Zenith Bank named best bank in Nigeria for 2025 at global finance awards

Zenith Bank Plc has been honoured as the “Best Bank in Nigeria” for 2025 by Global Finance magazine, marking the fifth time in six years the bank has received this prestigious recognition. The announcement was made as part of Global Finance’s 32nd Annual Best Banks Awards, which recognised outstanding banks across 36 African countries.

The award highlights Zenith Bank’s strong performance in meeting customer needs amid challenging economic conditions, managing assets and liabilities adeptly despite volatile interest rates, and laying a solid foundation for future growth. Selection was based on extensive consultations with corporate finance executives, bankers, analysts, and consultants worldwide, evaluating factors such as asset growth, profitability, innovation, geographic reach, and strategic partnerships.

Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji, Group Managing Director and CEO of Zenith Bank, expressed delight at the achievement, stating, “This award is a testament to our unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional customer service, innovative financial solutions, and dedication to efficiency and corporate governance. We will continue to invest in our people, technology, and processes to maintain the highest service standards.” She also acknowledged the visionary leadership of the bank’s founder, Jim Ovia, the guidance of the board, the dedication of staff, and the loyalty of customers.

Joseph D. Giarraputo, publisher and editorial director of Global Finance, noted the evolving banking landscape, emphasizing the growing role of artificial intelligence in transforming the sector. He said, “Global Finance’s Best Bank Awards honour institutions that excel in diverse offerings, long-term stability, and technological innovation.”

Zenith Bank’s consistent excellence is reflected in numerous accolades, including being ranked Nigeria’s number one bank by Tier-1 Capital for 15 consecutive years in The Banker magazine’s Top 1000 World Banks ranking. The bank has also won multiple awards for corporate governance, digital banking solutions, sustainability, and gender equality, underscoring its leadership position in the Nigerian and African banking sectors.

The Global Finance Best Banks Awards are widely regarded as a benchmark for excellence in the banking industry, with winners selected from over 150 countries and territories worldwide since the awards’ inception in 1987.