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KPMG REPORT: FIRSTBANK REINFORCES RETAIL BANKING DOMINANCE, CREATES 150,000 INDIRECT JOBS

Published

5 years ago

February 4, 2020

The unbanked and underbanked, two groups at the centre of retail banking, need to be captured for the financial system to achieve its full potential. The KPMG Nigeria Banking Industry Customer Experience Survey says customers have expectations about how their needs will be met and meeting this requires banks deploying the right network and technology. First Bank of Nigeria Limited has through its Firstmonie Agent Banking Network created over 150,000 indirect jobs for Nigerians and executed three million transactions via 45,000 agents.

Banking is no longer where you operate, but what you do. And doing more in today’s banking world requires the right tool, network and technology. Capturing the retail segment of the sector requires the right technology and product. The KPMG Nigeria has for the 13th consecutive year released the Banking Industry Customer Experience Survey, which showed banks playing formidable roles in the retail segment of the market. The retail segment of the report showed that FirstBank scored 71.8 percent, an improvement from 65 percent score in the 2018 survey.

The KPMG report showed that 53 percent of retail customers considered quality of service experience in choosing their bank, 13 percent chosen their bank based on financial stability while 12 percent chose their bank based on image and reputation.

For First Bank of Nigeria Limited, achieving these milestones did not come by chance. It took several decades of investment in the right technology, product and quality leadership.

As the oldest financial institution in the country, founded in 1894, FirstBank has over 28,000 Automated Teller Machines (ATMs), launched the first cash deposit ATM in Nigeria in 2011, has appointed over 45,000 FirstMonie Agents spread across the country, targeting 500,000 agents and operates in over 750 business locations. The bank has also created over 150,000 indirect jobs through the FirstMonie Agents scheme as at December 31, 2019.

Also, the bank’s alternative channels were the first to launch WhatsApp banking, among other milestones. Achieving the 80 percent financial inclusion target set by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) will require the support of commercial banks and use of technology. First Bank of Nigeria is one of the financial institutions which have taken steps to make the target a reality by deploying technology in its operations by way of Agent Banking Network. FirstBank has expressed its commitment to continue to drive financial inclusion through its First-monie Agent Network in 99 per cent of the 774 local government areas and has processed over N2 trillion through the initiative.

The Firstmonie service provides financial/banking solutions to rural and semi-urban locations across the country. Such solutions include account opening, cash deposit, cash withdrawals, airtime purchase, and bill payments. Through this channel, the bank is committed to providing convenient services that engender and provides ease of access to banking products, thereby saving time and travel costs for users of the network. Speaking at the Firstmonie Agent Banking National Awards in Lagos, FirstBank’s Chief Executive Officer, Adesola Adeduntan said: “The initiative has witnessed several changes in the operating structure and value proposition of FirstBank

In December 2017, the bank ran a pilot test with over 400,000 transactions processed and following the success of the first run, it re-launched in 2018.”

According to Adeduntan, through Firstmonie, the bank has remained at the forefront of driving nation-wide inclusion, given our belief that access to financial services is part of lifting people out of poverty and fostering collective national economic development.

Adeduntan said: “The key strength of the bank’s services is to look at the gaps in the society and develop products and services that address the gap. As an integral part of our strategy, we believe in working with the CBN to improve financial inclusion index of the country. We would, at FirstBank, assist Nigeria to address poverty and hunger, thereby promoting security of life and property. Because when people are gainfully employed, the implication is that they will think less of crime.”

The bank’s Deputy Managing Director, Francis Shobo, noted that the agents are the most critical part of the ecosystem because they take deposits, make payments and open accounts, provide transfers and sell airtime at locations with little or no access to financial services. He said there are switches and the Nigeria Inter-bank Settlement System (NIBSS) has also supported the Firstmonie network. Shobo praised the CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele, stating that the the apex bank has made changes in regulation around agency banking. “They have allowed the programme to scale as much as it has scaled,” he said. At the event, 31 agents at the state level won N250,000 each, five agents N1 million each at the regional level and a grand prize of N2.5 million at the national level.

