Access Holdings’ Commitment to Strong Governance and Asset Quality Leadership in Nigeria’s Banking Sector
Access Holdings, a leading financial institution in Nigeria, has reaffirmed its dedication to robust governance practices following its recognition as the Tier 1 bank with the highest asset quality in the country. A recent report by Proshare, a prominent financial information services company, ranked Access Holdings as the top performer in asset quality among Tier 1 banks, boasting the lowest Non-Performing Loan Ratio (NPLR) at 2.76 percent. This achievement underscores the institution’s commitment to prudent credit discipline, effective risk management, and sustainable lending practices. The accolade further solidifies Access Holdings’ position as a leader in the Nigerian banking sector, demonstrating its commitment to sound financial principles and responsible lending.
The Proshare 2025 Tier 1 Banking Report provides a comprehensive assessment of the financial health and performance of Nigeria’s leading banks. Access Holdings secured the second position overall in the Tier 1 category, trailing closely behind Ecobank Transnational Incorporated, which achieved a perfect percentile score of 100. Access Holdings attained a commendable 91st percentile ranking, showcasing its overall strength and stability. The report’s assessment, based on a recalibrated framework, acknowledges the ongoing recapitalization efforts in Nigeria’s banking sector and considers factors beyond traditional financial metrics. This includes an emphasis on capital adequacy, asset quality, digital transformation, governance, and profitability.
Bolaji Agbede, the Acting Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings, expressed pride in the institution’s achievement, highlighting that the ranking reflects not only their financial strength but also their unwavering focus on strong governance, strategic decision-making, and long-term value creation. Agbede attributed the accomplishment to the disciplined approach of their employees and the effectiveness of their pan-African expansion strategy. Access Holdings’ commitment to balancing growth with resilience is a cornerstone of their business philosophy, ensuring sustainable success as they expand their presence across Africa and beyond. The recognition of their asset quality leadership further motivates them to continue executing with precision, building with purpose, and innovating with integrity.
The Proshare Bank Strength Index (PBSI) employed in the 2025 report incorporates a broader range of factors that determine a bank’s profitability, stability, and stakeholder value. The PBSI model focuses on key aspects such as capital adequacy and scale, asset quality and sustainable growth, digital transformation initiatives and earnings diversification strategies, the quality of governance practices and board diversity, and profitability and cost-efficiency. This holistic approach provides a more comprehensive evaluation of a bank’s overall strength and resilience in the evolving financial landscape.
Olufemi Awoyemi, Chairman of Proshare, emphasized the significance of the report as a reflection of the changing dynamics within Nigeria’s financial services industry. He commended Access Holdings for its adaptability and resilience, highlighting its strong capital base, successful fundraising efforts, and ambitious continental expansion plans. Awoyemi noted that as the recapitalization process reshapes the banking sector, institutions like Access Holdings will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of finance in Africa. Their strategic initiatives and commitment to growth position them as key players in the continent’s financial evolution.
Access Holdings’ strong performance and recognition as a leader in asset quality highlight the effectiveness of its strategic focus on governance, risk management, and sustainable growth. The institution’s commitment to these principles positions it for continued success and reinforces its role as a key driver of financial development in Africa. As the banking landscape continues to evolve, Access Holdings is poised to remain a prominent player, shaping the future of finance on the continent.
