Zenith Bank Plc has been named "Best Bank in Nigeria" in the Global Finance Best Banks Awards 2025, securing this prestigious recognition for the fifth time in six years. The bank was among winners from 36 countries in Africa recognized in the 32nd Annual Best Bank Awards by Global Finance.
According to Global Finance, the winners of this year's awards were selected based on their attentiveness to customer needs in challenging markets while achieving strong results and establishing foundations for future success. The banks were also evaluated on their asset and liability management amid rapidly changing interest rate scenarios.
The selection process involved extensive consultations with corporate financial executives, bankers, banking consultants, and analysts worldwide. Factors considered included both quantitative criteria such as growth in assets, profitability, geographic reach, strategic relationships, new business development, and product innovation, as well as subjective assessments from industry experts.
Leadership Response to the Award
Commenting on the achievement, Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji, OON, Group Managing Director/Chief Executive of Zenith Bank, expressed delight at retaining the position as Nigeria's Best Bank for the fifth year since 2020.
"This achievement is a testament to our unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional customer service, innovative financial solutions and dedication to serving our customers with efficiency and a strong focus on corporate governance. We will continue to invest in our people, technology and processes to ensure that we consistently maintain the highest level of service delivery," she stated.
Dr. Umeoji acknowledged the contributions of key stakeholders, including the Founder and Chairman, Jim Ovia, CFR, for his visionary leadership; the Board for their consistent guidance; the staff for their commitment; and the bank's customers for their unwavering loyalty to the Zenith brand.
Global Recognition of Excellence
Joseph D. Giarraputo, publisher and editorial director of Global Finance, highlighted the banking sector's ongoing adaptation and evolution. "Global banking continues to adapt and evolve, meeting challenges and capitalizing on opportunities with resilience and innovation. AI has quickly taken a pivotal role in the transformation of banking, and its growth promises to reshape the financial sector at an unprecedented pace," he said.
Giarraputo added that the awards honor financial institutions that excel in diversity of offerings, long-term stability, and technological innovation.
Global Finance's "Best Banks Awards" are recognized among the world's most influential banking/finance and corporate professionals as highly credible accolades in the banking industry. Winners are chosen from 150 countries and territories across multiple regions including Africa, Asia Pacific, the Caribbean, Central America, Central & Eastern Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, North America, and Western Europe.
Zenith Bank's Track Record of Excellence
Zenith Bank's consistent performance has earned it numerous awards over the years. The bank has been recognized as the Number One Bank in Nigeria by Tier-1 Capital for fifteen consecutive years in the Top 1000 World Banks Ranking published by The Banker Magazine.
Other notable recognitions include Bank of the Year (Nigeria) in The Banker's Bank of the Year Awards for 2020, 2022, and 2024; Best Bank in Nigeria from 2020 to 2022 and in 2024 in the Global Finance World's Best Banks Awards; and Best Bank for Digital Solutions in Nigeria in the Euromoney Awards 2023.
The bank was also listed in the World Finance Top 100 Global Companies in 2023 and named Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria for four consecutive years from 2021 to 2024 in the World Finance Banking Awards.
Additionally, Zenith Bank has been acknowledged for its corporate governance practices, being named the Best Corporate Governance Bank, Nigeria, in the World Finance Corporate Governance Awards for 2022, 2023, and 2024, and 'Best in Corporate Governance' Financial Services' Africa for four consecutive years from 2020 to 2023 by the Ethical Boardroom.
The bank's commitment to excellence has also been recognized in retail banking, with awards such as Retail Bank of the Year for three consecutive years from 2020 to 2022 and in 2024 at the BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.
In 2024, Zenith Bank was named Most Responsible Organisation in Africa, Best Company in Transparency and Reporting, and Best Company in Gender Equality and Women Empowerment at the SERAS CSR Awards Africa. The bank's Hybrid Offer was also adjudged 'Rights Issue/ Public Offer of the Year' at the Nairametrics Capital Market Choice Awards 2025.
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