Zenith Bank Plc has once again been recognized as the “Best Bank in Nigeria” in the 2025 Global Finance Best Banks Awards—marking the fifth time in six years the Bank has received this prestigious honour. It was one of 36 African banks acknowledged in the 32nd edition of the awards organized by Global Finance magazine.
This year’s winners were selected for their ability to respond effectively to customer needs in challenging markets, deliver strong financial performance, and establish a solid foundation for continued success. Award recipients demonstrated strategic management of assets and liabilities, even amid rapidly shifting interest rates.
Global Finance editors made their selections after wide-ranging consultations with industry experts, including corporate finance executives, banking consultants, and analysts. The evaluation process combined both quantitative and qualitative factors, such as asset growth, profitability, market reach, strategic partnerships, product innovation, and insights from analysts and consultants.
Commenting on the achievement, Zenith Bank’s Group Managing Director/Chief Executive, Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji, OON, expressed delight at the Bank’s continued recognition since 2020. She attributed the accolade to Zenith Bank’s dedication to top-tier customer service, technological innovation, and commitment to good corporate governance. She acknowledged the vital contributions of key stakeholders, including the Bank’s Founder and Chairman, Jim Ovia, CFR, for his visionary leadership, the Board for its strategic oversight, the staff for their hard work, and customers for their consistent support.
Joseph D. Giarraputo, publisher and editorial director of Global Finance, highlighted the adaptability and innovation of the banking industry amid global challenges. He noted the transformative role of artificial intelligence in reshaping banking and affirmed that the Best Bank Awards spotlight institutions excelling in service diversity, long-term stability, and tech-driven progress.
Regarded as one of the most respected accolades in global banking, the Global Finance Best Bank Awards recognize excellence across 150 countries and territories in regions such as Africa, Asia Pacific, the Caribbean, Central and Eastern Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and North America.
Established in 1987, Global Finance has built a reputation for identifying top performers in banking and finance, with its awards serving as a benchmark of excellence in the industry.
Zenith Bank’s strong performance has consistently earned it numerous accolades. It was ranked the 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. It was also named Bank of the Year (Nigeria) by The Banker in 2020, 2022, and 2024; Best Bank in Nigeria by Global Finance from 2020 to 2022 and in 2024; and Best Bank for Digital Solutions in Nigeria by Euromoney in 2023. The Bank was listed among the World Finance Top 100 Global Companies in 2023.
Additional honours include Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria (2021–2024) by World Finance, and Most Sustainable Bank, Nigeria (2023 and 2024) by International Banker. The Bank also earned the title of Best Corporate Governance Bank, Nigeria (2022–2024) from World Finance, and was recognized for excellence in corporate governance in Africa by Ethical Boardroom from 2020 to 2023.
Zenith Bank was previously named the Most Valuable Banking Brand in Nigeria in The Banker’s Top 500 Banking Brands (2020 and 2021), and won Bank of the Year in 2023 and 2024 at the BusinessDay BAFI Awards. It also clinched Retail Bank of the Year (2020–2022, 2024) and was recognized for Best Innovation in Retail Banking in 2022 by International Banker.
The Bank’s commitment to social responsibility and transparency was acknowledged at the 2024 SERAS CSR Awards Africa, where it was named the Most Responsible Organisation in Africa and recognized for its efforts in gender equality, reporting, and transparency. Other 2024 accolades include Bank of the Year by ThisDay and New Telegraph newspapers, Best in MSME Trade Finance by Nairametrics (2023), and Rights Issue/Public Offer of the Year at the 2025 Nairametrics Capital Market Choice Awards.
