Zenith Bank Headquarters in Lagos

Segun Atanda/

Zenith Bank Plc has once again been named the “Best Bank in Nigeria” at the Global Finance Best Bank Awards 2025, marking the fifth time the bank has received this prestigious honour in the last six years.

The recognition was part of Global Finance’s 32nd Annual Best Bank Awards, which spotlighted top-performing financial institutions across 36 African countries. The 2025 winners were selected for their ability to serve customers effectively in challenging economic conditions while delivering strong performance and building solid foundations for future growth.

According to Global Finance, winning institutions demonstrated exceptional skill in managing assets and liabilities amid fast-changing interest rate environments. The selection process involved consultations with corporate financial executives, bankers, consultants, and analysts around the world.

The award combined quantitative and qualitative measures. Quantitative factors included asset growth, profitability, geographic reach, strategic partnerships, business development, and product innovation. Qualitative assessments took into account expert opinions from equity analysts, credit rating agencies, and industry consultants.

Commenting on the award, Adaora Umeoji, Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Zenith Bank, said:

“We are thrilled to retain our position as Nigeria’s Best Bank for the fifth time since 2020. This recognition underscores our unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional customer service, driving innovation, and maintaining high standards of corporate governance. We will continue to invest in our people, technology, and processes to ensure consistent excellence in service delivery.”

She also acknowledged the pivotal roles played by the bank’s stakeholders, especially its Founder and Chairman, Jim Ovia, CFR, for his visionary leadership; the Board for its strategic guidance; the staff for their dedication; and the bank’s loyal customers for their continued support.

Joseph D. Giarraputo, Publisher and Editorial Director of Global Finance, noted:

“Global banking continues to evolve with resilience and innovation. Artificial intelligence has rapidly emerged as a transformative force, reshaping the financial sector. Our Best Bank Awards recognize institutions that excel in service diversity, technological advancement, and long-term stability.”

Recognised as one of the most credible honours in the global banking industry, the Global Finance Best Bank Awards select winners from over 150 countries and territories spanning Africa, Asia-Pacific, the Caribbean, Central America, Central and Eastern Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, North America, and Western Europe.

Zenith Bank’s Track Record of Excellence

Zenith Bank’s consistent performance and innovation have earned it numerous accolades, including:

Number One Bank in Nigeria by Tier-1 Capital for the 15th consecutive year in The Banker Magazine’s 2024 Top 1000 World Banks ranking.

Bank of the Year (Nigeria) in The Banker’s Bank of the Year Awards for 2020, 2022, and 2024.

Best Bank in Nigeria (2020–2022, 2024) – Global Finance World’s Best Banks Awards.

Best Bank for Digital Solutions in Nigeria – Euromoney Awards 2023.

Listed in the World Finance Top 100 Global Companies – 2023.

Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria (2021–2024) – World Finance Banking Awards.

Most Sustainable Bank, Nigeria – International Banker Awards (2023, 2024).

Best Corporate Governance Bank, Nigeria – World Finance (2022–2024).

Best in Corporate Governance (Financial Services, Africa) – Ethical Boardroom (2020–2023).

Most Valuable Banking Brand in Nigeria – The Banker Magazine (2020, 2021).

Bank of the Year – BusinessDay BAFI Awards (2023, 2024).

Retail Bank of the Year (2020–2022, 2024) – BAFI Awards.

Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria and Best Innovation in Retail Banking – International Banker Awards 2022.

Most Responsible Organisation in Africa, Best in Transparency and Reporting, and Best in Gender Equality and Women Empowerment – SERAS CSR Awards Africa 2024.

Bank of the Year 2024 – ThisDay and New Telegraph newspapers.

Best in MSME Trade Finance 2023 – Nairametrics.

Rights Issue/Public Offer of the Year – Nairametrics Capital Market Choice Awards 2025 for its Hybrid Offer.

Zenith Bank’s sustained excellence reaffirms its status as a leading financial institution, not only in Nigeria but across the global banking landscape.

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By Dipo

Dipo Kehinde is an accomplished Nigerian journalist, artist, and designer with over 34 years experience. More info on: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dipo-kehinde-8aa98926

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