Zenith Bank Plc has been named the Best Bank in Nigeria at the 2025 Global Finance Best Bank Awards, securing the title for the fifth time in six years. The recognition was announced as part of the 32nd Annual Best Bank Awards by Global Finance magazine, which highlighted top-performing banks across 36 African countries.
The award honours financial institutions that demonstrated strength and resilience in challenging markets while maintaining a sharp focus on customer needs and laying the groundwork for future success. According to Global Finance, winning banks like Zenith managed assets and liabilities effectively, even amid fluctuating interest rate conditions. Selections were based on both objective metrics—such as asset growth, profitability, geographic reach, and innovation—and expert opinions from industry analysts, consultants, and financial executives.
Reacting to the announcement, Zenith Bank’s Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Adaora Umeoji, OON, described the award as a reflection of the bank’s commitment to exceptional service, innovation, and strong corporate governance. “We are thrilled to retain our position as the Best Bank in Nigeria,” she said in a statement. “This achievement is a testament to the hard work of our team and the trust of our customers. We will continue to invest in people, technology, and processes to deliver superior service.”
Dr. Umeoji also acknowledged the support of the bank’s Founder and Chairman, Jim Ovia, CFR, the board of directors, the bank’s staff, and its loyal customers.
Publisher and Editorial Director of Global Finance, Joseph D. Giarraputo, noted that the global banking landscape is evolving rapidly, especially with the growing role of artificial intelligence. He stated that this year’s winners stood out for their long-term stability, technological innovation, and ability to adapt to change.
Zenith Bank’s consistent performance has earned it multiple industry accolades. These include being ranked Nigeria’s number one bank by Tier-1 Capital in The Banker’s 2024 Top 1000 World Banks Ranking for the fifteenth year in a row, and winning Bank of the Year (Nigeria) by The Banker in 2020, 2022, and 2024. The bank was also recognised as Best Bank for Digital Solutions by Euromoney in 2023 and as Most Sustainable Bank (Nigeria) by International Banker in both 2023 and 2024.
Further recognitions include Best Commercial Bank (Nigeria) from 2021 to 2024 by World Finance, Best Corporate Governance Bank (Nigeria) by World Finance from 2022 to 2024, and Best in Corporate Governance (Financial Services – Africa) by Ethical Boardroom from 2020 to 2023. It was also named the Most Valuable Banking Brand in Nigeria by The Banker in 2020 and 2021, and won multiple honours from BusinessDay, Nairametrics, and at the SERAS CSR Awards Africa.
The Global Finance Best Banks Awards are widely regarded as one of the most credible benchmarks of excellence in the global banking sector, with winners selected from over 150 countries and territories. Founded in 1987, Global Finance has built a reputation for recognising top performers in the financial industry worldwide.
Nzubechukwu Eze