FirstBank Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Folake Ani-Mumuney, said the Bank has, through the First-monie initiative, empowered communities by connecting them to the financial system. She said the bank will continue to support Firstmonie agents. She said customers’ expectations were changing and that it’s the bank’s duty as a customer-focused bank to ensure that customers were provided with the means to carry out banking through any channel they desire. FirstBank has also recognised the opportunities for inclusive growth and influence of financial technology not just in banking but also business operations across industries.

One of the Firstmonie agents said: “I have been with Firstmonie since they started, and I can say that it has been a life-changing experience. I have been able to build trust of the communities around me as many workers in my area have forgotten the last time they visited any bank branch for basic banking services. I am a proud employer and as a result, my members of staff are well paid and comfortable.

“Firstmonie has created an enabling opportunity for dwellers of my immediate community and neighbouring towns to carry out banking transactions with less time, money, resources and risks as people don’t have to waste time embarking on long journeys to the city, added to the dangers of being robbed on the highway.’’ FirstBank has also partnered National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW). The deal seeks to leverage the human traffic and commercial activities at various motor parks across the country to ease access to financial services. FirstBank is also in partnership with Azuri Technologies Limited, an off-grid power distribution firm to make access to off-grid power easy, especially in rural communities, as well as other institutions, that seek to provide resources to cushion the effects of economic and social shocks on low income individuals. Under this deal, FirstBank and Azuri will co-brand and co-market Azuri’s solar home television product.

The pay-as-you-go customers will also pay for their solar photovoltaic (PV) system via FirstBank’s Firstmonie agents and mobile payment solution, thereby deepening financial inclusion. Banking with Technology Banking and technology are becoming inseparable. FirstBank under Adeduntan is driving growth and customer services with technology. The Financial Technology (Fintech) Summit organised by the bank was an opportunity for the bank to emphasise the need for technology in e-business, digital offering, agent banking, wholesale/ transaction banking, retail/consumer lending and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) productivity. He noted that as a Tier-1 lender, which celebrated its 125th anniversary last March, the bank had been able to maintain its leadership position in the industry by leveraging technology to offer innovative solutions through its product offerings.

FirstBank is also taking advantage of the opportunities created by cash-less banking to innovate and give value to customers. The bank has introduced the Visa Multi Currency Card, an All-in One-Card and first of its kind to be offered by any financial institution in Nigeria. This card can be linked to four currencies: Naira, United States dollar, Euro and British Pounds Sterling accounts. With the Visa Multi-Currency card, FirstBank customers – within and outside Nigeria – can enjoy the luxury of having their local and foreign denominated accounts in any currency, linked to a single debit card.

Many banks have continued to make impact in the e-payment space. The Nigeria Postal Service and Fidelity Bank Plc have also entered into a collaboration to deploy modern banking services to Nigerians in 266 rural communities. The move is part of the measures to boost the level of financial inclusion in the country and reduce the number of those not yet in the formal financial system. Speaking at the launch of integrated banking services between Fidelity bank and NIPOST in Abuja, the bank said the collaboration would enable the bank to deploy all its banking services in 266 locations using NIPOST offices.

Access Bank Plc has introduced agency banking to deepen financial inclusion in Nigeria, to enable branches to focus more on complex customer obligations. A banking agent is defined as an authorised third party (a retail or postal outlet) contracted by a financial institution to process clients‘ transactions. The Head, Agency Banking, Access Bank, Michael Ogbaa, while introducing the bank’s Omni-channel agency banking application at the bank’s agency banking forum, in Lagos, on Tuesday decried that there are only 307,000 PoS terminals in Nigeria as at last July, of which only 167,000 are active.

Also, the adoption of e-transactions for customers earned Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank), United Bank of Africa (UBA), and other eight banks N135.15 billion between January and September, last year. A look at the unaudited 2019 third-quarter reports of the banks, showed that their revenue from electronic transactions grew by 57 per cent as against the N86.312 billion they earned from the first 10 months of 2018.

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Fidelity Bank Named “Nigeria’s Best Private Bank” at Euromoney Awards

Published

4 days ago

April 17, 2025

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Tier one bank, Fidelity Bank PLC, has been named “Nigeria’s Best Private Bank” at the prestigious Euromoney Awards 2025. The recognition was formally unveiled at the awards ceremony held recently at The Savoy in London.

