Latest news with #AccessBank
Zawya
27-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Nigeria's banking brands dominate
For the fourth year running, Access Bank is Nigeria's most valuable brand. Accounting for 59% of ranking's total brand value, banks dominate the Nigeria's brand value growth in 2025 Accounting for 59% of the ranking's total brand value, banks dominate Nigeria's brand value growth in 2025. Pictured: Lagos, Nigeria. The top four strongest Nigerian brands are banks, led by United Bank for Africa and First Bank of Nigeria, while Fidelity Bank Nigeria has more than tripled its brand value to become fastest-growing Nigerian brand. Most valuable brands In 2025, Access Bank retains its position as the most valuable Nigerian brand for the fourth consecutive year, having more than doubled its brand value to NGN893.3bn. Dangote Cement (brand value up 74% to NGN562.5bn) holds second place, supported by robust profits and a commanding market presence, while GTCO (Guaranty Trust Holding Company) rises to third, nearly tripling its brand value to NGN524.7bn. Other top banks show solid performances. Zenith Bank (brand value up 80% to NGN 454.8bn) retains fourth, United Bank for Africa (UBA) (brand value up 58% to NGN341bn) drops to sixth, and First Bank of Nigeria (brand value up 168% to NGN289bn) remains in seventh position, all demonstrating resilience despite inflation and currency volatility. Strongest brands Notably, UBA and First Bank of Nigeria are the top two strongest Nigerian brands in 2025, while UBA also ranks as the 13th strongest banking brand globally among the top 500 banking brands. Food brand Flour Mills Nigeria drops to fifth place, despite a 40% increase in brand value to NGN452.9bn. The brand reported strong revenue growth for 2024, driven by higher sales across its food, agro-allied, and sugar businesses, even in the face of Nigeria's tough macroeconomic environment. Further down the top 10, BUA Cement (brand value up 63% to NGN138.7bn) rises to ninth place, while banking brand Stanbic IBTC (brand value up 206% to 229.5bn) climbs from 13th to eighth position. GLO Mobile (brand value up 138% to NGN130.4bn) rises five places to enter the top 10. Meanwhile, beer brand Hero Lager (brand value down 51% to NGN42.1bn ) has dropped from ninth rank to 20th in 2025, reflecting a decline in the Nigerian alcoholic drinks market. Brand strength analysis The Nigeria 25 2025 ranking highlights considerable shifts in the country's strongest brands, with banking brands rising through the ranks to dominate the top 10. This demonstrates a growing recognition of the sector's resilience and adaptability, particularly as financial services play an increasingly crucial role in driving Nigeria's economy forward. United Bank for Africa has risen from ninth position in 2024 to become the strongest Nigerian brand in 2025, with a BSI score of 92.4/100 and a corresponding AAA+ rating, the highest accolade for brand strength awarded by Brand Finance. UBA performs strongly across all key research metrics, earning notably high scores in brand familiarity, preference, and consideration, indicating strong consumer trust and loyalty. Notably, the bank scores exceptionally well on price acceptance, outperforming other leading African peers - such as Capitec in South Africa and Equity Bank in Kenya - on this metric. During this past year, UBA has prioritised digital banking, innovation, and technology investments, which are crucial drivers of brand strength in Africa's banking sector. The focus is aimed at improving the customer experience and deepening engagement with consumers going forward. First Bank of Nigeria has risen from 11th position to second for brand strength, noting a BSI score of 92.1/100 and a corresponding AAA+ rating. The bank excels across key metrics, including familiarity, reputation, consideration, and preference. This improvement reflects its strong focus on innovation, digital transformation, and delivering exceptional customer experiences. First Bank's strategic initiatives have significantly enhanced its market position and brand perception, reinforcing its leadership in the sector. GTCO has fallen from first to third place in brand strength, despite a slight increase in its BSI score to 89.5/100. Meanwhile, Access Bank has moved up to fourth place, rising from 12th in 2024, driven predominantly by improved performance across key research metrics. All rights reserved. © 2022. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Business Insider
26-05-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
Top 10 most valuable Nigerian brands in 2025
