By Modupe Gbadeyanka

Wema Bank Plc has scored another goal at the Euromoney Awards 2025 after its trailblazing digital platform, ALAT, was named as the Best Digital Bank in Nigeria.

The financial institution was the cynosure of all eyes at the ceremony held on Thursday, July 17, at the Peninsula London Hotel in London, the United Kingdom.

Since its launch on May 2nd 2017, ALAT has bridged the gaps in delivery of financial services to Nigerians within Nigeria and globally, evolving remarkably into a holistic hub of lifestyle and financial solutions for Nigerian adults of all ages and from all walks of life.

From simply being the first fully digital bank in Africa, ALAT has evolved remarkably into a digital platform with an ecosystem of dynamic financial solutions tailored to provide seamless, reliable, and convenient service for all.

With ALAT, basic financial services like transfers, airtime & data purchases, bill payments and loans are placed at the fingertips of users, in addition to a wide range of advanced financial services and solutions that merge banking with lifestyle.

From in-app local and international flight bookings to tailored personal and group savings options, investments and stocks, movie and event tickets, deals and discounts on a limitless pool of products and services, 24/7 health consultation, and a suite of customised loan options for salary earners and non-salary earners; ALAT changed the game, redefining banking and financial services in a world where digital has become the future.

In view of ALAT’s groundbreaking role in blazing the trail for FinTechs in Africa and its intentionally-curated wealth of features and offerings designed to meet the needs of Nigerians in Nigeria and the diaspora, it is evident that the bank is undeniably deserving of the recognition and accolade.

Commenting on the latest recognition, the chief executive of Wema Bank, Mr Moruf Oseni, said the company would “never relent in empowering lives through innovation and developing digital solutions for societal impact.”

“We will continue to pioneer innovation, empower innovators and bridge the gap between traditional and digital, leveraging the opportunities of the digital world to generate meaningful impact on lives and businesses in Nigeria, Africa and across the world.

“We have remained resilient in this commitment since 1945 and this award tells us that the world is feeling our impact. We are honoured by this recognition, and I take this opportunity to extend our sincerest gratitude to the Euromoney Awards.

“We take this as a challenge to keep up the good work, go harder, and continue going above and beyond in shaping the future of banking through digital innovation.”

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

The affluent banking segment of Stanbic IBTC Bank designed for high-net-worth individuals (HNIs) has been rebranded to deliver unparalleled financial solutions.

Now known as Stanbic IBTC Private Banking, this platform offers enhanced investment returns, streamlined digital loans, exclusive benefits through the Platinum Connection Hub, and personalised support, setting a new benchmark for affluent banking in Nigeria.

At an event held in Lagos recently, the bank honoured loyal clients with exclusive rewards that reflect the prestige of its revitalised private banking services.

The event also had a prize presentation for the inaugural Save and Enjoy Promo, held under the supervision of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON).

It sparked excitement among Stanbic IBTC Private Banking clients, with four winners receiving open business class tickets to the UK, USA, or Canada.

Five others were awarded a one-year Priority Pass, granting access to over 900 airport lounges worldwide. At the same time, 32 clients received luxury vintage travel boxes, a refined symbol of the exclusivity tied to the bank’s private banking experience.

The Deputy Chief Executive of Stanbic IBTC Bank, Bunmi Dayo-Olagunju, said the lender “is devoted to crafting financial solutions that empower our clients to create and preserve enduring legacies with elegance and precision.”

Also, the Head of Private Banking at Stanbic IBTC Bank, Layo Ilori-Olaogun, said, “Stanbic IBTC Private Bank is dedicated to empowering our clients to create lasting legacies. With dedicated relationship managers and innovative digital platforms, we deliver seamless, bespoke services that align with their ambitions.”

By Dipo Olowookere

Customers, shareholders and other critical stakeholders of Access Holdings will soon begin to enjoy the benefit of the five-year strategic growth plan of Access Holdings Plc.

In 2022, the management of the financial service provider designed a deliberate and structured progression of scaling, optimising, and sustaining the business.

In the past few years, the organisation has embarked on an aggressive expansion, especially in its banking segment, penetrating into other African markets with acquisition of other banks.

Access Holdings seems to have slowed its scaling pace and is now entering a crucial optimisation phase, expected to unlock significant value for stakeholders as it heads toward 2027.

In this optimisation phase, the focus of Access Holdings will shift to streamlining operations, deepening digital innovation, enhancing customer experience, and improving capital productivity.

A critical part of this phase is leveraging data and technology to improve access, reduce transaction costs, and accelerate financial inclusion, particularly for women, youth, and rural communities.

The strategic growth plan of the organisation also places financial inclusion and impact at the core of its growth agenda.

By expanding digital access and scaling low-cost delivery platforms, it aims to onboard millions of previously unbanked and underserved individuals and MSMEs across Africa into the formal financial system.

This is part of a broader strategy to enhance intra-Africa trade, empower smallholder businesses, and strengthen the value chain across key sectors including agriculture, commerce, and manufacturing.

“Our approach has always been clear: scale first through strategic expansion, then optimise through consolidation, synergy realisation, and operational efficiency.

“During the scale-up phase, a considerable amount of funding is required to drive investments in people, systems, infrastructure, and acquisitions.

“But as we move deeper into the optimisation phase, we will begin to see the full benefits manifest, especially in terms of profitability, capital efficiency, and shareholder returns,” the acting chief executive of Access Holdings, Mr Bolaji Agbede, said.

“We are confident that as we approach 2027, the full impact of our strategic moves will become evident. This is about growing bigger and becoming better, faster, and more resilient,” Mr Agbede expressed optimism.