Access Bank PLC, the flagship subsidiary of Access Holdings PLC, has been named the Global Bank of the Year 2024 by THISDAY Newspapers, cementing its position as a leading force in the global banking industry. This prestigious award was presented at the THISDAY Awards 2025, a momentous event marking the 30th anniversary of THISDAY Newspapers and the 12th anniversary of Arise News Channel. The award ceremony, which took place at Eko Hotels & Suites in Victoria Island, Lagos, was themed “When the Going Gets Tough…The Tough Get Rewarded.”
The bank’s remarkable victory over renowned institutions like African Export-Import (AFREXIM) Bank and United Bank for Africa (UBA) is a testament to its outstanding leadership and transformative impact in the banking sector. Access Bank’s remarkable success was driven by its unwavering commitment to innovation and digital banking, as well as its strategic expansion into international markets. The bank’s leadership in digital banking was celebrated with the 2024 Digital Jurist Award for Best Digital Bank, a testament to its cutting-edge initiatives and digital transformation efforts. Access Bank’s accomplishments in digital banking underscore its role as a trailblazer in the sector, leveraging technology to drive efficiency, enhance customer experience, and deliver innovative solutions.
In addition to its digital banking achievements, Access Bank’s commitment to sustainability and corporate responsibility was recognized at the awards with the 2024 Euromoney Award for Best Bank for ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) in both Nigeria and Ghana. The bank’s dedication to integrating sustainability into its business practices has positioned it as a leader in responsible banking, ensuring that its growth and operations are aligned with global environmental and social priorities. Access Bank’s strong focus on ESG principles has enabled it to make a positive impact on communities, the environment, and its stakeholders, solidifying its reputation as a socially responsible financial institution.
As Access Bank continues to expand its global footprint, it is evident that the institution’s impact goes beyond Nigeria. With an increasing presence in the United Kingdom, Ghana, United Arab Emirates, China, and several other African nations, Access Bank has positioned itself as a significant player on the global stage. The bank’s international growth is a reflection of its ability to adapt and thrive in diverse markets, offering innovative banking solutions that meet the unique needs of customers around the world.
Access Bank’s innovative approach to banking was further exemplified through its technological initiatives. The launch of Facepay, a facial recognition payment system, has revolutionized the banking experience by enhancing security and convenience for customers. Other technological innovations, such as Access Closa, a financial inclusion initiative, the AccessMore mobile app, and the Africa Fintech Foundry, have further established Access Bank as a pioneer in the digital space, continuously pushing the boundaries of what is possible in banking.
During his acceptance speech, Access Bank’s Managing Director and CEO, Roosevelt Ogbonna, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the public, THISDAY Newspapers, and Arise Media Group for the recognition. Ogbonna highlighted the significance of the award, emphasizing that it was the culmination of 30 years of hard work, dedication to doing things differently, and building on the legacy of banking giants like Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede and Herbert Wigwe. Ogbonna acknowledged the unwavering support of Access Bank’s board, management, customers, and stakeholders, attributing the achievement to their continued commitment to the bank’s vision and mission.
In addition to Access Bank’s remarkable achievement, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Chairman of Access Holdings, was honored with the THISDAY Titan of the Year award. This recognition celebrates Aig-Imoukhuede’s invaluable contributions to the banking industry and his transformative leadership. Reflecting on his journey, Aig-Imoukhuede recalled his early days in banking and expressed gratitude for the opportunities that shaped his career. Aig-Imoukhuede’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping Access Bank’s success, driving its growth and ensuring its place as a leading financial institution in Nigeria and beyond.
The THISDAY Awards 2025 also served as a platform for recognizing excellence and leadership across various sectors, bringing together distinguished personalities from both the private and public sectors. The event highlighted the importance of innovation, leadership, and resilience in today’s fast-changing business landscape. Access Bank’s triumph at the awards is a testament to the power of innovation, sustainability, and strategic vision in driving success and creating lasting impact in the global financial sector.
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