Zenith Bank crowned Nigeria’s best bank by Global Finance in 4th consecutive year

Business a.m.

Zenith Bank Plc has once again been named the Best Bank in Nigeria by the international financial magazine Global Finance, continuing a winning streak that has seen the bank win the award four times since 2019. Global Finance’s Best Bank Awards are widely regarded as one of the most prestigious awards in the banking industry, with over 36 countries in Africa being represented among this year’s winners.

Business a.m gathered that the editors of Global Finance made  the selections after extensive consultations with corporate financial executives, bankers and banking consultants, and analysts worldwide. Factors considered in selecting the top banks ranged from the quantitative objective to the informed subjective. 

The organisers noted that objective criteria considered included: growth in assets, profitability, geographic reach, strategic relationships, new business development and innovation in products. Meanwhile, Subjective criteria included the opinions of equity analysts, credit rating analysts, banking consultants and others involved in the industry.

Commenting on the award, Ebenezer Onyeagwu, the outgoing group managing director/chief executive of Zenith Bank, remarked that the award serves as a powerful affirmation of the bank’s resilience and tenacity despite headwinds and a very challenging macroeconomic environment.

“Indeed, it is a testament to our status as the leading financial institution in Nigeria, dedicated

unwaveringly to delivering exceptional value to our stakeholders,” he added.

Onyeagwu  expressed profound gratitude to the founder and chairman, Jim Ovia, CFR, for his exceptional vision and foundational role in establishing a resilient and enduring financial institution. He also lauded the board for their astute insights and exemplary leadership, the staff for their steadfast commitment and unwavering dedication, and the customers for their staunch loyalty to the Zenith brand.

On his part, Joseph D. Giarraputo, publisher and editorial director of Global Finance, noted that  banking has reached another watershed moment with the debut of generative artificial intelligence, which promises to rewrite the industry playbook.

He added: “In this ever-changing environment, the Best Bank Awards recognise the financial institutions that offer the broadest range of services, long-term reliability, and technological innovation.”

Global Finance’s “Best Banks Awards” are recognised amongst the world’s most influential banking/finance and corporate professionals as the most coveted and credible awards in the banking industry, with winners chosen in 150 countries and territories across Africa, AsiaPacific, the Caribbean, Central America, Central & Eastern Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, North America and Western Europe.

Founded in 1987, Global Finance regularly selects the top performers among banks and other financial services providers, and the awards have become a trusted standard of excellence for the global financial community.