In 2025, Nigerian banks are not just leading in finance, they're dominating the branding space too. For the fourth year in a row, Access Bank holds on tight to the crown as Nigeria's most valuable brand, Business Insider Africa presents the top 10 most valuable Nigerian brands in 2025. The list is courtesy of Brand Finance. Access Bank holds on tight to the crown as Nigeria's most valuable brand. In 2025, Nigerian banks are not just leading in finance, they're dominating the branding space too. For the fourth year in a row, Access Bank holds on tight to the crown as Nigeria's most valuable brand, more than doubling its brand value to a whopping NGN893.3 billion, according to Brand Finance. Not far behind is Dangote Cement, which surged 74% to NGN562.5 billion, thanks to strong profits and its long-standing grip on the construction market. In third place, GTCO (Guaranty Trust Holding Company) is making big moves, nearly tripling its brand value to NGN524.7 billion, a clear sign of the group's evolving dominance in the financial landscape. But not every story is about growth. Hero Lager, once a rising star, took a hit, its brand value plunged 51% to NGN42.1 billion, sliding from 9th to 20th place, a reflection of the broader slowdown in Nigeria's alcoholic beverage market. On the strength side of things, UBA (United Bank for Africa) is now Nigeria's strongest brand in 2025. With a Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 92.4/100 and an AAA+ rating, UBA has not only topped the local charts but also earned global respect, ranking the 13th strongest banking brand in the world. The Nigeria 25 2025 rankings show a clear shift: banks are rising fast, occupying more space in the top 10 than ever before. This stresses the increasing importance of financial services in driving Nigeria's economic future, especially in an era where adaptability and resilience matter more than ever. Below are the top 10 most valuable Nigerian brands in 2025: Rank Name 2025 2025 1 Access Bank $559M AAA 2 Dangote Cement $352M AAA 3 GTCO $328M AAA+ 4 Zenith Bank $285M AA+ 5 Flour Mills Nigeria $284M A 6 United Bank for Africa $213M AAA+ 7 First Bank of Nigeria $181M AAA+ 8 Stanbic IBTC $144M AA- 9 BUA Cement $87M AAA- 10 Glo Mobile $82M A
Zawya
18-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Nigeria Customs strengthens relations with Access Bank
Following the successful deployment of its Unified Customs Management System (UCMS), codenamed B'odogwu, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intensified strategic engagements with key stakeholders to consolidate its gains and drive system-wide integration. In a virtual meeting, the NCS engaged officials of Access Bank to align operational frameworks and deepen collaboration in support of trade facilitation and financial system integration. Led by the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of ICT and Modernisation, Kikelomo Adeola, the session also included the Service's National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, and Assistant Comptroller Bukola Omoniyi from the ICT/Modernisation Department. The engagement focused on enhancing synergy between Customs and the financial sector, particularly in streamlining payment systems, boosting data exchange, and ensuring real-time processing of trade-related transactions through the B'odogwu platform. During the meeting, DCG Adeola reaffirmed the Service's commitment to seamless stakeholder integration in the post-deployment consolidation phase. Related 'Ship brokers excluded from national policy for marine, blue economy' Nigerian Port Economic Regulatory Agency Bill awaiting Presidential assent — NSC Most port delays originating from terminal operators, shipping companies — Reps 'The deployment of B'odogwu marks a new era in Customs administration. 'Our next priority is to strengthen partnerships with financial institutions like Access Bank to fully unlock the platform's potential for automation, transparency, and trade efficiency,' she said. She added that B'odogwu, developed as an indigenous solution, has already transformed Customs operations by unifying procedures, automating declarations, and enabling real-time transaction monitoring. 'To achieve optimal functionality, all players within the trade value chain must be fully integrated. This engagement with Access Bank is not just timely—it is strategic,' she noted. In response, Olatunbosun Oladunke, Head of Global Trade at Access Bank, commended the NCS for its forward-thinking digital transformation and assured the Bank's support. 'The B'odogwu platform represents a major leap in digital trade processing. Access Bank is fully aligned with the NCS vision and is committed to ensuring system compatibility—particularly in trade finance and payment automation,' he said. Additionally, Olakunle Aderinokun, Head of Media and Public Relations at Access Holdings/Access Bank, stressed the importance of stakeholder engagement and public awareness. 'Public buy-in is critical to the success of any reform. We will collaborate with the Service to drive awareness of B'odogwu and educate stakeholders on the value it brings to the trading ecosystem,' he stated. The meeting forms part of the NCS's broader strategy to accelerate its trade modernisation agenda through strategic partnerships, transparency, and continuous innovation. With B'odogwu now operational, the NCS is steadily advancing towards a fully digital, integrated, and globally compliant Customs system that supports Nigeria's economic aspirations.
