Corporate Profile

Access Bank, a wholly owned subsidiary of Access Holdings Plc, is a leading full-service commercial bank operating through a network of more than 700 branches and service outlets spanning 3 continents, 22 countries and over 60 million customers. The Bank employs over 28,000 thousand people in its operations across Africa, the United Kingdom, and Europe, with representative offices in China, Lebanon, India and the UAE.

Access Bank’s parent company, Access Holdings Plc, has been listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange since 1998. The Bank is a diversified financial institution which combines a strong retail customer franchise and digital platform with deep corporate banking expertise, proven risk management and capital management capabilities. The Bank services its various markets through five business segments: Personal, Business, Operations and IT, Commercial and Corporate & Investment Banking. Access Bank has enjoyed what is arguably Africa’s most successful banking growth trajectory in the last 18 years, becoming one of the continent’s largest retail banks.

As part of its continued growth strategy, Access Bank is focused on mainstreaming sustainable business practices into its operations. The Bank strives to deliver sustainable economic growth that is profitable, environmentally responsible, and socially relevant, helping customers to access more and achieve their dreams.

As a pacesetter in the sustainability space, the Bank played a key role in collaborating with the United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) and other leading banks to develop the globally recognised Principles for Responsible Banking (PRB). Being the only West African bank in the Core Group, it actively participated in shaping these principles, which have become the benchmark for responsible banking institutions worldwide.

Access Bank Plc. and Sustainability

Sustainability at Access Bank is deeply embedded across its business operations, influencing stakeholders, employees, suppliers, and customers. The Bank’s sustainability strategy aligns with its vision of becoming the world’s most respected African bank, ensuring financial and social prosperity while upholding the highest standards of integrity. This commitment is driven from the top by the Board HR and Sustainability Committee and is a fundamental responsibility of every individual within the organization.

Access Bank recognizes its unique role and responsibility in fostering societal progress. It actively supports local communities and economic growth by providing capital, enabling infrastructure development, creating jobs, and facilitating commerce. The Bank’s contributions to a thriving economy in Nigeria and across Africa are achieved through:

  • Conducting environmental and social impact assessments for potentially high-risk projects, integrating sustainability into credit and risk procedures.
  • Ensuring inclusivity and value in its products and services.
  • Upholding fair business practices that promote diversity and offer rewarding career opportunities.
  • Combating corruption and bribery through best-in-class operations, particularly in high-risk regions.
  • Positively contributing to economic development across its operational markets.

As part of its sustainability commitments, Access Bank has signed the UNEP Statement by Financial Institutions on the Environment and Sustainable Development and the UN Global Compact’s principles on Human Rights, Labor Standards, Environment, and Anti-Corruption. The Bank actively develops strategic partnerships with reputable organizations to drive sustainability initiatives, including United Nations Women Empowerment Principles, the Nigerian Sustainability Banking Principles Steering Committee, the Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria, the African Business Coalition on Health (ABCHealth), Nigeria Business Coalition Against AIDS (NIBUCAA), and the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF).

Access Bank undertakes a range of sustainability-driven initiatives to address societal and environmental challenges, focusing on innovative financial solutions that foster sustainable economic growth. The Bank leads in financial inclusion and education, supports enterprise development, and champions sustainability regulation and thought leadership. By integrating responsible banking practices, it enhances customer well-being while mitigating environmental and social risks.

Beyond finance, Access Bank is committed to community development, investing in human capital through initiatives in health, environment, education, sports, and economic empowerment. This is achieved through strategic partnerships, donations, and its Employee Volunteering Initiative.

Environmental sustainability is also a key focus for the Bank. It has implemented energy-efficient practices, invested in renewable technologies, and adopted eco-friendly waste recycling processes across its branches.

Through continuous investment in sustainability, Access Bank remains committed to driving positive change. The Bank’s dedication to sustainability has earned it significant recognition, including being a 12-time winner of the Most Sustainable Bank in Nigeria (World Finance). It was the first Nigerian bank to adopt global frameworks like the Equator Principles, the first to produce a standalone sustainability report, and the first institution in West Africa to win the FT/IFC Sustainable Bank of the Year (Africa/Middle East). Additionally, it was the first African institution to win the Karlsruhe Sustainable Finance Award for Outstanding Business Sustainability (2016-2024).

Key Awards & Recognitions

World Finance Awards

  • Most Sustainable Bank, Nigeria (Twelve-time winner, 2012-2024)
  • Best Consumer Digital Bank (2023)
  • Best ESG Strategy, Nigeria (2022)
  • Best Digital Bank in Nigeria (2019, 2022)
  • Best Mobile App in Nigeria (2019)
  • Best Corporate Governance Award (2017)

Karlsruhe Sustainable Finance Awards

  • Outstanding Business Sustainability Achievement (2017-2024)

Euromoney Awards for Excellence

  • Nigeria’s Best Bank (2024)
  • Best Bank for ESG (Ghana) (2024)
  • Best Bank in The Gambia (2024)
  • Best Bank for SME Banking in Ghana (2023)
  • Best Bank for CSR in Ghana (2023)
  • Best Bank in Ghana (2023)
  • Best Bank in Nigeria (2022)
  • Best Digital Bank in Africa (2021)
  • Africa’s Best Bank for SME (2020)
  • Africa’s Best Bank for Corporate Social Responsibility (2017, 2018)
  • Africa’s Best Bank Transformation Award (2016)
  • Best Flow House in Africa (2014)

International Investor Awards

  • Best Corporate Governance & Investment Relations, Nigeria (2023)
  • Best Sustainable Banking Group, Africa (2023)
  • Best Bank, Nigeria (2023)
  • Banking CEO of the Year (2022)
  • Best Environmental and Social Performance Award (2022)
  • Most Sustainable Bank of the Year, Africa (2020)
  • Bank of the Year (2020)

International Finance Corporation (IFC) Awards

  • Best Trade Partner (West Africa) (2024)
  • Gender Equality Champion Award (2023)
  • Family-Friendly Workplace Excellence (2023)
  • Recognition for Women Empowerment and Leadership (2023)
  • Company Leadership Gender Diversity Award (2023)