Zenith Bank Plc has once again been named the “Best Bank in Nigeria” by Global Finance Magazine in its 2025 Best Bank Awards, earning the prestigious title for the fifth time in six years.
The recognition affirms Zenith Bank’s continued leadership and resilience in Nigeria’s banking sector.
The award was announced as part of Global Finance’s 32nd Annual Best Bank Awards, which honoured top-performing banks across 36 African countries.
According to the publication, the winning institutions were those that demonstrated strong financial performance, strategic foresight, and exceptional customer service in challenging and dynamic market environments.
The selection of the top banks was based on a range of factors, from measurable quantitative data to informed subjective assessments.
Objective criteria included growth in assets, profitability, geographic reach, strategic partnerships, new business development, and product innovation.
Subjective criteria involved the perspectives of equity analysts, credit rating analysts, banking consultants, and other industry professionals.
Commenting on the award, the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive of Zenith Bank, Adaora Umeoji, said, “We are thrilled to retain our position as the Best Bank in Nigeria for the fifth year since 2020. This achievement is a testament to our unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional customer service, innovative financial solutions and dedication to serving our customers with efficiency and a strong focus on corporate governance. We will continue to invest in our people, technology and processes to ensure that we consistently maintain the highest level of service delivery.”
She praised the contributions and efforts of the Bank’s key stakeholders: Founder and Chairman Jim Ovia for his visionary leadership and for laying the foundation of a strong and lasting institution; the Board for their steady guidance; the staff for their commitment and dedication; and the Bank’s customers for their loyal and continued support of the Zenith brand.
In his remark, the publisher and editorial director of Global Finance, Joseph D Giarraputo, said, “Global banking continues to adapt and evolve, meeting challenges and capitalizing on opportunities with resilience and innovation. AI has quickly taken a pivotal role in the transformation of banking, and its growth promises to reshape the financial sector at an unprecedented pace.”
He added “Global Finance’s Best Bank Awards honor financial institutions that excel in diversity of offerings, long-term stability, and technological innovation.”
Global Finance’s “Best Banks Awards” are widely recognized by leading banking, finance, and corporate professionals as some of the most prestigious and trusted honors in the industry. Winners are selected from 150 countries and territories spanning Africa, Asia Pacific, the Caribbean, Central America, Central & Eastern Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, North America, and Western Europe.
Founded in 1987, Global Finance regularly identifies the top performers among banks and financial service providers, making its awards a trusted benchmark of excellence in the global financial community.
Zenith Bank’s consistent outstanding performance has earned it numerous accolades, including being named the Number One Bank in Nigeria by Tier-1 Capital for the fifteenth consecutive year in the 2024 Top 1000 World Banks Ranking published by The Banker Magazine.
