The 2025 Euromoney Awards for Excellence crowned Zenith Bank Plc as Nigeria’s Best Bank, marking yet another remarkable milestone in the bank’s journey. This achievement further strengthens Zenith Bank’s leadership in the Nigerian financial market. As the most prestigious and highly coveted award in the global banking industry, this recognition underscores the bank’s unwavering commitment to service excellence, product innovation, and delivering stakeholder value.
The award ceremony, held on Thursday in London, attracted top financial institutions from around the world. The selection process proved as intense as it was rigorous, with over 770 entries from global powerhouses such as HSBC, Morgan Stanley, Citibank, Barclays, Standard Bank, and the Development Bank of Singapore. Despite the formidable competition, Zenith Bank stood out, showcasing its exceptional operational strength and visionary leadership.
A Legacy of Consistency and Innovation
The Euromoney Awards for Excellence don’t go to just any institution—they are reserved for financial organizations that display clear leadership, innovation, and resilience within their markets. By clinching this esteemed accolade, Zenith Bank once again demonstrated its dominance in Nigeria’s banking sector and its growing influence on the global stage.
In its official statement, the bank described the award as a validation of its continuous efforts to offer world-class banking services, introduce impressive digital solutions, and deliver sustainable value to customers and shareholders alike.
Inspiring Leadership
Responding to the win, Dr. Adaora Umeoji, OON, the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Zenith Bank Plc, expressed deep gratitude for the honor. She stated:
“We are absolutely thrilled to be recognized as Nigeria’s Best Bank by Euromoney. This award is not just a testament to our relentless pursuit of excellence but also a validation of the unwavering trust and confidence our customers have placed in us.”
She further emphasized that Zenith’s impact extends beyond profit margins, contributing meaningfully to Nigeria’s broader financial ecosystem. Dr. Umeoji reaffirmed the bank’s continued dedication to supporting economic growth, empowering businesses, and upholding the highest standards of transparency, governance, and integrity.
She went on to dedicate the award to the Board of Directors for their strategic guidance, the bank’s loyal customers, and Founder and Chairman Jim Ovia, CFR, for his visionary leadership. Additionally, she commended the bank’s employees for their unwavering commitment to building a resilient, forward-thinking financial institution that is designed to endure for generations.
One of Many Accolades
This award is far from Zenith Bank’s first—and it certainly won’t be the last. Over the years, the bank has built an impeccable track record, consistently earning national and international recognition. These repeated honors only reinforce Zenith’s status as a true industry leader.
For the 16th consecutive year, The Banker magazine ranked Zenith Bank as Nigeria’s Number One Bank by Tier-1 Capital in its 2025 Top 1000 World Banks Ranking.
More accolades include:
Bank of the Year (Nigeria) – The Banker, awarded in 2020, 2022, and 2024
Best Bank in Nigeria – Global Finance, from 2020 to 2022 and again in 2024–2025
Best Bank for Digital Solutions – Euromoney Awards, 2023
Listed among the World Finance Top 100 Global Companies, 2023
These consistent achievements highlight Zenith Bank’s operational excellence, its global relevance, and its ability to evolve with changing times—all while remaining true to its foundational values of trust, transparency, and technological leadership.
