BREAKING: Zenith Bank emerges best in Nigeria for fifth time in six years

Zenith Bank Plc has once again emerged as Nigeria’s best bank, securing the prestigious Global Finance award for 2025.

The award was announced by Global Finance Magazine, a global authority in financial journalism, in its 32nd annual ranking.

This recognition marks the fifth time in six years that Zenith Bank has claimed the top spot in Nigeria’s banking sector.

The award celebrates institutions that demonstrate resilience, innovation, and outstanding performance across customer service, operations, and digital transformation.

Zenith Bank was among winners from 36 African countries in the respected Global Finance Best Banks Awards for 2025.

Global Finance highlighted that winning banks thrived in challenging economies and delivered strong results while preparing for long-term sustainability.

Global Finance editors selected winners after consulting financial executives, banking consultants, and global industry stakeholders.

Selection criteria included asset growth, profitability, new business development, innovation, geographic reach, and strategic partnerships.

Subjective views from equity analysts, rating agencies, and industry professionals also influenced the final decisions.

Group Managing Director/CEO Dr. Adaora Umeoji expressed pride in the achievement and appreciation to all stakeholders of the Zenith brand.

She said the award reflects the bank’s enduring commitment to innovation, strong corporate governance, and excellent customer service.

Umeoji credited the visionary leadership of the bank’s Founder and Chairman, Jim Ovia, CFR, for laying a strong foundation.

She also praised the board’s guidance, the staff’s dedication, and customers’ loyalty for driving Zenith Bank’s continued success.

Global Finance Publisher Joseph D. Giarraputo acknowledged the impact of AI in reshaping global banking operations and transformation.

He noted that the winning banks showed exceptional stability, diversity of service, and commitment to digital innovation.

Zenith Bank’s reputation has attracted numerous accolades both locally and globally across digital banking, sustainability, and corporate governance.

The bank was ranked Nigeria’s Number One by Tier-1 Capital in the 2024 Top 1000 World Banks by The Banker.

It won Bank of the Year (Nigeria) in 2020, 2022, and 2024 by The Banker Magazine in London.

Zenith was named Best Bank for Digital Solutions, Nigeria in the Euromoney 2023 Awards and listed among World Finance Top 100.

From 2021 to 2024, Zenith won Best Commercial Bank in Nigeria from World Finance Banking Awards four years in a row.

The bank also clinched Most Sustainable Bank in Nigeria in both 2023 and 2024 from International Banker Awards.

Zenith received Best Corporate Governance Bank, Nigeria from World Finance from 2022 to 2024, and awards from Ethical Boardroom since 2020.

It was also named Most Valuable Banking Brand in Nigeria by The Banker in 2020 and 2021 consecutively.

BusinessDay’s BAFI Awards named Zenith Bank of the Year in both 2023 and 2024 and Retail Bank of the Year in 2020 to 2022 and again in 2024.

In 2022, the bank won Best Innovation in Retail Banking and Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria from International Banker Awards.

Zenith was crowned Most Responsible Organisation in Africa and Best in Gender Equality at the 2024 SERAS CSR Africa Awards.

Other recognitions include Bank of the Year 2024 by THISDAY and New Telegraph, and Best in MSME Trade Finance by Nairametrics.

The bank’s Hybrid Offer was named Public Offer of the Year at the 2025 Nairametrics Capital Market Choice Awards.

Zenith Bank remains a force in Nigeria’s financial sector, combining tradition, technology, and trusted leadership in a dynamic market.

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