Access Bank PLC, the leading subsidiary of Access Holdings PLC, has been named THISDAY’s Global Bank of the Year for 2024. This prestigious recognition underscores the bank’s significant contributions to the global banking industry, marking yet another milestone in its journey of excellence.

The award, presented at the highly anticipated THISDAY Awards 2025 ceremony, saw Access Bank emerge victorious over notable contenders, including African Export-Import (AFREXIM) Bank and United Bank for Africa (UBA). The event, held at the luxurious Eko Hotels & Suites in Victoria Island, Lagos, was a special occasion celebrating the 30th anniversary of THISDAY Newspapers and the 12th anniversary of Arise News Channel. Under the theme, “When the Going Gets Tough… The Tough Get Rewarded,” the event honoured institutions and individuals demonstrating resilience, innovation, and leadership.

THISDAY Newspapers highlighted Access Bank’s strategic leadership, rapid expansion, and unwavering commitment to innovation and sustainability as key factors in its nomination. The bank’s dedication to digital transformation was also acknowledged, as Access Bank received the esteemed 2024 Digital Jurist Award for Best Digital Bank.

Beyond its digital banking prowess, Access Bank’s commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles earned it the 2024 Euromoney Award for Best Bank for ESG in both Nigeria and Ghana. The bank’s outstanding performance in integrating sustainability into its business model and financial services further reinforced its reputation as a responsible and forward-thinking financial institution.

Expanding International Footprint

Access Bank’s influence extends far beyond its home base, with a growing presence in major financial hubs, including the United Kingdom, Ghana, the United Arab Emirates, China, and several African nations. This international expansion solidifies the bank’s status as a major player on the global banking stage, further strengthening its ability to serve diverse markets and drive economic growth.

The bank’s innovative approach is also evident in its cutting-edge technological initiatives, including Facepay, Access Closa, the AccessMore mobile app, and Africa Fintech Foundry. These advancements continue to position Access Bank as a leader in financial technology, reinforcing its well-deserved recognition as the Global Bank of the Year.

During his acceptance speech, Roosevelt Ogbonna, Managing Director and CEO of Access Bank, expressed his gratitude for the recognition, dedicating the award to the institution’s stakeholders.

“This award represents 30 years of hard work, of doing things differently, and of building on the legacy of industry giants like Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede and Herbert Wigwe. We are deeply grateful to our board, management, customers, and stakeholders, who have continuously supported us. This award is for you, and we accept it in your honour,” Ogbonna remarked.

In addition to Access Bank’s triumph, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Chairman of Access Holdings, was recognized with the distinguished THISDAY Titan of the Year award. He was honoured alongside 11 other influential leaders for their exceptional contributions to the banking and business sectors in 2024.

Reflecting on his career, Aig-Imoukhuede shared an inspiring anecdote: “In 1991, Prince Obaigbena and I first met as customer and banker. He told me that anyone fortunate enough to manage his account would one day become a managing director of a bank, and I am thankful that God fulfilled that vision. It is an incredible honour to stand with such esteemed colleagues.”

The award ceremony brought together a distinguished audience of dignitaries from both the private and public sectors, making it a night of celebration, recognition, and inspiration. The event underscored the values of resilience, excellence, and innovation that define Nigeria’s banking and business landscape.