Zenith Bank Named Nigeria’s Best at Banker Awards 2024
Zenith Bank Plc has clinched the prestigious title of “Bank of the Year, Nigeria” at The Banker’s Bank of the Year Awards 2024, organised by the Financial Times Group in London.
Zenith Bank Plc has added another feather to its cap by being named ‘Bank of the Year, Nigeria’ at the highly coveted Banker’s Bank of the Year Awards 2024. Organised by The Banker Magazine, a subsidiary of the Financial Times Group, the award ceremony took place in London on December 4, 2024. This latest recognition underscores the bank’s strong management framework, innovative business model, and steadfast commitment to sustainability and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices.
The annual awards are regarded as the gold standard for banking excellence worldwide, drawing competition from leading financial institutions across Africa, Asia-Pacific, Central and Eastern Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, North America, and Western Europe.
Speaking on the award, Group Managing Director/Chief Executive, Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji, OON, expressed gratitude to customers, the Board, management, and staff. “We are delighted and deeply honoured to be named Bank of the Year, Nigeria, in this prestigious award. It is a testament to the trust and loyalty of our customers, the visionary guidance of the Board, and the hard work and dedication of our staff,” she said.
Umeoji reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to service excellence, innovation, and driving economic growth. “We remain dedicated to investing in cutting-edge technologies, expanding our product offerings, and delivering exceptional customer service. These efforts are aimed at sustaining our position as Nigeria’s number one bank and contributing to the development of the Nigerian economy.”
Dame Umeoji also lauded the bank’s founder and chairman, Jim Ovia, CFR, for his visionary leadership, describing him as instrumental in establishing Zenith Bank as a globally recognised financial powerhouse renowned for innovation, superior performance, and value creation for all stakeholders.
Sustained Excellence and Global Expansion
The award comes on the heels of several recognitions for Zenith Bank in 2024. In November, the bank officially launched its Paris Branch following approval from France’s banking regulator, the Autorité de Contrôle Prudentiel et de Résolution (ACPR). This expansion aligns with its global growth strategy to support clients worldwide.
Zenith Bank has maintained its dominance in Nigeria’s banking industry, being ranked the Number One Bank in Nigeria by Tier-1 Capital for the 15th consecutive year in the 2024 Top 1000 World Banks Ranking by The Banker Magazine.
The bank has also received numerous prestigious awards in recent years, including:
- Bank of the Year, Nigeria (2020, 2022) by The Banker.
- Best Bank in Nigeria (2020–2024) by Global Finance.
- Most Sustainable Bank, Nigeria (2023, 2024) by International Banker.
- Best Corporate Governance Bank, Nigeria (2022–2024) by World Finance Corporate Governance Awards.
- Bank of the Decade (People’s Choice) at the 2020 ThisDay Awards.
Innovation and Sustainability at the Core
Zenith Bank’s achievements highlight its commitment to integrating global best practices in its operations, particularly in the areas of fintech, digital currencies, and innovative retail banking. The bank’s emphasis on sustainability and ESG principles has positioned it as a leader in responsible banking, creating a blueprint for other institutions to emulate.
With this latest honour, Zenith Bank continues to set benchmarks in the banking sector, demonstrating resilience, innovation, and a customer-centric approach that fosters economic growth and development. Senate Passes Bill to Modernise Nigeria’s Capital Market