The Euromoney Awards for Excellence are prestigious annual honors and a benchmark for excellence in the global banking and finance industry. Established by Euromoney magazine, the awards highlight outstanding performance, innovation, leadership, and service excellence across various financial sectors and regions.

Commenting on the award, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank PLC, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe said, “We are truly honored to be recognized by Euromoney as Nigeria’s Best Private Bank. This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff as well as our strong commitment to delivering premium wealth management solutions, personalized financial advisory, and superior client service to high-net-worth individuals in Nigeria and beyond.”

The Euromoney Awards are among the most highly respected in the global financial industry. Winning such an award for its private banking business further builds on Fidelity Bank’s growing reputation as one of Nigeria’s most trusted and customer-centric financial institutions.

According to a statement on Euromoney’s website, “The bank’s commitment to providing specialised credit solutions also sets it apart. Clients benefit from tailored lending options, including asset-backed lending, real estate financing, and customised credit facilities. These solutions are structured to support complex financial needs while ensuring flexibility and ease.”

Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged commercial bank with over 9.1 million customers who are serviced across its 251 business offices and various digital banking channels in Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

The Bank is the recipient of multiple local and international Awards, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award by BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards; the 2024 Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application award for its Fidelity Mobile App by Global Business Outlook, and the 2024 Most Innovative Investment Banking Service Provider award by Global Brands Magazine. Additionally, the Bank was recognized as the Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence and as the Export Financing Bank of the Year by the BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.

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Access Holdings Records 88% Growth in Gross Earnings to N4.878 Trillion

Published

5 days ago

April 16, 2025

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Access Holdings PLC (“the Group”) (Bloomberg: ACCESSCO), a leading African financial services group, today, announced its audited financial results for the full year ended December 31, 2024. The Group delivered 88% year-on-year growth in gross earnings, rising from N2.594 trillion in 2023 to N4.878 trillion in 2024. The strong performance was driven by diversified income streams, with interest income growing by 110% to N3.480 trillion and non-interest income increasing by 47.8% to N1.397 trillion, supported by robust retail banking activities, digital expansion, and a dynamic trading strategy.Profit before tax (PBT) increased by 19% to N867.0 billion, while profit after tax (PAT) rose to N642.2 billion, despite inflationary and macroeconomic challenges. Total assets grew by 55.5% to N41.498 trillion, and customer deposits rose by 47% to N22.525 trillion. Shareholders’ funds also increased by 72%, reaching N3.760 trillion.In 2024, the Group made significant social and environmental impact across the continent, touching millions of lives and earning multiple industry accolades. Through various corporate social investment initiatives in education, entrepreneurship, health, and the environment, the Group reached over 21 million individuals across Africa. Its employee wellness programmes also covered 28,000 staff across operating entities. Access Bank, the flagship subsidiary, through its W-Initiative, disbursed loans to over a million women-led SMEs, advancing financial inclusion and gender empowerment.The Group’s efforts attracted prestigious recognition and awards, including three Euromoney Awards for Excellence (notably ‘Best Bank for ESG’); International Finance Award for ‘Most Innovative Bank for Community Development and Community Engagement’; and World Economic Magazine Award for ‘Most Sustainable Bank’.In terms of economic sustainability, Access Bank recorded strong strides through its Economic, Social and Governance (ESG) programmes. It facilitated $437.42 million in DFI inflows to support MSMEs across Africa, disbursed 1.6 million digital loans to low-income individuals, and booked its first N1.4 billion diaspora mortgage loan.The Group also achieved a 13.4% reduction in operational emissions, planted 57,302 trees, and enabled solar power adoption for 226 homes and businesses. Its headquarters was awarded the IFC EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies) Green Building Certification for sustainable design and construction
standards.In addition, Access employees contributed 228,500 volunteer hours to various community development programmes, reinforcing the Group’s commitment to inclusive and purpose-driven impact.The Group is focused on delivering sustainable returns to shareholders, while reinvesting in innovation, infrastructure, and cross-border expansion. Its banking subsidiary launched operations in Hong Kong, received regulatory approval in Malta, and successfully integrated its operations in Zambia and Tanzania, expanding its global footprint.Access Bank posted significant gains across all performance metrics, with interest income growing by 110% and fees and commissions rising by 81%. International subsidiaries contributed 48.5% to the banking segment’s PBT, demonstrating strong execution across key markets.In 2024, Access Holdings also became the first institution to meet the Central Bank of Nigeria’s recapitalisation directive, raising 351 billion through a rights issue. The₦ proceeds are being strategically deployed to strengthen digital infrastructure, enhance liquidity, and fuel long-term growth.Looking ahead, Access Holdings remains committed to building a more inclusive, sustainable, and profitable future, delivering delivering value not just to shareholders, but to society and the environment at large.