Morocco World
08-04-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Standard Chartered Eyes Morocco Entry After Access Bank's Move
Doha – Standard Chartered Plc is weighing a potential expansion into Morocco as part of its Africa growth strategy, people familiar with the matter said. The London-based bank's push into Morocco forms part of its broader strategy to enhance its wealth management and transaction banking businesses across Africa, according to Chris Egberink, chief executive officer and head of banking & coverage, South Africa, as reported by Bloomberg. 'Like we've gone and expanded in Egypt with a fully-fledged bank on the ground, we are looking at one or two other countries,' Egberink said in an interview in Johannesburg. 'There's a number of countries we are considering, and Morocco is one.' The potential expansion is a continuation of Standard Chartered's recent strategic repositioning in Africa, where it has spent the past three years divesting from smaller operations across the continent. The bank has already exited operations in several markets including Zimbabwe, Angola, Cameroon, Gambia, Sierra Leone, and Tanzania, while exploring the sale of its retail banking units in Botswana, Uganda, and Zambia. Standard Chartered's interest in Morocco coincides with Access Bank's plans to establish operations in the North African country, announced in December 2024. Nigeria's largest bank by assets recently raised $228 million through a rights issue to support its expansion strategy, viewing Morocco as a strategic gateway between Sub-Saharan Africa and Europe. Read also: Access Bank Set to Enter Moroccan Market Amid African Expansion The timing of Standard Chartered's entry into Morocco will depend on multiple factors, including 'regulatory engagement, licensing processes, due diligence, and client interest,' Egberink explained. The bank has already demonstrated its commitment to North African expansion by opening a branch in Egypt in January 2024, which it views as a pivotal gateway to Africa and the Middle East. This strategic move comes at a time when several global banking competitors have reduced their African presence. Major players such as Société Générale SA, BNP Paribas SA, and HSBC Holdings Plc have all scaled back their operations across the continent in recent years. Despite regional uncertainties, Standard Chartered maintains a 'risk-on' position in Africa, where it has benefited from the departure of global competitors. The bank reports strong deal activity across various sectors, including metals and mining, retail clothing, manufacturing, construction, and water treatment. The expansion strategy goes in line with Standard Chartered's focus on wealth management and cross-border transactional services, following a streamlining initiative that began in April 2022. 'We are seeing a lot of aggressive interest from the United Arab Emirates – a lot more on the merger and acquisitions side from the east,' Egberink noted.
Zawya
13-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Access Bank's Africa Trade Conference Ignites New Era of Intra-Africa Commerce
Access Bank PLC ( successfully hosted the inaugural Africa Trade Conference in Cape Town, South Africa, bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, and trade experts to drive solutions for accelerating intra-African trade and unlocking the continent's economic potential. The conference tackled critical challenges, including limited access to capital, market information gaps, trust deficits between trading partners, and the urgent need for modernised trade infrastructure. Roosevelt Ogbonna, Managing Director/CEO of Access Bank, delivered the opening remarks, setting the tone for discussions by highlighting the critical barriers hindering trade across Africa. He emphasised the urgent need for financial sector collaboration to facilitate seamless access to capital and foster a business environment where African enterprises can scale and compete globally. 'We must invest in the initiatives that ensure that we can bring businesses together, forge trust, and create the connections necessary for trade. In doing so, we must stamp out the narrative that 'Made in Africa' is inferior to any product made anywhere else in the world. We must buy Africa, be proud to wear Africa, and invest in Africa because that is what the continent needs to leap forward into the next generation,' Ogbonna stated. With Africa's population projected to surge to 2.5 billion by 2050 from 1.2 billion, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) stands as the most significant free trade initiative since the formation of the World Trade Organisation. By fostering economic integration, AfCFTA has the potential to reshape trade dynamics across the continent, creating a unified market that enhances industrialisation, boosts employment, and strengthens Africa's global competitiveness. Recognising this transformative opportunity, H.E. Wamkele K. Mene, Secretary-General of AfCFTA, emphasised the urgency of fully implementing the agreement to unlock its immense benefits. "The AfCFTA is not just a trade agreement; it is an instrument for Africa's industrialisation and economic sovereignty. It is a tool that will enable us to break down historic trade barriers and build an Africa that is self-sufficient, competitive, and prosperous. But for this to happen, we must commit to operationalising the agreement fully, ensuring that businesses, particularly SMEs and women-led enterprises, have access to the information, capital, and platforms they need to thrive,' Mene stated. Also, Kanayo Awani, Executive Vice President of Afreximbank, emphasised the importance of financing mechanisms that support African businesses in their expansion across borders. She reaffirmed Afreximbank's commitment to championing trade finance solutions and infrastructure investments that will unlock Africa's trade potential. 