfinance institutions in Nigeria, largely due to its extensive reach across underserved communities. Its model has historically focused on micro lending and social impact financing, making it one of the most entrenched players in grassroots financial inclusion.

Its continued relevance is tied to its ability to maintain scale while serving a broad low-income customer base.

*AB Microfinance Bank Nigeria: Disciplined Credit Framework*
AB Microfinance Bank operates with a more structured credit approach, particularly in SME financing. Its operations are characterised by standardised lending frameworks and a strong emphasis on repayment discipline, making it a consistent player in urban and semi urban markets.

*Accion Microfinance Bank: Inclusion driven financial services*
Accion Microfinance Bank has maintained its focus on expanding access to financial services for underserved individuals and small businesses. Its model is largely centered on responsible lending and tailored financial products aimed at low to middle income segments.

*Moniepoint Microfinance Bank: The fintech driven disruptor*
Moniepoint represents a more recent evolution in the sector, where microfinance banking intersects with fintech infrastructure. Its strength lies in its agent network, payment systems, and digital rails that support real time transactions and business payments at scale.

Its growth reflects the increasing convergence between traditional financial services and technology led platforms.

*Kuda Microfinance Bank: Digital first banking model
Kuda operates almost entirely within the digital banking space, offering app based financial services that prioritize ease of use, low fees, and user experience. It has contributed significantly to shifting expectations around what banking should feel like for younger, tech savvy customers.

*Regent Microfinance Bank: Modern Microfinance Banking*

Regent Microfinance Bank has continued to position by serving SMEs, corproates and individuals with business support, working capital needs, and customer financial stability.

The bank has maintained a steady presence within Nigeria’s microfinance space through an approach shaped by operational structure, customer engagement, and an understanding of the practical challenges faced by SMEs and retail banking customers.

As financial expectations continue to evolve, Regent MFB remains focused on building a banking experience centered on accessibility, consistency, and solutions aligned with the pace and realities of modern enterprise.

*Addosser Microfinance Bank: Retail and SME hybrid positioning*
Addosser has gradually strengthened its position by serving both retail and SME segments. Its model combines traditional lending services with increasing digital adoption, allowing it to remain competitive in an evolving market.

*Boctrust Microfinance Bank: Salary backed lending specialisation*
Boctrust Microfinance Bank is widely known for its focus on payroll-based lending. By targeting salary earners and formal sector employees, it has carved out a niche in consumer credit, particularly for short-term financial needs.

*Fina Trust Microfinance Bank: Diversified Micro Lending & Retail Services*
Fina Trust maintains a stable presence in the sector with a mix of SME financing, retail banking services, and gradual expansion efforts. Its growth approach has remained measured, focusing on sustainability over rapid scaling.

*NIRSAL Microfinance Bank (NMFB): Development and intervention financing*
NIRSAL MFB operates within a more policy-driven framework, with strong emphasis on agricultural financing and government-backed credit schemes. Its role is closely tied to economic development initiatives aimed at boosting productivity in key sectors.

*Industry outlook:*
From access expansion to experience-driven banking
The microfinance sector in Nigeria is entering a more competitive phase, where growth is increasingly influenced by customer experience, digital capability, and trust rather than just geographic presence.

Institutions are now being evaluated on their ability to:
1. Deliver fast and reliable credit access
2. Maintain strong repayment and risk structures
3. Integrate digital and physical banking channels
4. Build long-term customer relationships

This shift is gradually redefining what leadership means in the sector.

*Conclusion*
Nigeria’s microfinance banking space continues to expand and diversify, with institutions playing different but complementary roles in driving financial inclusion and SME development.
From long-established players with deep community roots to digitally driven challengers reshaping customer expectations, the sector reflects a broad spectrum of financial innovation and service delivery models.

Within this evolving ecosystem, Regent Microfinance Bank’s decade-long operational presence and steady, structured approach to growth position it as one of the notable institutions contributing to the stability and progression of microfinance banking in Nigeria.