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JIM OVIA ADMITTED TO THE FREEDOM OF THE CITY OF LONDON

Published

2 weeks ago

April 10, 2025

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L-R: Chairman, Access Holdings Plc, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, CFR; His Eminence John Cardinal Onaiyekan; President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, GCON; Founder and Chairman of Zenith Bank Plc, Jim Ovia, CFR; Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; and Governor of Delta State, Rt.Hon. (Elder) Sherrif Oborevwori, during the admission of Jim Ovia to the Freedom of the City of London in the United Kingdom, on Monday.
The Founder and Chairman of Zenith Bank Plc, Jim Ovia, CFR, has been admitted to the prestigious Freedom of the City of London in a distinguished ceremony which held at the Mansion House, City of London on Monday, April 7, 2025. This prestigious accolade is a testament to Mr. Ovia’s exceptional contributions to the global financial landscape, unwavering commitment to fostering economic development, and dedication to philanthropic endeavours that have positively impacted countless lives.The Freedom of the City of London, a time-honoured tradition dating back to the 13th century, is one of the oldest surviving ceremonies in the United Kingdom. Historically, it granted freemen certain rights and privileges within the city. Today, it stands as a symbolic recognition of individuals who have made outstanding contributions to London or the wider society. This honour places Mr. Ovia among a distinguished group of recipients, which includes notable figures from various fields such as Nelson Mandela, Bill Gates, Sir Winston Churchill, Desmond Tutu, Harry Kane, Morgan Freeman and Ian Wright.Commenting on his new status as a Freeman of the City of London, the distinguished honoree, Jim Ovia, CFR said “It is indeed a great honour to be admitted to the prestigious Freedom of the City of London. This is not just a recognition of my personal achievements, but also a testament to the tireless efforts of the entire Zenith team who have worked diligently to establish our institution as a leading force in global finance. I am proud to be part of a legacy that celebrates innovation, excellence and the spirit of entrepreneurship. I dedicate this to the people of Nigeria and Africa who continue to inspire me with their resilience and determination. I look forward to continuing to play a role in shaping the economic landscape of our great continent and beyond.”Joining the nation in congratulating Mr. Ovia, President Bola Tinubu, through a press statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, commended Mr. Ovia for being a distinguished ambassador of the nation’s private sector. He described the honour as a fitting recognition of his exceptional contributions to business, innovation, and technology, as well as for his role in shaping Nigeria’s financial landscape and strengthening economic ties between Africa and the rest of the world. According to him, “This honour is a testament to your unwavering commitment to excellence, your pioneering role in the growth of the financial services sector in Nigeria, and your visionary leadership that continues to inspire generations. As an accomplished entrepreneur and advocate of innovation-driven development, your recognition in the City of London affirms the global relevance of Nigerian excellence and enterprise”.Dignitaries at the ceremony include Former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR; Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-olu; Governor of Delta State, Rt.Hon. (Elder) Sherrif Oborevwori; Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah; President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, GCON; Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, MFR; Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; Oba of Oniru, Oba Abdulwasiu Lawal; Group Managing Director, TGI Group of Companies, Rahul Savara; Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, CFR, and His Eminence John Cardinal Onaiyekan, who joined Zenith Bank Executives in celebrating this significant milestone.This well-deserved recognition rides on the back of many other prestigious awards that Mr. Ovia has received for his outstanding contributions to banking, education and philanthropy including conferment of Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) & National Productivity Order of Merit (NPOM) Award in 2022 by the Federal Government of Nigeria. He was also named the Banker of the Year in 2007 and Titan of the year in 2024 by ThisDay Newspaper, and received the African Business Leader Award from the Africa-America Institute. He received honorary degrees from the University of Lagos as well as from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka and was recognized by Forbes Africa as one of the most influential figures in banking.