'At Afreximbank, we understand that trade finance is the lifeblood of economic development. Without it, businesses cannot scale, industries cannot innovate, and Africa cannot fully realise its trade potential. This is why we have developed instruments such as the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) to facilitate seamless transactions across borders, reducing reliance on foreign currencies and strengthening intra-African trade,' Awani remarked. The conference featured an insightful testimonial from Nathalie Louat, Global Director at the IFC/World Bank Group, who pointed out the pivotal role of trade finance in enabling cross-border transactions and supporting financial inclusion. She underscored the long-standing partnership between IFC and Access Bank in fostering Africa's economic resilience. Several high-level panel discussions explored strategies to overcome trade barriers and enhance market access through innovative solutions. Experts from leading institutions, including Deutsche Bank, Traydstream, OWP Partners, Fiducia International, and more, examined how infrastructure improvements, digital solutions, and policy harmonisation could drive economic growth and boost intra-African trade. Dr. Marc Auboin from the World Trade Organization (WTO) shared key insights on how digital transformation is reshaping Africa's supply chain landscape, creating efficiency and unlocking new global market opportunities. Tanya Dos Santos-Ford from GIBS Business School also led a session on sustainable trade practices, emphasising the need for environmentally responsible economic growth strategies. The event culminated in an awards ceremony recognising outstanding contributions to intra-African trade and economic transformation. Tradepass Commodities Limited (Ghana), Chemaf International FZE (DR Congo), and Harvest Group of Companies (Zambia) were honoured for their impact on SMEs and women-led trade enterprises. Bulkstream Limited (Kenya) and Electricidade de Moçambique (Mozambique) received awards for advancing intra-African trade, while Tennant Metals South Africa Pty Ltd was recognised as an Emerging Leader in Trade. The International Finance Corporation (IFC) was awarded the Climate Finance Leadership Award, while Afreximbank received the Champion of Intra-African Trade Award. The African Development Bank (AfDB) and Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) were celebrated for their roles in economic transformation and infrastructure finance, respectively. The prestigious African Icon Award was presented to IHS Group, Dangote Industries Limited, and MTN Group Limited for their significant contributions to Africa's economic progress. As the conference ended, Seyi Kumapayi, Executive Director, African Subsidiaries at Access Bank, reaffirmed the institution's commitment to supporting trade finance, fostering regional integration, and championing policies that create an enabling environment for businesses across Africa. For inquiries: Olakunle Aderinokun Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Access Bank PLC. About Access Bank PLC: Access Bank PLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Access Holdings PLC, is a leading full-service commercial bank operating through a network of more than 700 branches and service outlets spanning three continents, 24 countries and over 60 million customers. The Bank employs over 28,000 people in its operations in Africa and Europe, with representative offices in China, Lebanon, India, and the UAE. Access Bank's parent company, Access Holdings PLC, has been listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange since 1998 (now Nigerian Exchange (NGX)). The Bank is a diversified financial institution which combines a strong retail customer franchise and digital platform with deep corporate banking expertise, proven risk management and capital management capabilities. The Bank services its various markets through three key business segments: Corporate and Investment Banking, Commercial Banking, and Retail Banking. The Bank has enjoyed what is Africa's most successful banking growth trajectory in the last 20 years, becoming one of the continent's largest retail banks. As part of its continued growth strategy, Access Bank is focused on mainstreaming sustainable business practices into its operations. The Bank strives to deliver sustainable economic growth that is profitable, environmentally responsible, and socially relevant, helping customers to access more and achieve their dreams.
