Zenith Bank Plc has once again solidified its position at the top of Nigeria’s banking sector, clinching the “Best Bank in Nigeria” title at the Global Finance Best Banks Awards 2025.
This marks the bank’s fifth win in six years, underscoring its reputation for consistent excellence. Zenith was among the top performers selected from 36 African nations by Global Finance during its 32nd Annual Best Bank Awards.
This year’s winners were recognized for their ability to navigate challenging market conditions, demonstrating resilience while building strong foundations for future growth.
According to Global Finance, these institutions excelled at balancing their assets and liabilities amid fluctuating interest rates and rapidly changing financial landscapes.
Global Finance’s editorial team selected winners after comprehensive consultations with corporate financial executives, bankers, banking consultants, and analysts from around the world.
Selection criteria combined both objective and subjective factors. Objective elements included growth in assets, profitability, geographic expansion, strategic partnerships, business development, and product innovation. Subjective considerations were drawn from insights by equity and credit rating analysts, banking consultants, and other industry experts.
Commenting on the award, Group Managing Director/Chief Executive of Zenith Bank, Dame (Dr.) 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 extended her appreciation to the bank’s key stakeholders, highlighting the invaluable contribution of the Founder and Chairman, Jim Ovia, CFR, whose visionary leadership set the stage for the bank’s ongoing success.
She also praised the Board for its consistent oversight, the dedicated staff, and the bank’s loyal customers who have continued to support the Zenith brand.
Joseph D. Giarraputo, publisher and editorial director of Global Finance, remarked: “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.”
Widely acknowledged as one of the most prestigious awards in the banking sector, the Global Finance Best Bank Awards are a benchmark of excellence and credibility among banking and finance professionals, with winners 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.
Since its inception in 1987, Global Finance has consistently recognized the leading performers in banking and financial services, setting a high standard for the global financial community.
Zenith Bank’s history of exceptional performance continues to earn it accolades. It has been recognized as the Number One Bank in Nigeria by Tier-1 Capital for the fifteenth consecutive year in the 2024 Top 1000 World Banks Ranking by The Banker Magazine.
The bank was also named Bank of the Year (Nigeria) by The Banker in 2020, 2022, and 2024; Best Bank in Nigeria from 2020 to 2022 and in 2024 by Global Finance; Best Bank for Digital Solutions in Nigeria by Euromoney in 2023; and was listed among the World Finance Top 100 Global Companies in 2023.
Additional awards include Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria (2021–2024) from World Finance, Most Sustainable Bank, Nigeria (2023–2024) from International Banker, Best Corporate Governance Bank, Nigeria (2022–2024) by World Finance, and ‘Best in Corporate Governance – Financial Services – Africa’ (2020–2023) by the Ethical Boardroom.
Zenith Bank was also recognized as the Most Valuable Banking Brand in Nigeria by The Banker in 2020 and 2021, and received awards such as Bank of the Year (2023 and 2024) at the BusinessDay BAFI Awards and Retail Bank of the Year (2020–2022 and 2024). Other honors include Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria and Best Innovation in Retail Banking, Nigeria (2022) from International Banker.
Furthermore, the bank was recognized as the Most Responsible Organisation in Africa, Best Company in Transparency and Reporting, and Best Company in Gender Equality and Women Empowerment at the SERAS CSR Awards Africa 2024. It also clinched Bank of the Year 2024 from both ThisDay Newspaper and New Telegraph Newspaper, as well as Best in MSME Trade Finance (2023) from Nairametrics. Zenith Bank’s Hybrid Offer was named ‘Rights Issue/ Public Offer of the Year’ at the Nairametrics Capital Market Choice Awards 2025.
Zenith Bank’s consistent track record of excellence and commitment to customer-centric banking continue to earn the bank its place at the top of Nigeria’s financial services industry.
