Zenith Bank named ‘Best Bank in Nigeria’ at Global Finance Awards 2025 for 5th time

Zenith Bank Plc has once again reaffirmed its leadership position in Nigeria’s banking sector, emerging as the “Best Bank in Nigeria” in the 2025 edition of the Global Finance Best Banks Awards.

This marks the fifth time in six years that the bank is clinching the prestigious title, solidifying its legacy of consistent excellence, innovation, and customer-centric banking.

The recognition came as part of the 32nd Annual Best Bank Awards organized by Global Finance, where top banks from 36 countries across Africa were honored for outstanding performance and resilience in a challenging global economic landscape.

The 2025 edition of the awards focused on financial institutions that demonstrated agility, stability, and strategic foresight in navigating volatile markets and dynamic interest rate environments.

According to Global Finance, winning banks were those that not only addressed their customers’ evolving needs but also achieved robust financial results while laying the groundwork for sustainable long-term success.

The winners were selected after rigorous consultations with corporate financial executives, banking consultants, equity and credit analysts, and global finance professionals.

Both objective criteria such as asset growth, profitability, geographic reach, strategic partnerships, and innovation, as well as subjective assessments of industry experts, were factored into the selection process.

Reacting to the announcement, Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji, OON, Group Managing Director/Chief Executive of Zenith Bank, expressed immense pride in the bank’s continued recognition on the global stage.

“We are thrilled to retain our position as the Best Bank in Nigeria for the fifth year since 2020,” she said.

“This achievement is a testament to our unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional customer service, innovative financial solutions, and a firm dedication to corporate governance and operational excellence.”

Dr. Umeoji also acknowledged the collective contributions of the bank’s stakeholders to its enduring success.

She credited Founder and Chairman, Jim Ovia, CFR, for his visionary leadership, praised the Board of Directors for their strategic oversight, commended staff for their dedication and professionalism, and thanked customers for their loyalty and trust in the Zenith brand.

Joseph D. Giarraputo, publisher and editorial director of Global Finance, commented on the broader significance of the awards in today’s fast-evolving financial landscape.

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“Global banking continues to adapt and evolve, meeting challenges and capitalizing on opportunities with resilience and innovation. Artificial intelligence is playing a pivotal role in this transformation and is expected to reshape the sector at an unprecedented pace,” he said.

He emphasized that the Best Bank Awards honor institutions that excel in diversity of offerings, long-term stability, and technological advancement—traits that Zenith Bank continues to embody.

Zenith Bank’s award-winning reputation is well-established. The bank was recently recognized as Nigeria’s Number One Bank by Tier-1 Capital for the 15th consecutive year in the 2024 Top 1000 World Banks Ranking by The Banker Magazine—a clear testament to its sustained financial strength and market leadership.

Since its founding in 1987, Global Finance has been a respected voice in international finance, with its awards considered among the most coveted and credible accolades in the banking world.

The Best Banks Awards span over 150 countries and territories, making the recognition a global benchmark for excellence in banking.

Zenith Bank’s continued success at home and abroad positions it as a trailblazer in Nigerian and African banking, committed to innovation, customer satisfaction, and sustainable growth in an increasingly digital economy.