Zenith Named Best Bank in Nigeria at Global Finance 2025 Awards

Zenith Bank has once again claimed the spotlight, earning the title of Best Bank in Nigeria at the 2025 Global Finance Awards. 

The recognition marks the fifth time in six years the bank has been honoured by Global Finance, further cementing its status as a consistent leader in the Nigerian and African banking space.

The accolade was part of the 32nd annual Global Finance Best Banks Awards, which reviewed institutions across 36 African countries. 

This year’s winners were chosen for their ability to meet customer needs and deliver solid performance, even in the face of economic headwinds and a rapidly shifting financial landscape.

Why Zenith Stood Out

The selection process, according to Global Finance, involved rigorous consultations with financial experts, analysts, and corporate decision-makers. 

Factors like asset growth, profitability, product innovation, strategic expansion, and digital transformation were all considered. Beyond the numbers, judges also paid attention to how banks adapted to global challenges including fluctuating interest rates and new technologies while preparing for long-term resilience.

Zenith Bank’s performance across all these areas was described as exceptional. In particular, its strategic investments in technology, commitment to service excellence, and focus on sustainable growth helped secure its top position.

Zenith Bank CEO Reacts

Dr. Adaora Umeoji, Group Managing Director and CEO of Zenith Bank, called the award “a testament to our unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional customer service, innovative financial solutions and dedication to corporate governance.”

She acknowledged the bank’s stakeholders from founder and chairman Jim Ovia, whose early vision shaped Zenith’s foundations, to the board, staff, and loyal customers as key to the bank’s continued success.

“We will continue to invest in our people and systems to ensure our service delivery remains world-class,” she said.

A Long Track Record of Excellence

Zenith Bank’s win in 2025 adds to an impressive collection of industry recognitions over the past decade. It has consistently been ranked Nigeria’s number one bank by Tier-1 Capital for 15 straight years in The Banker magazine’s global rankings. 

The bank has also earned accolades for digital innovation, corporate governance, and retail banking from various international platforms including Euromoney, World Finance, and Ethical Boardroom.

Recent highlights include:

• ₦311 billion profit after tax in Q1 2025
  
• Best in MSME Trade Finance from Nairametrics (2023)
  
• Most Responsible Organisation in Africa at the SERAS CSR Awards (2024)
  
• Retail Bank of the Year (2020–2024)
  

The role of innovation

According to Joseph Giarraputo, publisher and editorial director of Global Finance, technological evolution especially in areas like artificial intelligence is now central to what makes a great bank.

“AI is transforming banking at an unprecedented pace,” he said, adding that institutions like Zenith are being recognised not just for past performance, but for how well they’re preparing for a digital future.