Zenith Bank Named Best Bank in Nigeria at Global Finance Best Banks Awards 2025

Zenith Bank Named Best Bank in Nigeria at Global Finance Best Banks Awards 2025

Zenith Bank Plc has once again cemented its leadership position in Nigeria’s banking sector, emerging as the “Best Bank in Nigeria” at the prestigious Global Finance Best Banks Awards 2025. This marks the fifth time in six years that the bank has received the honour, reaffirming its consistent excellence and resilience in a dynamic financial landscape.

The award, presented as part of the 32nd Annual Best Bank Awards by Global Finance magazine, recognises outstanding banks across 36 African countries for their ability to meet customer needs, deliver strong performance, and build solid foundations for future growth despite volatile market conditions.

According to Global Finance, winners were selected following extensive consultations with corporate finance executives, banking consultants, analysts, and industry insiders worldwide. The selection process combined objective criteria—such as asset growth, profitability, geographic reach, innovation, and strategic partnerships—with subjective evaluations by industry experts.

Commenting on the accolade, Group Managing Director and Chief Executive of Zenith Bank, Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji, OON, expressed gratitude and reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to delivering exceptional services.

“We are thrilled to retain our position as Nigeria’s Best Bank,” she said. “This recognition is a testament to our unwavering dedication to superior customer service, innovative financial solutions, and robust corporate governance. We remain focused on investing in our people, technology, and processes to sustain this high standard of excellence.”

Dr. Umeoji also acknowledged the contributions of the bank’s Founder and Chairman, Jim Ovia, CFR, for his visionary leadership, as well as the Board, staff, and loyal customers whose continued support has fueled the institution’s sustained success.

Speaking on the relevance of this year’s awards, Joseph D. Giarraputo, Publisher and Editorial Director of Global Finance, highlighted the evolving nature of global banking.

“Banks worldwide have demonstrated resilience and adaptability in the face of change,” he said. “AI is now playing a transformative role in banking, promising to reshape the industry at an unprecedented pace. Our awards spotlight institutions that continue to lead in innovation, stability, and customer-centricity.”

Widely regarded as one of the most credible and coveted accolades in the global banking sector, Global Finance’s Best Banks Awards recognises top institutions in over 150 countries and territories.

Zenith Bank's consistent performance has earned it numerous prestigious accolades over the years. These include:

Number One Bank in Nigeria by Tier-1 Capital for 15 consecutive years (as ranked in The Banker Magazine’s Top 1000 World Banks 2024).

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

Best Bank in Nigeria (2020–2022, and 2024) by Global Finance.

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

Most Sustainable Bank, Nigeria in the International Banker Awards (2023 and 2024).

Best in Corporate Governance by both World Finance and Ethical Boardroom for multiple years.

Most Valuable Banking Brand in Nigeria in the Banker Magazine Top 500 Banking Brands (2020 and 2021).

Retail Bank of the Year (2020–2022, and 2024) and Bank of the Year (2023 and 2024) at the BusinessDay BAFI Awards.

Best Company in Gender Equality and Transparency at the 2024 SERAS CSR Awards Africa.

Bank of the Year 2024 by ThisDay and New Telegraph Newspapers.

Best in MSME Trade Finance 2023 and Rights Issue/Public Offer of the Year at the Nairametrics Capital Market Choice Awards 2025.

Founded in 1987, Global Finance has become a respected authority in financial journalism, known for its rigorous evaluations and trusted industry rankings. The publication’s annual Best Bank Awards remain a benchmark of excellence in the global banking industry.

Zenith Bank’s continued recognition underscores its leadership in financial innovation, customer service, and sustainable business practices—further solidifying its reputation as Nigeria’s banking powerhouse.